On Monday night we opened the studio to the public and it was one of the first times that people got a sneak peak of our brand new space!  The Contour Workshop, with special guest teacher Ryan Jones of Japonesque makeup (along with model Caitlin representing Benefit cosmetics) was a BLAST!!! With the Glam Squad logo proudly on the windows for all of Broad street to see, it was amazing to see the reaction and excitement of the workshop attendees in  the new space!  We also couldn’t help but notice all the stares from people walking by, trying to peek in the windows to see what all the fuss was about and why we were having so much fun inside The Shoppes at the Renaissance. 

The excitement only continued as the group filled into the studio to look for their hand made name tags and have tastings of the different wines that the Vine Wine Club provided for the event! The Vine Wine Club is one of our friendors located at The Shoppes with us and they provide luxury wine tastings that are perfect for a girls night or a workshop like this one!  They also do a subscription service to keep your wine cravings handled.  

When Ryan Jones sashayed into the building and began setting up under the bright Glam Squad lights, you could just feel the energy in the room.  Ryan has been friend of mine for a little while now, and he had come to guest teach during one of our Makeup Courses with the Glam Squad Academy. So when we were breaking out the special Contour Workshop for others who weren’t Glammies-in-training, we knew he would be absolutely perfect to teach the class!  

With his expertise on all things makeup and representing Japonesque Cosmetics he definitely knew how to bring the glam! The last time that Ryan was with us I didn’t get to fully enjoy the lesson because I was teaching along side of him, but this time I left the logistics of the event to Amanda and the rest of the team so I could have the same experience as the students this time, and I am so glad that I did!  

As a makeup artist and a hairstylist, it is important to understand that the industry we are in is always changing, which means that our techniques and skills can always be built upon! Even after 27 years in the business I still learn new things each and every day from my glammies and from people like Ryan, especially because no two artists execute a look in the same exact way with the same products! 

When it comes to contouring, Ryan shared all of his favorite tricks with all of our attendees and explained his favorite brushes to use too.  He had a TON of pallets that we all got to swatch and get our hands on (and yes, were talking about all those fabulous ANASTASIA Beverly Hills highlight pallets!!!)  

“You want that credit card cut girl! But you don’t want to look like you’re gearing up for a Drag Race,” was just one of the hilarious phrases that Ryan used while teaching.

There were so many laughs shared all around, but my favorite part of the workshop had to be what happened after the lesson.  The excitement was so very evident as the attendees gathered around the different stations in the studio to practice the techniques that they had just learned!  Ryan even started highlighting everyone, making sure that everyone left with a little bit of sparkle and a whole lot of glam!

We love being able to provide these complimentary workshops and classes for people who are curious about joining our team or learning more through the Academy.  If you missed it, but are still interested in coming to see the space and find out about whats coming up, please join us on Tuesday March 28 at 6:15pm at our studio, 101 W Broad St RVA, for an informational meeting for the Bridal Makeup course starting on April 10.  This will be a night to come and ask questions, learn more about whats ahead for the makeup class and register to solidify your spot!  Email glamsquadacademy@gmail.com to RSVP!