Who’s Doing What

Amber Bloom
Amber did makeup for a fashion show held at West Covina High School. She just finished doing the makeup for an independent film for called Quest and is still finishing her courses at Empire.

Anita Rebelo
Anita found her dream position in Toronto, Canada with Make Up For Ever’s main store. One of the top artists at her store, Anita’s clients are always in awe by the work she does in creating a flawless face. She also assists a hairstylist who frequently travels to the UK and works with celebrities.

Anha Nguyen
Anha recently did the makeup for Gatorade online video featuring athletes from Landon Donovan to Kevin Durant. This is the 3rd time she's worked with Gatorade. She's done makeup for the Vietnamese community and was the Key makeup artist for the Miss Vietnam Global 2008 pageant. Anha also did makeup for the Miss Vietnam USA Pageant 2008. Last month was her 4th time working for VietBeauty Magazine. She wrote and did a makeup tutorial for them in Feb 09, the cover and editorial makeup for April 09, a fashion editorial for July 09, and another fashion editorial with mini makeup tips in September 09. Anha was the Key makeup artist for Chris Hartman's Bikini Sunset 2010 calendar. She was featured in the Dallas Couture Magazine January 09 and Almost Famous Magazine (John Robert Powers) in January 09 as well. Anha continues to do multiple weddings on the weekends all over Orange County! You can see more of her work at www.makeupbyanha.googlepages.com.

Audrey Starn In June 2008, Audrey worked with Donna Mee at the Christian Audigier photo shoot, which will be featured in their Look Book, and billboard advertisements. Audrey did editorial spreads for the March & April 2008 issues of Blisss Magazine, one of which featured America’s Next Top Model Cycle 9, Chantal Jones. She continues to work with well known Photographer Dominic Peruzzi and is credited for makeup artistry, hair & wardrobe styling for over 18 pages of editorials for the November, December, and January issues of Blisss Magazine. Between photo shoots and weddings, Audrey travels to many department stores as a Featured Makeup Artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Aaron Huebschmann
Aaron currently works at Absolute Beauty Day Spa in Evansville Indiana as their head makeup artist.

Amy Vu
Amy Vu has been doing a lot of work for Ripe TV and Octane TV on such shows like Tube Top Pilates and the new upcoming Jamie Kennedy Dating Show. She was also a makeup artist for the Hot Import Nights calendar, as well as for Import Tuner magazine. To view Amy’s work, go to: www.amyvu.com

Amy Cooper
Aside from freelancing for MAC and Christian Dior, Amy is working part time for Bare Essentials and is in talks for possibly becoming one of their National Makeup Artists. Her most recent print work include a photo shoot for Lithium Picnic in Los Angeles.

Berit Digerud
Berit Digerud has been busy building her bridal business and does over 100 weddings a year.  2009 brought several weddings at the local wedding hot-spots Pelican Hill, the Montage, and St. Regis, as the wedding planners who serve these properties are recommending Berit's services to their clients.  Additionally, Berit fields weddings to four associates (all Empire grads, of course), and has added a hair stylist to her service offerings.  Berit now works with photo shoots for Mon Amie, the largest bridal salon on the west coast, which will be featured in their national advertising.She also does a number of private lessons for clients who want personalized recommendations for a new look, and shopping assistance.

Bridget Height
Bridget has been doing numerous fashion shows and test-shoots. She has also been collaborating with KMG Advertisements.

Bridget Roher
After graduating from Empire, Bridget moved back to her hometown of Saint Louis, MO. She has been working on building her portfolio and has been working with numerous photographers on test-shoots. Bridget has done makeup for several weddings and fashion shows.

