Testimonial

The name Donna Mee has more meaning to me then one could imagine. She has been like a mother, a sister, a best friend, and has really been there for me as an educator. She is a dedicated and passionate woman who has showed me dreams that I never thought possible for me. When I mentioned the idea of wanting to go to makeup school my parents were not thrilled. Regardless, I met with Donna to see what a career in beauty was about. The information, knowledge and wisdom she shared was beyond my wildest expectations. Donna spoke with such passion that I found myself yearning to fulfill my dream of changing women’s lives.

Donna had the most amazing outlook on beauty. She made me aware that feeling attractive is crucial for women to be confident and that those with self confidence lead happier life’s. I know this to be true because I grew up as an ugly duckling. Throughout my entire life, may times I felt so unattractive that I didn't see the point of living. Donna taught us how to make our skin beautiful, not matter what state it was in. She taught us how to enhance our best features and how to de emphasize others. With this knowledge, I felt more beautiful than I had ever felt before and truly started to love every moment of everyday. Women comment on my skin and makeup everyday and ask what products I use because they believe me to be “beautiful,” a word I had not been called before my courses at Empire. For the rest of my life I will look up to Donna Mee, she will always be my role model. If I am to become ¼ of the woman she is I will consider myself lucky. I can’t thank her enough.

I attended Empire in 2005 after burning out in a corporate consulting job and decided on a dramatic career change. I can truly say that there would have been no way I would now find myself with the thriving bridal makeup business I have had it not been for Empire Academy of Makeup and Donna Mee! After graduating in November of '05, I started freelancing for Lancôme which gave me great practice with working on faces of different ages, skin types, coloring and bone structure. I worked with a several photographers for head shots and photo shoots with models. Donna herself sent me on a photo shoot with a well-known photographer and has brought me into the Empire studio for private lessons with clients.

Through Empire Academy, I was chosen for an amazing opportunity to do makeup at the Miss Teen USA pageant. At this event I worked on the Miss Teen USA finalist from South Carolina, who is now famous for her horrible answer to the judges on her finalist question. Because of this, I was able to arrange free publicity to promote myself and my artistry business in several local newspapers due to learning marketing strategy at Empire. I started my own makeup studio and am currently focusing on doing makeup for weddings. I have about six makeup artists working for me already just to handle my expanding workload! Of course they are all other Empire graduates! Empire Academy not only teaches technical skills about makeup, but also gives real-world, practical advice about how to launch your career and get going in the business. Donna is personally always available for her students and truly cares about their development as makeup artists and about their career success. Donna met with me on several occasions, long after I was done with my courses. She always makes time for me and has given me a lot of valuable one on one advice on how to start, promote and expand my bridal business.

It takes hard work and dedication to get going as a makeup artist, but when you show talent and dedication to the craft, you will always have Donna Mee and Empire to help boost you and be there for advice, moral support, and connections.

I want to thank both Donna and Michelle implicitly for all of their knowledge and patience over the past 3 weeks. Before I began my courses at Empire, I thought I was well informed about makeup and skincare. However, in hindsight, I now realize that I basically knew nothing and the majority of what I did know was not accurate. I have learned more than I even thought possible about proper skincare and basic makeup. Thank you again for all you have taught me. I look forward to continuing my education at Empire and having the opportunity to work with and learn from you both further.

"Before I started school here, I had a vision and goal to become a makeup artist, traveling around, doing what I loved. But I didn’t know how I was going to get there. I was hoping and searching for something that was going to give me the knowledge, strength, and renewed passion I needed. Now after finishing my courses I feel so empowered that it’s overwhelming. It’s really difficult for me to put into words the gratitude and admiration I hold for you, Donna. I can see how hard you have worked to get where you are. I see how your passion for makeup has not gone away after all these years. Makeup is the one and only thing I have found in my life that motivates me!"

I have always known that I wanted to become a makeup artist and be the best possible artist I could be. Empire has shown me that there is a lot of work behind being a knowledgeable, trained, working artist in the industry. Empire has given me the drive and motivation to be the best I can.

