Michelle's Profile
Job title
Interim Senior Lecturer
Academic qualifications
BA (Hons) Specialised Hair and Media Makeup
"I was a former award-winning UCB student, which gave me a lifelong passion for teaching. I went on to work across beauty, editorial, prosthetics, special effects, and historical hair and makeup and I bring all of these experiences into the classroom."
My first steps into the industry were in Beauty Therapy. After qualifying, I worked in a beauty salon and took on freelance makeup jobs on the side. Even back then, I knew I wanted to teach. As a former student at UCB, I was inspired by my lecturers and the incredible facilities available here. Winning ‘Student of the Year’ was a proud moment for me, and it sparked my dream to one day pass on the knowledge and skills I gained to others. Teaching at UCB feels like coming full circle for me, and I’m delighted to be able to inspire and support the next generation of creative talent.
Over the years, I’ve worked across beauty, editorial, prosthetics, special effects, and historical hair and makeup. Every project has taught me something new, and I always aim to bring those real-world lessons into the classroom. I believe the best learning happens when you can connect theory to practice, and I enjoy helping students see how the skills they’re building can transfer to so many different roles. I’m also passionate about sharing both the technical and creative sides of this industry with my students.
After gaining a wide range of experiences in the industry, I trained as a lecturer and now mostly teach courses in prosthetics, makeup, and research projects. Students often tell me that my lessons are informative and easy to follow, and I always make sure to recap anything that’s tricky or confusing. My advice to students is to stay on top of their studies and to ask questions if they’re unsure. My door is always open for a chat if anyone needs extra support or just wants to talk things through.
One thing I’d like to pass on to future students is that mistakes are part of the creative process, especially in makeup and prosthetics. Trust me, things almost never work out the first time! Practice really does make perfect, and every challenge is a chance to improve.
Outside of work, I love going to the gym and keeping fit, and I cherish spending time with my granddaughter. I’m also a big fan of period dramas and films, and I can’t help but check if the hair and makeup are true to the era. And a fun fact about me is that I’ve piloted a two-seater plane!