Carlene Kirkhuff
Carlene has worked as a makeup artist on numerous hit shows including The View, Tyra Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Ellen Show, Chelsea Lately, Dancing with the Stars, and Las Vegas.  She’s also done makeup for many award shows such as the MTV Video Music Awards 09, The Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, Radio Music Awards and Academy Awards among others. A few of her music video credits include Janet Jackson feat. Missy Elliott " Sun of a Gun", Aerosmith "Jaded ", Britney Spears "Everytime", Blink 182 " Feeling This ", and numerous Pussycat Dolls videos.  Carlene recently finished working on a yet to be named film with Johnny Depp.  She’s done commercials for Best Buy, Coors Light, MTV, and Nike.  Her work has been featured in numerous magazines from Vogue to People.  Carlene's celebrity clientele list includes a plethora of athletes, actors, supermodels, and musicians. To see her portfolio, go to: www.MakeupExpert.com

Cole Saad
Cole Saad will be key makeup artist at the Emmy Awards 2009. She is also going to be working on a new reality series about a Model and Talent agency. Cole has worked on numerous television productions such as , For the Love of Ray J, Charm School: Rock of Love Edition, MTV Movie Awards, Flavor of Love Reunion 3 Show-VH1, Rock of Love Reunion 1&2 - VH1, Chef Jeff Project -Food Network, G's to Gents- MTV, Pacific Vortex- Discovery, Gone Country- CMT, Daddy's Little Girl, Oxygen Network, Surf Illustrated- "The Girls of OC" DVD, Miss Universe Pageant, I Love New York 2 Reunion Show, Charm School Reunion Show, America's Most Smartest Model, Miss Teen USA, Teen Choice Awards, Hero Awards.

Carina Lindgren
Carina is a former graduate from Empire who in May 2008, was named the winner of the MyFoxLA’s “Best of OC Hotlist!” Carina worked as a freelance makeup artist for 9 years and worked at M.A.C. for 4 years. On her days off she worked on photo shoots that took her to several destinations, such as Jamaica. She also traveled to L.A. and N.Y. to work for fashion week. Carina also worked on music videos such as Jessica Simpson’s “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” and The Killers, “Somebody Told Me.” Carina specializes in Bridal Makeup and making sure the bride feels and looks beautiful on her special day.

Daisy Sanchez
Daisy moved to Los Angeles, CA and is working for MAC Cosmetics and has been doing numerous photo shoots.

Darlene Garcia
After graduating from Empire, Darlene freelances in print work. She often finds herself in front of the camera modeling at the request of the photographer. A billboard advertisement of Darlene has been up for the past year by the 10 West in Palm Desert, CA.

DeeDee Dang
DeeDee is constantly working doing weddings and other private clients. She has recently teamed up with photographer Tracie Spence for several photo shoots, and has also done two covers for Body Beautiful Magazine as well as a cover of OC Metro Magazine. DeeDee also freelances for Smashbox and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

Hanny Rampen
Hanny is working at the Laura Mercier counter at South Coast Plaza Bloomingdales in Costa Mesa, CA. She also did makeup for a fashion show for Haute Threadz in Orange County.

Heather Fodrey
Heather recently got hired as a Makeup Artist at Knott’s Berry Farm to do face painting and airbrush work.  She is also up for one of the makeup artist slots to do the monster makeup for Knott’s Halloween Haunt.

Jessica Blatty
Jessica’s first booking was doing makeup for a fashion show held at West Covina High School not too long after starting her courses at Empire. Jessica partnered with another Empire graduate, Amber Bloom to work on a student film called “Quest”. Jessica is working about to start work on an independent horror film called “Homeless Joe”.

Jessica Hughes
I have so many things to say to you. I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you have done for me. I am sure you get a lot of thank you letters, but I just want you to know that you changed my life. You gave me the tools and knowledge that I needed to start my career. I learned so much from you. You are such a smart, talented, and giving person. I feel that because of you, I feel comfortable getting myself out there and feeling confident in my skills as an artist! Your giving personality, and leadership has rubbed of on me.

I have been doing really great! I will be submitting into portfolio building very soon! I have been doing many weddings and working with Jeanne the Hairstylist that I meat at the Empire finals photo shoot. Since finishing my last class at Empire, I have already completed 10 photo shoots!