"Every time I walked in for class, I had such an exciting feeling like I couldn’t believe I was finally doing what I love. I feel like I can dream big, and get there. I’ve seen so many students' success stories and it’s just unbelievably exciting for me to know that one day that could be me. I came here wanting to improve my makeup skills and you guys have showed me to dream bigger."

Donna made everyday in class enjoyable which in turn make it fun and exciting for me. Wanting and looking forward to class and learning something new everyday was out of my character when it came to other schools I attended. This one was much different."

Empire’s Introduction course taught me a lot more than makeup and skin care. I learned to set goals and follow them, no matter how difficult. I had been working a boring corporate job in the return department. After my 3-week course, I got a great job with Chanel."

To Everyone at Empire, I can’t thank you enough for the knowledge you have given me over the past three weeks. Of course, when I first signed up I was skeptical. It was a lot of money, that I don’t have (haha). But it was money well spent and after the three week Intro course I know that Empire was the right choice for me. You have not only taught me skincare (that’s changed my life)and makeup, but you have given me more confidence and the ability to make other women look and feel beautiful. That ability, to me, is priceless. I would recommend this school to anyone I know. Can’t wait until my next course!

After 10+ years of being a nurse practitioner, I searched for something more. After researching many schools in Los Angeles and Orange County, I chose Empire because it was professional, intense, well-rounded, and used models to practice on, not just fellow students. I loved the Post-surgical workshop so much I enrolled in two additional courses. I thought I was very makeup savvy when I began…Boy was I in for an awakening! I am now using my newly acquired skills as a Dermato logic Nurse. I have found great satisfaction helping people look more beautiful. It is a great feeling! My training at Empire gave me a huge advantage over others in this field."

"Being in the business for several years, I felt I had a good grasp on makeup. Coming to this school, I realized how little I actually knew. I am grateful for all my newfound knowledge and especially for the confidence it has given me. I felt my instructors were sincere in their teachings and always helpful and full of enthusiasm. The instructors showed me how to look for imperfections in my work that I’d otherwise overlook. I would highly recommend this school to anyone who is serious about makeup."

“Donna has not only taught me makeup, but about myself. She has given me much more self confidence. I feel like I can take on any makeup job right now! Empire is much more professional and dedicated to their students than any other makeup school.”

"My cousin is going to another makeup school and she doesn’t know half the things I do. Thank you for being hard on us because that’s the way we will learn."

"My uncle helped me finance a loan to attend makeup school. I had to borrow a kit from a friend because it was all I could afford and then finished the class. Since then, I’ve worked with many famous music groups, models, and celebrities. Just recently, I signed up with a makeup artist agency in Los Angeles. None of this could have happened without Empire Academy of Makeup! I can always go to Donna Mee for advice. Everyone needs goals and direction in life. If you want to be a makeup artist, trust Donna to give you honest and factual advice."

"I came to Empire from South Africa. I feel that I could not have wished or hoped for better instructors! They were very patient, understanding, and exceptionally helpful!"

"I feel so blessed to have found this Academy! I had confidence in my skills and knowledge, but I realized that I needed more. Finding your school gave me an invaluable opportunity to achieve the last piece of the puzzle. Thank you!

"Before enrolling at Empire, I already had several tear sheets in my portfolio. Now I feel that I have gained a lot of knowledge and confidence in using different makeup products and utilizing them in the correct way to achieve the looks that were asked of me in the past. Recently I had the opportunity to go to the Grammy’s and the Janet Jackson ICON Tribute and actually do makeup! I would have never done it or felt "worthy" had I not had the training from Empire. I love the school and would recommend it to anybody!"

"After my first week of class, I was able to book two weddings. When they heard I was coming here and everything I was learning, they booked me right away!"

"I have had many teachers in my life; Donna Mee is the best out of all of them. She is so talented and inspiring, and so dedicated to her work and her students. Empire has completely changed my life in a way that you can never imagine by inspiring me to become the best that I can be, not just in this field, but as a person too."

"I appreciate that this school is very strict in its policies. It gives me reassurance knowing that my money is very well spent."

