Arriving from India in 2016 to study biology, Kashika Maini (@kashmainiartistry) had a clear path to medical school laid out in front of her. As is the way with most of life’s plans, she didn’t stick to the script.
Prior to taking a job as a sales receptionist, Kashika’s life didn’t involve makeup beyond skincare and sunscreen. “I thought makeup was too much, that it was about not liking oneself. For my job I had to wear makeup, so I got my first foundation and palette, and I fell in love with the process. That twenty minutes in the morning was my favourite part of getting ready.”
I was already doing makeup, but I wanted to learn more from a professional institution so they could guide me. The teachers at Blanche deliver critiques in a very positive way.
Kashika began to experiment with her makeup. She initially posted some of her looks on Instagram and was greeted with rave reviews from her friends and relatives. Her parents, at first skeptical of her career prospects, eventually noticed how passionate she was about her newfound art form. Their support was crucial when Kashika expressed her desire to expand her makeup knowledge by enrolling in Blanche Macdonald’s Global Makeup Program. As her love for makeup grew, so did her yearning to delve into areas such as airbrush, fashion makeup, and working on other people’s faces.
The teachers are very encouraging. It feels like a family. I think when you are in an environment of creative people, you get inspired by their ideas and by creating alongside them.
“I was already doing makeup, but I wanted to learn more from a professional institution so they could guide me. The teachers at Blanche deliver critiques in a very positive way. They teach you in the areas that you need to work on, and give you time for that. I want to be told when I am doing something wrong so I can improve my work.
“The teachers are very encouraging. It feels like a family. I think when you are in an environment of creative people, you get inspired by their ideas and by creating alongside them.”
I want to run the best beauty salon in Vancouver, and I want to hire all of the Blanche students to work there!
As Kashika ventures through her time at Blanche, she never ceases to consider what the future holds for her. She excitedly shares her ultimate goal for her makeup, and it is only a matter of time until she makes her dream a reality.
“I’m going to keep making looks for social media, especially makeup looks for other people, and continue to grow my presence online. However, my goal is to open the best beauty salon in Vancouver, which will have makeup, nails, hair, spa, everything. It will be your place to go to for all of these services at once, if you are going to an event, for example. I want to run the best salon in Vancouver, and I want to hire all of the Blanche students to work there!”
