Cooking with Kahlil - Celebrity Hairstylist Kahlil Oliver

So, I didn’t meet this Image Maker on Twitter. I know right, “what”?? Though I was turned on to him by Image Maker Sandy James as he hails from her agency Stilista Agency… seems that agency is running amuck with Beauty Supa Stars. LOL, and Kahlil Oliver is no exception as soon as Sandy sent his info and I saw his photos I was eager to reach out to him. Read the interview to find out how Kahlil went from doing hair in the kitchen to Hollywood, what he thinks it takes to stay on top and what a “typical” day in his shoes is like.




BEAUTYSCHOOLED! How long have you been in the industry?

Kahlil: I’ve been doing hair for the last 13 years and found my way into the industry side of it about 6 years ago.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! When did you know you wanted to be a hair stylist?

Kahlil: I first knew I wanted to be a hairstylist when I was about 15 years old with a full appointment book and no formal training. Quickly began to be the talk around town and I knew at that point I was an artist and hair was my clay.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! Love that analogy of the artist and clay. So, other than cosmetology school have you had any additional training or education that you believe has helped you to stand out amongst the sea of other hairstylist?

Kahlil: I think being a great hairstylist or anything that you choose to be great at requires constant training in your craft. Staying on top of the latest trends is a must. So to answer the question I like to keep myself involved in cutting and coloring classes, latest weaving techniques and constantly keeping myself involved with editorial photo shoots to stay up on my creative skills.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! When did all of that begin got really pay off for you, when was your first big break and what was it?

Kahlil: My first big break was in 2005 when I was requested by a local makeup artist to join the crew as a hairstylist on the set of "The Salon" a film starring Vivica Fox, Monica Calhoun, Taral Hicks and many more.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! I remember that movie, that’s a HUGE break! Kahlil, would you say that you have a niche, or is there anything particular that your clients or industry peers would say you're known for?

Kahlil: When it comes to hair I am very versatile in my craft. I am equally as good when it comes to white, black, long , short, classic or avant garde, so my niche would be great hair!



BEAUTYSCHOOLED! What’s a typical working day like for you, if there is such a thing as typical for you?

Kahlil: A typical work day for me starts at about 10 in the morning with my first client. I usually do about 15 clients a day that gets me out of the salon around 8 or 9 pm. At any given day I can receive a phone call from my agent sending me anywhere from DC to NYC to do a photo shoot, red carpet event, video etc.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about the industry and hair stylists specifically?

Kahlil: That it’s all fabulous, fortune and fame. You really have to have a love for it. It is many long hours, very picky clients, very fast paced a lot of traveling, and working out of a suitcase, but it’s all worth it.

BEAUTYSCHOOLED! It seems that every up and coming makeup artist and hairstylists wants to work with celebrities. What advice do you have for someone new who is trying to break into the industry and wanting to work with celebrities?

Kahlil: That the road is long and hard but if working with celebs is what your ultimate goal is, you should never give up. Success doesn’t happen over night.


BEAUTYSCHOOLED! Do you hire assistants, provide mentoring for young stylists or provide workshops or training?

Kahlil: I do hire assistants when needed and I am always willing to give a helping hand and words of encouragement to up and coming hairstylist.

Thanks Kahlil! For more information on Kahlil and to see more of his work visit his website or for booking information visit his agent’s website.

Ciao for now… Class is dismissed!

The Transformer - Michelle Shakeshaft

This week's Image Maker Michelle Shakeshaft has been painting faces since the age of 4! (Seriously she has, well sort of... lol) I was bowled over by her talent; her makeup application is flawless and absolutely stunning!



Michelle's Makeup Mantra is: "Cosmetics give you the ability to transform and express yourself every day. Did you wake up feeling a bit rebellious or are you feeling more soft and demure? Be that person for today. You can change it tomorrow, or this afternoon!" Keep reading to find out what Michelle believes it takes to make it as a makeup artist in the fashion industry, I'm certain you'll enjoy her candor just as much as I did. I love her passion and as always I left the punctuations and caps so you could feel it too!




BEAUTY SCHOOLED! How long have you been in the industry?

Michelle: 6 years

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! When did you know you wanted to be a makeup artist?

Michelle: I LOVED makeup since I was four years old (I even have a picture of me putting lipstick on my 2 year old sister). I was always experimenting with looks on myself and my friends. I decided to make it a career six years ago because I was not passionate about the career I was in. Best decision and career change EVER!

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What inspires your work?

Michelle: EVERYTHING!!! Watching other artists, artwork, looks people wear everyday (good or bad), nature…..I was once driving during the fall season and was blown away by the different colors of the leaves and used those colors for a look……awesome! Even is another artist creates a look I’m not particularly fond of, something about it inspires me.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about the industry and makeup artists especially those that work in music and fashion like yourself?

Michelle: That everyone is unapproachable and conceited. Granted, you have those lovely rays of sunshine, but I have found most people in this industry to be warm, fun and full of amazing energy.





BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What other types of services do you provide?

Michelle: I can do light hair and styling.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What advice do you have for someone new who is trying to break into the industry and wanting to work with celebrities?

Michelle: KEEP AT IT!!!!! There are tons of talented people in this industry….surround yourself with them and learn from them! TEST TEST TEST……them more shoots you do and faces you touch, the better you become. Also, be open to constructive criticism (or just criticism)…..it will help you grown as an artist. If we don’t want to become better….we will be stagnant.