"I have always loved makeup but felt that my training in the department stores wasn’t enough. I didn’t want to be another mediocre, self-taught artist. I looked into makeup schools because I wanted to be educated and be good at what I was doing. Empire offered the formal training I needed and I am so much better for having invested my time here."

"My courses at Empire Academy were the most enlightening, exciting, and educational experience of my life – a sadly amusing fact since I have my B.A. degree! Although I have done makeup on the side for several years, I hoped formal training would improve my skills. I found that Empire was different than other schools in regards to their high expectations from each individual. In return, their students learn far more than ever expected. I have gained valuable experience, improved my skills, and am much more confident. Because of the schools teaching style, I continue to learn and grow as an artist with each makeover. My training enabled me to quit my corporate job and pursue a career in makeup artistry full-time. Thank you Empire for giving me this gift!"

I am extremely excited I took the time to go to all of the different makeup schools in and around Los Angeles and then chose to attend Empire. I enjoy the small class sizes, the hands on instruction, and the level of professionalism from all of the staff. I feel I am getting my moneys worth here!

Coming from 8 months of Esthetician training, I can say that I learned more about skin care and daily maintenance at Empire than I did the entire time I was in school. After only 5 weeks at Empire, I left the salon I was working for to do makeup full-time for a video production company.

My decision to enroll in a professional makeup artistry course has by far been one of the best choices I have made for myself. I read about makeup in magazines and books, and I assumed the Intro to Makeup Artistry course would be just as “basic.” Boy, was I wrong. My head hasn’t stopped spinning and my mouth has not stopped repeating to everyone the things I have learned. It is so hard to believe that I have obtained so much information in such a short amount of time, in only just the Intro class. I am excited to start the Expert class, because I know that I will learn so much more that exceeds even what the industry STANDARD is. I can’t say thanks enough!

“I am extremely happy to have been accepted as a student at Empire. I know that I am getting the best possible training in this industry. Empire is so well organized and the instructors share their knowledge with the students with enthusiasm and generosity. Not many people in this industry would give out their trade secrets, but Donna does. She genuinely wants us to be the best”

I wanted to do makeup because it has the power to transform anyone. Growing up without a mother or older sister, I never had anyone to look up to as my beauty advisor or teacher. I lacked confidence in myself because I could not see the beauty inside myself.
After coming to Empire, I was overwhelmingly inspired with the ability to improve someone’s day by doing their makeup. Making people feel better about themselves by enhancing their appearance gave me so much satisfaction that I decided I wanted to do this for a living.
How far have I come? I learned so much about skin care, different techniques, and trouble shooting. I will carry this knowledge with me and I will educate other people. I am grateful because I know that I am a qualified beautician and I know, without a doubt, exactly what I am talking about. I want to help people to look their best and be healthy. So thanks Donna!

"I think this school is amazing! The instructors make you want to work hard. My parents admitted that they have never seen me so interested in a school-related atmosphere ever! Thank you so much for giving me the knowledge and confidence to go out into the world and practice true makeup artistry. You are an amazing teacher and an inspiration to me. You have not only taught me the true science of makeup, but you have opened up a world of opportunity, and I am already "working as an artist and will continue to do so! I have really enjoyed taking classes at Empire and I will really miss it. I feel like I am ready and bursting with knowledge to share with others!"

Empire has taught much more than I could have ever imagined, and I definitely feel it was worth it. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been taught by Donna! In my eyes, Donna is as professional as you can get. Learning from her makes you that much better that the rest of the makeup artists out there. I really feel lucky to have gone to Empire instead of some other makeup school that promises a lot but doesn’t come through. So thank you very much Donna!

I was so excited to start my classes at Empire I even gave up my senior trip to Cancun so I could start my classes earlier. I have never enjoyed going to school before attending Empire. Now, I couldn’t wait for school to start! Coming to class each day was something I looked forward to versus something I had to do. I loved the hands-on makeup applications and the Model Program since it allowed us to work with different ethnicities, face shapes and textures.
I knew my whole life I wanted to do makeup and now I have the knowledge and experience to make it happen!

