Thinking about a career in hair and makeup? Here’s a bit of inspiration for you… 

Tahlia Jayde is one of the most in demand artists in Melbourne! She has the pleasure of painting the faces and taming the manes of models, influencers, bridal parties and clients on a daily basis. 

In 2017 she launched her own product line, which you can check out at www.tahliajayde.com.au.

You can also head to her Instagram to check out her work and find out how to make a booking with her, @Tahliajayde_MUA. 

We were so excited to find out about her journey in the industry, pick up some tips and tricks, and learn about what she has coming up in 2018!

Thank you Tahlia for taking the time to chat with us. What inspired you to become a makeup artist and hairstylist? 

I’ve always been a creative I think. I’ve just always been so hair and makeup obsessed from such a young age that I never really stopped to consider any other career.

How did you begin your career and get into the industry? How many years have you been in the industry for?

I really knew what I wanted to do when I was in year 11 at school, so around the age of 15. Once I hit year 12, I started studying my first makeup certificate one day a week whilst at school and then after hours I completed a night time course for hair styling, this meant I was able to graduate year 12 along with my makeup and hair certificate complete at the same time. 

After this I did a beauty diploma. I really wanted to do the makeup one however was told it was unlikely I would find a job as a makeup artist (I had no intention of working behind a counter or being in retail). So, I took on beauty - instead of the standard 18-month course, the principal of the private school was incredible and helped me to complete this in 6 months because I was super keen to get stuck straight into the industry. Any makeup workshops that I could find I would do, you really do learn so much from ‘hands on’ intimate workshops. 

My first job followed not long after, working as a salon coordinator and makeup artist for one of the most prestige hair salons in Perth. I was managing salons, styling hair and running full back-to-back columns of makeup, I loved it! 

I’ve been in the industry for 11 years straight now. 

Did you always want to work for yourself? How long have you been out on your own for? How did you make your dream a reality?

I worked at the first company for 3 years, after that I knew I couldn’t learn much more and so I went to free lancing for 1 year before becoming studio based. I’ve now worked for myself for 6 years. It just felt right at the time, I didn’t really stress to much about it. I was confident in my work and had so many amazing, loyal friends and clients around me, that it was only a short time and ‘word of mouth’ before I was living my dream of working for myself.

What is the best part about your job? 

What I do boosts so much confidence, I constantly have people walk in with so much doubt and insecurities and they walk away feeling so good about themselves. 

Many times, I’ve had clients in tears because they’re just in awe of how beautiful they look and that to me is the best part, I don't think I’ll ever get sick of that reaction, it really is such a powerful industry. 

Also, I’ve made so many incredible friends through what I do, which I will always be grateful for.

What’s been your career highlight in make-up and hair?

Launching my own TAHLIA JAYDE products, it’s been a lifelong dream to have my own line and while I feel like it is only just beginning, it’s the result of so much hard work and it feels amazing to be able to share that with everyone. 

Which part do you find the hardest / most challenging? 

Definitely the work / life balance. I’ve never had a set routine -  its work all day and then get home to do admin work at night. I also never, ever get weekends off but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. 

What is the best piece of advice you have received during your journey in business? 

Be as authentic as you can be -  it is really what people crave now.

What’s the greatest thing you’ve learned during your career?

Confidence is everything

You do a LOT of weddings. What’s the most frequently requested hair look for brides and bridesmaids you get?

Currently it is all about effortless glam. Lots of lived in waves, nothing too structured. 

Gone are the days of trying to make bridesmaids all look the same. It is now more about making everyone feel and look their best as an individual, and bringing out their best features to make them confident and comfortable within themselves, which I love.

What is your number one tip for brides to be, who want to ensure that their hair and skin is on point before you look after them on their big day?

Don’t stress! There’s no need to go OTT with every beauty treatment. Just look after yourself, drink plenty of water and add a good facial into your routine to prep your skin.

For hair, always invest in a good shampoo and use a mask instead of a conditioner.

What is your number 1 hair hack?

Dry shampoo - doesn’t matter if your hair is dirty or not, always blow-dry it in. 

What is your favourite beauty trick?

Apply a lip conditioner over the top of freshly lined lips. Your lips stay hydrated for longer, you cancel out a product and the colour is long lasting too.

What is your favourite and most underrated make-up / beauty product that girls need to get on to?

Brown eyeliner. I’m obsessed at the moment. I am constantly using different brushes for different parts of the eye and I only use it straight from the stick when I'm applying it directly onto the water line. I couldn’t live without it... currently Marc Jacobs is my favourite. 

Your go-to drug store / supermarket beauty products (if any) for girls on a budget?

Maybelline Full And SoftMascarais so great. Also, the Model Co beauty blender.

Which hair trend are you loving right now? 

Polished bed hair! The less it looks done the better. It is so easy and achievable too.

Which make up trends are your favourite at the moment, and which ones do you wish would disappear? 

Effortless makeup. Fresh and dewy and I just love when skin looks like skin. 

I’ve never been a fan of the intense winged liner, I’d be happy for that to die down.

What would we find you doing when you're not working? 

Doing some form of exercise. At the moment, I'm really into boxing but nothing beats a long walk anywhere close to water. 

What is your favourite product from the Hello Hair range? 

The Lash & Brow Enhancer, you can never say no to longer lashes or fuller brows! 

What is next for you and your business in 2018 and beyond?

I’s so excited for what’s happening in business this year, definitely getting the product line to grow. I've got two upcoming trips to Europe to take on my yearly European brides but I’m currently working on a very exciting project that has been a big dream of mine for a while now! 

Unfortunately, I can’t reveal to many details of this yet, but I can say that something very exciting is opening in Melbourne soon…