MAKE UP BY MELISSA-MELODY

My Biography

Firstly, I have spent the past 15 years in the Hair/Make up and Beauty Industry. I started at a young age and discovered an interest in hair and make up; this was because I came from a family who were musicians, performers, singers, dancers, actors, fashion designers and stylists. I realised very early this was my chosen path in life too; since those first experiences, I have made continuous efforts to be creative and to bring colour into my life.

I went through schooling with top results in drama, art, photography and music and then went to the Academy of Vidal Sassoon to study hair design, becoming a stylist for 3 years. I decided to take my hairdressing skills to freelance level and go back to my studies, in particular Art And Design, from which I learnt all aspects of art from graphic design, web design, 3D design, photography, fine art, fashion, textile to surface design, i then became and Artist and designed paintings for individual clients .

After 2 years of studying, I took my knowledge of colour to another level and studied make up design and special effects; this was done at the London College of Fashion and the Brushstroke Academy at Shepperton Film Studios and Pinewood Studios.

Once my training skills were completed, I went on to beauty therapy and linked colour, special effects and beauty together; this was a specialized skill embracing all structures of face design, skin, skin tone, and how beauty comes from within as well, learning all body treatments and how to stay healthy. I spent the next 10 years using all these skills, moulding them into one concept which achieved fantastic results and creativity. I decided to start my own company called “Beautiful Brides”.

The business expanded so much I decided to change the name and, as people seem to remember me and my name (which is fantastic!), I used my own name, hence “Make up By Melissa Melody”; this was launched in the year 2000.

I have worked on all areas of beauty, makeup, hair design, teaching make applications, air brush applications within a team or independently on film sets, television shows, music videos, weddings and events, for example Harry Potter, Hotel Babylon, ITV dramas, Cape wrath drama channel 4, bridal magazines, glamour shoots, model portfolios, actors portfolios, music covers, dancing on ice for ITV , MAC Cosmetics and Estee Lauder ,also commercails most recent being the christmas "Very .co.uk " commercial.

My experience also took me to work for Harrods in London www.harrods.com the one and only store in the world where there is something for everyone. Working alongside a recruitment team for the store and specializing in the beauty area, I was responsible for approving and employing beauty therapists, make up artists, stylists, dietitians and nutritionists, many of whom are also specialists in laser treatments; as well as many more for the salon, "Urban Retreat" on the 5th floor, the beautiful cosmetic "white hall" and perfumery "black hall" in the store on the ground floor. It is the most amazing place to have worked, reinforcing my passion for beauty, style, adventure, and glamour; it was very exciting!

Secondly, within my beauty business, which is growing day by day, I recruit my own make up artists and stylists to staff an amazing team, which operates in the Surrey area ,most of these make up artsts and stylists come are from highly trained background of make up artistry and have worked in feilds of MAC ,Lancome, Bobby Brown, Nars and many more cosmetic companies including theatre, tv ,film and still shoots , my artists work on a freelance basis for me whilst still gaining the knowledge of the latest make up trends with their chosen make up company.

I love every minute of it! I am also a freelance beauty writer for several high-traffic beauty web sites and design websites for companies and individual clients.

During this time, I have also worked on films, not just as a make up artist but as a body double for actresses; for example, I recently doubled for Kate Magowan in “ Star Dust” by Matthew Vaughn, www.stardustmovie.com .. It was a fantastic experience, with the added benefit that I made some good friends with whom I keep in close contact. I have acted in various TV dramas as a make up artist, displaying my technical skills in front of the camera. I also have a bit of a talent for golf and feature in the marketing video for the Celtic Manor Hotel in Wales where the Ryder Cup will be held in 2010. You can view this on www.celtic-manor.com. I continue to take acting roles when I have the time, my main passion being make up, beauty design and making people look and feel beautiful.

And finally, many thanks for taking the time to visit my site and please don't hesitate to drop me an email or give me a call to discuss any ideas/requirements/fancies you have. I look forward to hearing from you. Happy browsing.

Melissa Melody xxx