I came to this school with the understanding that I definitely wanted to become a makeup artist. I feel that I have learned much more that I anticipated. The best parts of class were the skincare training and the opportunity to do hands-on makeup applications. There was a lot of one-on-one feedback given during the hands-on training and the instructors always made time for student questions – I really appreciated that!

Before enrolling at Empire, I knew absolutely nothing about skin care. After the Science of Skin lecture, I walked away overjoyed. I have made many decisions in my life but choosing to attend Empire has been one of the best thus far. The instructors are more than helpful. All of my questions were answered and if I needed extra help, they provided hands-on demonstrations. Each night I leave school wanting more. I am eager to begin my journey into the world of makeup.

I truthfully thought that Empire would only teach us about makeup but it was much deeper than that. Learning about our skin and what we can do to improve it has been the best experience ever! All my life I was using the wrong products recommended by unknowledgeable beauty advisors. After learning from Donna, I now have the knowledge on proper skin care. I am constantly sharing with my friends and family on how to improve their skin.

Before coming to Empire I would have to say that I was absolutely clueless! I knew nothing about skin care and makeup application. It was frustrating because I knew I wanted to do makeup, but I didn’t find it easy to do on other people. Donna has taught me more than I could have ever imagined about cosmetic history, skin care, and basic application techniques. Now I have the confidence it takes to do people’s makeup, as well as talk to people about their skin care routines.

After taking the Intro to Makeup Artistry course, I can actually say that I know something about makeup. I wouldn’t change a single thing about my experience here at Empire. The best part is that I not only learned about makeup, but I learned about professionalism and skin care. Thank you for being such great teachers!

When I began classes at Empire Academy, I had no idea where it would lead me. Thanks to Donna, I had the opportunity of a lifetime. Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, I acquired the tools necessary vital for a career in this industry. In addition to practical advice and techniques, I have also learned many life lessons. I have grown tremendously as a person and as an artist as a result. Donna always saw my talent even when I could not find it myself. Her supportive words, “You can do this!” still hold special meaning and help me get through obstacles I did not think I could conquer. Thank you Donna, for the countless opportunities you have given me and so many other people. You and your school are bigger stepping stones than you will ever know.

I would highly recommend Empire Academy of Makeup for both young and old students. After hearing outrageous prices and half-baked curriculums at schools in Los Angeles, we checked out Empire. Being the skeptical father, I was trying to get the best educational edge for my teenage daughter. I had the pleasure of sitting in on a class, which enlightened me to the "Nuts and Bolts" approach to the makeup field. My daughter graduated from Empire and immediately got constant work with brides, TV, video, and print. Empire has provided a very solid base from which my daughter, Carlene Kirkhuff, was able to launch her new endeavor. It gave her the confidence and the every day tools to deal with the real world.

My training at Empire provided me with the knowledge and tools to make it in this industry. Going to class everyday was exciting and there was never a dull moment. I even remember not wanting to leave class for a quick trip to the restroom because I didn’t want to miss out on anything! Literally every minute of our time was devoted to something worthwhile, without a moment wasted. Donna has so much to offer her students. She is an inspiring teacher and has so much passion for the industry. She genuinely cares about her students and pushes them to do their best. As a graduate of the school, I look back on my experience and am amazed at all that I learned and accomplished. If you are truly serious about becoming a makeup artist, Empire is the place for you.

