The path to success: how to open your own make-up school. The story of Iconface founder Ksenia Nikitina

Ksenia Nikitina

Founder and creative director of Iconface professional make-up school. Make-up artist, master of international class

I came to Moscow from Dnepropetrovsk. At home, I received an architectural education - I studied for 6 years at the Pridneprovsk State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and became a specialist. Since then, I have been “dreaming” with ideal proportions, looking for the harmony of lines and shapes. I thank education for my structural thinking. I drew and mastered makeup techniques - it captured me. It turned out better and better - I tried endlessly, preparing models for shooting, honing the technique on different faces.

My first teaching experience happened in 2001, at the make-up school "VIS-ART" (Ukraine). I worked for a year and realized that I wanted to move on. I easily packed my bags and moved to the capital.

I already had the idea of ​​my own school in my head, but I wanted to explore all aspects of the process. From 2005 to 2008 I taught at the Moscow School of Makeup Artists "Forum" (then she was the most famous in Moscow). The "Forum" trained specialists in the fashion industry - they focused on glossy magazines, shows and movies. In 2008, I stood at the origins of the Make-up Code image school - there I began to develop my own teaching methodology. The point was to produce not just makeup artists, but modern specialists in their field. I "rehearsed": observed, drew conclusions.

In 2011, I plucked up my courage and opened the first set at my own Iconface make-up school. From the very beginning, I set the bar high for myself. I had the best cosmetics, for example, Shu Uemura, a brand for make-up artists Ben Nye and Illamasqua (it is not yet in Russia). For the first three years, I was at Iconface 24 hours a day. I gave my students everything, taught everything I know, answered any questions. That is why people came to me from other cities and countries. From the very beginning, I put myself in the place of a student, paid maximum attention to visitors. It is important for me that the student receives comprehensive information by going to Ksenia Nikitina.

When I opened the school, I realized that my relatives were suffering - then I decided to recruit assistants. Hardworking, honest, with a spark in his eyes. I am proud of my team - only fans of their profession work for me. They like to arrive early in the morning and leave after midnight. I, in turn, never offend anyone! My important principle is to pay people money for any work. My team receives a salary, but gives me much more - they begin to live their own business.

To create the best makeup school, you need to sincerely promote the growth of each employee. I teach everyone! Working at Iconface starts as an assistant: you take all the school's courses for free and reach such a level of knowledge that it would be a pleasure for me to call you part of the team.

Why did my school quickly become successful? I'm not trying to save on the important. Now the Iconface office is located in the Federation Tower of Moscow City, in the offices there are panoramic windows with perfect natural light. We have thought over the interior to the smallest detail - it is very functional: powerful lamps, modules for storing huge stocks of our cosmetics, high chairs, which are really comfortable to sit on.

I rely on non-indifference: after class, I help to draw up a case and advise on opening my own LLC. If people believe in me and want to study at Iconface, I want to complete the program 100 percent. From the very beginning, I put myself in the place of a student, paid maximum attention to visitors. Imagine: a guy from Vladivostok is flying to me, he spent crazy money on a ticket. He rents an apartment in Moscow for a month, pays for food, and no one answers his questions! It's a disaster.

I come to work like a holiday! I can paint, speak and explain for five hours in a row. My profession is not a way to earn money. I see in it a great opportunity for self-realization, helping people and loving them. Many consider my work fun and easy - no one thinks about sleepless nights, two children (the second is 5 months old) and responsibility.

People constantly come up to me and ask what I need to do to work at Iconface. First of all, I shouldn't be asked these kinds of questions. Secondly, I myself see who can do it. We are looking for people who understand what work is. It's like a sport, they train every day. Those who see how the work actually happens and are ready to work quickly become stars, they are chosen by big brands.

On the final day of the Foundation course, I spend 5 hours telling people about their year of life after Iconface - telling them what they need to do to become a star. Make a portfolio, hone your technique, create the perfect case, pick up working photos. Who is following this advice? 1 percent! I ask students to use the hashtag #iconface so I can see their progress. From last year's set (15 people), there are only two girls who "plowed" as I asked. If I need people, I'll take them.

I have a favorite graduate - Tim Leo. You will be surprised, but I do not consider him initially talented. He has his own shading technique, Tim does not hold the brush according to the canons. Releasing Tim, I said: "If you do not draw every day, nothing will work out." He painted from morning to night, looking for any job. After 5 years, he became a big star.

What do I think of natural talent? I have only one example in my team - Anastasia Kruglova. She draws brilliantly. All the rest are plowmen who have reached the level of Kruglova by constant work.

Text: Dilara Telyasheva

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