As far as celebrities…..my best advice is BE YOURSELF! Don’t walk in acting star struck. I’ve seen that and it makes the situation uncomfortable.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! I read that you provide training, what type of training do you provide?

Michelle: I help train with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. I assist the Education Executive in our basic and advance schools. I am also teaching a class on HD Makeup to a group of women in the Media.

Click here for more information on Michelle.


Ciao for now… Class is dismissed!

Caution: Proceed with Fashion - Opé the Style Artist

I have been fortunate to have met the coolest and most creative people on Twitter. Yes, some people really do network via Twitter and there are some exceedingly hard working and incredibly talented individuals -- take for instance Opé, or Opéthestylist depending who you ask. I have to admit it was the name that drew me in first because Opé is a Nigerian name and like me she is of Nigerian parents.

For this self-taught artist who has been drawing literally since she could hold a pencil, (she has sold some of her works) styling is simply another artistic outlet on real-life canvases. Hold on to your sketch pads when working with this artistic dynamo Opé comes with her own warning label: “When cut, I bleed fashion…”



BEAUTY SCHOOLED! How long have you been in the industry?

Opé: Too long not to be a worldwide name yet... lol! I have been on my own styling for about 3-1/2 years longer for other assistant experience.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! When did you know you wanted to be a stylist?

Opé: When I could not be a fashion designer... and that is a long story, I went to work for Betsey Johnson and worked for her for 9 -1/2 years and while I was there met up with people who were styling at BET and pulling from the store I managed and I thought... "Wow, I would love to do that."

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! I’ve seen some of your work, you’re an amazing stylist you definitely have a good eye for fashion, did you receive any formal education or training?

Opé: Thank you, I have always loved fashion, I did not go to school for it but I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. Everything else was a blessing from God. I did not choose fashion, fashion chose me.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! When was your first big break?

Opé: Haha and lol! I have not seen it just yet... perhaps soon.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What inspires your work?

Opé: I pray to God for him to bless my creativity and I believe that my prayer life inspires me the most but I am inspired by art I most love Pablo Picasso and the work of some of my favorite fashion photographers.... Richard Avedon, Ines Van Lamsweerde, Michael Thomspon, Craig McDean, Steven Miesel, Sebastian Kim I really could go on for a while. I love great photography. I am a visual person and I am also inspired by my surroundings and conceptual ideas that come in my head late at night.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What would you say are the biggest misconceptions about the industry and fashion styling?

Opé: That it is completely glamorous. There is a lot that goes into styling before a stylist gets to the shoot. The research, actual pulling and the returns... it is not fun and is completely outside of the actual shooting. People forget that you have to actually get all the clothes and therefore don't anticipate the work. You actually need to be in shape and have good stamina.

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! Do you style for individuals or do you mostly style for print work?

Opé: I do both equally.... money is green, lol, need I say more?

BEAUTY SCHOOLED! What advice do you have for someone new who is trying to break into the industry and wanting to work with celebrities?

Opé: People always ask... the best way is to work as an assistant and then conduct your own tests because as an assistant you can't use the pictures you can only use the credit on your assistant resume. So by testing you get to exercise all that you have learned and build your book. I still assist as much as possible. I am humble enough to understand that I can learn from anyone.

Thank you Opé!

To view more of Opé's work and booking information be certain to visit Opé's website, Or follow her Twitter.


Ciao for now... Class is dismissed!

Getting Noticed! - Interview with Sandy James of Stilista Agency Part I

How do I get noticed? How do I land a gig with a big cosmetic or fashion house? How do I get signed with an agency? If you have ever asked yourself any or all of these questions, grab a pen because I have some answers for you!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandy James, founder of Stilista Agency, Baltimore and D.C.'s newest agency representing talented and experienced Hair Stylists, Makeup Artists, and Fashion/Wardrobe Stylists in the Baltimore/D.C. Metropolitan area and in New York. In part one of this interview Sandy dishes on what it would take to make the cut at her agency and in part two she scoops on this incredible portfolio building workshop she created for makeup artists.





Beauty Schooled! What do you look for in an artist or stylist (hair and fashion) looking to sign with your agency?

Sandy James: As an agency keeping a small roster, I look for versatility, experience, drive, attitude, and a great portfolio. Without a great portfolio, I can't sell the artist/stylist to the clients.

Beauty Schooled! Other than talent what attributes would you say are important for makeup artists and hair and fashion stylists to have in order to obtain longevity in the fashion and entertainment industry?

Sandy James: Attitude, professionalism, and drive are very important to obtain longevity in this industry. Face it, no one wants to hire a diva. I've been in contact with many artists and stylists who were bigger than their britches. We are here to serve our clients, not the other way around. Professionalism is also a must. Celebrities spend enough time dealing with the paparazzi. They don't need an artist or stylist asking for autographs or inviting themselves to the after party. Drive. If you don't have the drive to educate yourself and learn new techniques, technology, and trends, then you won't be able to keep up with up and coming artists and stylists.

Beauty Schooled: What would you say are some of the greatest misconceptions about the industry?

Sandy James: I think the biggest misconception is that it's all glamour. You go in, pop some color on some lips, tease some hair, or throw and outfit together and you walk out making thousands of dollars. That is not true. It's long hours in places where you may not have proper lighting or set up and have 10 minutes to beat a face that actually needs plastic surgery to make it look good. Artist and stylist that make thousands of dollars a day are rare, but they have put their time, blood, sweat, and tears in the industry and deserve to be there.

Next session: Part II Get the scoop on Sandy’s portfolio building workshop.

Ciao for now… Class dismissed!