I was 20 years old when I first attended Empire and met Donna Mee. I was so excited to finally learn about something I was so passionate about that I remember going home one of the first nights and praying that nothing would happen to Donna so she can keep teaching the class. It was kind of strange how I wanted to absorb all the advice she had for me, I didn’t want to miss a thing. When we started off learning about skin care I was impatient and wanted to hurry up and move on to make up application. Soon I realized that skincare would be more important to me than make up. When I started my classes at Empire Academy of Makeup, I had moderate acne, mostly on my T-zone. It was constant acne and I was very insecure about it. I thought “Who would take skin care advice from me?” During the week of the skincare training, I made all of Donna’s suggested changes. By week two my face was clear and my skin was no longer oily. My skin was glowing and everyone around me noticed it. I remember talking on the phone with my sister for 2 hours telling her what to use on her skin. She threw away her “as seen on TV” acne face wash and she still follows regimen I told her about to this day.
My confidence as a woman and as a Makeup Artist increased fast. I felt confident giving advice for skincare and immediately got hired as a counter manager for D.D.F. and Bliss at Macy’s where I was able to help many women with their skin. I began to work as a freelance Artist doing print work. I often found myself in front of the camera from time to time at request of the Photographer. Today, I actually model full time. There is a billboard of me up on the 10 west in Palm Desert for one year now. I can remember praying that one day I would do makeup for a billboard. I thought about how great it would be to have someone’s lips that I put gloss on be the size of a refrigerator! (ha ha) I never thought that my own lips would be on the billboard!
Without the skills Donna taught me to take care of my clients skin as well as mine, I would never have been able to accomplish my dreams as a Makeup Artist or as a model.
Thank you, Donna. It was amazing to have learned so much from you in such a short time. You’ll never know all the ways you’ve inspired me.

It's so overwhelming because I feel like I cannot speak enough about my experiences with Donna and her school. Enrolling at Empire Academy was the best decision I ever made. So many beauty and makeup schools say they teach makeup but don’t really cover anything you haven't all ready read in a magazine or heard before!  At Empire, the information that you receive is so different than what's being taught/spread on TV, in your local cosmetics department, or even from a Dermatologist! And these people are considered "specialists!"  Having attended other schools before finding Empire, I can tell you, there is NO comparison! The education I received at Empire was far more advanced in artistry techniques, product usage, advanced skincare, dealing with clients and even in business/tax information. This really prepared me for the industry.
When I work with people, they are always impressed. I’m always asked, "How old are you? You know so much!" People are often surprised that I have so many answers for them. At 21 years old, I DO have a lot of information to give, and this is just the beginning of building my career as a makeup artist. I’m so happy to be able to make a difference in other people's confidence and perception of themselves, the way Empire changed those things for me. If you are an esthetician, hairstylist, aspiring makeup artist or just someone looking for great skincare SOLUTIONS...take the Introduction to Makeup Artistry course and you’ll be hooked. To Donna Mee and your staff, I would like to thank you so much for the opportunities and experiences I have received from Empire!

Empire is an exceptional Academy. The knowledge and confidence I have gained while in attendance has been beyond my imagination. Not only does Donna teach a wide variety of items from basic makeup applications and skin care, to photography lighting concepts but she also teaches on the importance of responsibility and confidence in yourself. Since I have attended Empire, I have done photo shoots, charity fashion shows, weddings/proms and continue to freelance on a weekly basis. Without attending Empire and gaining the knowledge that I did there, I wouldn’t have the confidence in myself to pursue my career as a makeup artist. I believe in the Academy so much, that I now assist at Empire hoping to give the current students the same knowledge and belief in themselves that I got when I was there!

“While trying to hold back tears, because that’s what happens when I talk about something I’m passionate about, this has been the best experience of my life. I learned amazing things without even realizing at the time how much my knowledge would affect other people and improve their lives.”

“When I started this class, I looked at it as an opportunity to just expand on my knowledge of makeup application. I thought it would be a fun and artistic way to expand on something I considered a hobby. Never did I think I would, after the first day, feel like I could just pick up, leave the career I had spent three years focusing on, and want to change my focus to makeup.”

After my first class, I learned more about makeup and myself than I ever thought possible. The classes are great and I now have the goal and confidence to learn and become the best. I know it will not happen overnight but with people showing me my mistakes, I feel confident to go on to all my other courses at Empire.”

“Before I started here at Empire Academy, I was working a 9-5pm job sitting behind a computer all day. I was miserable; it was my first job working at an office and not interacting with people. Deep down inside, I really felt a passion for makeup. I wanted to be a professional makeup artist so badly. I can’t tell you how happy I am that I made that decision (to come to Empire).”