I did an independent short film and currently doing a full length independent film. Both films are being submitted into Sundance film Festival and a few others! I’ve worked with Mark Sacro 3 times since meeting him at the Empire Shoot!

I want you to know all of what I have accomplished is largely due to the people I met through Empire Academy. I really use the advice and many resources you gave me and it has all really helped my career! So again, thank you!

Kacie Spencer-Smith
She has done makeup for the Jessica Simpson clothing line advertisements. She was also one of the main makeup artists for the Vidal Sassoon Fashion Show.

Kelly Castro
Kelly did media makeup for an AFI student film.

Kenetia Lee
Kenetia’s most recent work includes the 2008 Grammys, the Oscars, and the Young Hollywood Awards. She has also been featured in several local news segments throughout the country giving makeup advice. Kenetia was a Makeup Artist Spokesperson for Mark Cosmetics, a division of Avon. She was the makeup artist for the reigning 2008 Miss USA Rachel Smith and has been the Lead Makeup Artist for the 2006/2007 Miss USA Pag eants. In addition, Kenetia is a motivational speaker and travels all over the country, empowering women to have a positive self-image, with or without makeup.eants. In addition, Kenetia is a motivational speaker and travels all over the country, empowering women to have a positive self-image, with or without makeup.

Kirsten KcKune
Kirsten’s makeup line, Seraph Cosmetics, just created a special ‘Eraser Pencil’ that is similar to the discontinued ‘Magic Stick’ by Prescriptives.

Leah Asue
Leah was promoted from the sales counter to the Freelance Makeup Artist position for Chanel, and now consults for various Chanel counters within the Nordstrom chain. This has allowed her more time to concentrate on her bridal and private clients. Leah recently assisted Donna Mee on an editorial photo shoot with model Joanna Krupa (www.joannakrupa.com) with Photographer Derek Caballero (www.caballerophotography.com). She will also be one of four mentors at the new All About Mee Beauty Camp beginning in July 2008.

Leah Rupoli
Leah is currently working at Channel 4 NBC on the 4, 5 and 6 o’clock news, as well as Los Angeles city channel 35. She just shot with Geoffey Ragets for Rivera Magazine and is working with many other photographers on her portfolio. Leah worked on two films recently, the first called “Fast Track” featuring Brian Austin Green, and the second called “The Outside” featuring Chris Judd, Nia Peeples and Michael Graziadei, coming out Fall 2008. Leah has also been working with the producer for celebTV. One the side Leah is staying consistent with booking weddings and special events.

Lettie Mix
Lettie’s current work includes doing the makeup for the Venetian Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, the Palazzo Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Tao Restaurant, Microsoft, and Skinflick Fashion Swimwear’s latest advertisements. She was also a makeup artist at LA Fashion Week for Frankie B. and Louis Verdad. Lettie was a Key Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist in the full feature films The Mailman and The Pig People, starring Master P and Lil’ Romeo respec tively. Aside from her full schedule doing bridal makeup, Lettie also assists patients at the Image Center in Huntington Beach, CA in applying makeup after surgery.

Lindsay Donald
Since graduating from Empire Academy and moving back to her hometown of Des Moines, IA, Lindsay has worked with top magazines such as: PEOPLE Magazine, Fitness Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens Magazine and Figure Magazine. Including regional commercials, Lindsay has done several national airing commercials including: Ortega, Cream of Wheat and the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Lindsay recently shot two TV show pilots that will add to her portfolio of TV shows including: Entertainment Tonight, Ovation TV and Fox News Sunday. Lindsay is currently getting involved with feature films coming to the state of Iowa. She worked on the feature 'Ticket Out' (to be released in 2010) with actors Ray Liotta and Billy Burke. Some other personalities that Lindsay has worked with are Hillary Clinton, Vanessa Carlton, Shawn Johnson, Shannon Miller and Lolo Jones. You can see some of Lindsay's work at www.lindsaydonald.com.

Lisa Nunez
Lisa works full-time at Bobbi Brown at Nordstrom Brea.

Liz Hardy
Liz works full-time at the Bobbi Brown counter at Macy’s Victoria Gardens mall in Rancho Cucamonga.

Marianna Scarola
After graduating from Empire, Marianna moved back to Vancouver, BC. She has been doing makeup for many projects in Canada and recently made her own website to showcase her work and credits, www.scarolaakeup.com.

Molly Wilson
Molly is working at the Laura Mercier counter at Fashion Island, Newport Beach. Molly also recently did makeup for a photo-shoot in Pasadena that showcased Agency Models from Photogenics and Nouveau

Olivia Silke
Immediately after finishing her courses at Empire, Olivia assisted Donna Mee on a 10 page jewelry editorial in Coast Magazine. Olivia then started booking several photoshoots by networking on ModelMayhem.com with Photographers such as Marc Sacro, Dan Santoso and Lloyd Rosn. Olivia worked with Marc Sacro again to do a 3 page add in 944 Magazine. She assisted Airbrush Instructor, Joe McDonough at Kid Stock at Greystone Mansion for a celebrity event and has also booked several weddings on the side. Olivia also assisted on the music video for "Supreme Beings of Leasure"

Rebecca Melamed
After graduating from Empire, Rebecca followed her dream of working in film by relocating to Seattle so that she can be closer to the Canadian border, where many films are currently being made. Rebecca recently worked on a film called “Slushai” and has done a promotional photo shoot for Starbucks Corporation. Rebecca has signed on to begin shooting more films starting this summer.

Saima Vakil
Saima is at the Estee Lauder counter in South Coast Plaza Bloomingdales. She has been booked for a few weddings, and also does airbrush tanning on the side. She most recently moved to Dubai.

Sarah Bonnel
Sarah did makeup for Fulcage’s first annual “Christmas with a Conscience,” fashion show and OC/DC fashion show.

Shantel Gahr
After working at the Estee Lauder counter at Brea Mall, Shantel has been doing makeup for numerous weddings, dances, and other special occasions. Shantel is also starting to do makeup for her friend, a photographer, for various photo-shoots.

Sharon Thompson
Before I completed the Print, Runway and Bridal course I had already booked two photo shoots as the makeup artist. One of the shoots consisted of four different models and two photographers. One of the models had a dark complexion. I was really nervous because I had never worked on anyone that dark before, but the model kept raving about how flawless her skin looked! When I met up with the photographer he told me my makeup was great! He also expressed how easy it was for him to briefly edit the images, as opposed to spending hours editing bad makeup in his images which is what he told me he normally has to do!! So thank you for everything!

Sophia Rashedi
Sophia is working with Fairy Tale Hair and Makeup and has done makeup for numerous bridal and special event occasions.

Sonia Suttles
Sonia is currently a Regional Artist with DuWop Cosmetics. She did makeup for the Miss California USA and Teen USA pageant's in Palm Springs. Sonia was a key makeup artist for a hair show featuring Redken & Framesi hair products. She also recently did the makeup for numerous people attending a red carpet event featuring Lauren Elaine Designs as well as the makeup for a Condom Revolution fashion show. Singer Ryan Starr from American Idol, and actor Rob Morrow who currently stars in the hit series "numbers" are a few celebrities Sonia's recently done makeup for. Sonia also has weddings booked through the next 5 months as well as multiple private holiday makeup applications. She also has a shoot booked for Details, Details which is a bridal company.

Taranga Aria
After graduating from Empire, Taranga moved to Sedona, Arizona. Taranga has been doing makeup for numerous weddings.

Tianna Atwood
Tianna did the makeup for Justin Isreal for the short film, Out Of Touch, which he won a short film award.

Tomi Tran
Tomi is working for Planet Beauty. She has also been doing makeup for numerous test-shoots, and recently did the makeup for the Miss Newport Beach Pageant.

Tyrus Angelo
Tyrus is freelancing for Smashbox in Northern California. Tyrus also works many weddings in his area.