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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know About Starting Your Journey With Us!
Getting Started
Who are your courses for?
Our courses are designed for everyday women ready to create a new future for themselves - whether you're starting from scratch or returning to something you’ve always loved.
They’re perfect for:
◾ Career changers who want more purpose and flexibility
◾ Mums ready to build a profitable side hustle or new career
◾ Creatives of any age who want to turn their love for beauty into income
You don’t need any prior experience - just the drive to learn, show up, and take bold steps toward a career that lights you up.
If you’ve ever said “I wish I’d done this sooner” - this is for you.
Do I need to do both Hair Styling and Makeup Artistry or can I do just one?
You can choose to do just one - either hair or makeup - depending on your passion, budget, and goals.
But if you’re serious about working in the industry, we highly recommend learning both.
Why? Because artists who offer both services are booked 3x more often and earn more per client - especially in bridal and special event work.
It is well known in the industry that approx 80% of paying clients prefer to book one artist who can do it all. Offering both hair styling and makeup makes you more convenient, more valuable, and far more likely to stand out in a competitive market.
You don’t need to do both at the same time - many of our students start with one and return for the other once they gain confidence. Either way, we’ll support your growth at every step.
What Are the Entry Requirements?
There are no formal entry requirements - you don’t need previous experience, qualifications, or a portfolio to join.
Our courses are designed for complete beginners through to artists who want to refine their skills.
All you need is:
◾ A passion for beauty
◾ A commitment to show up and do the work
◾ A willingness to learn and grow
Whether you're switching careers, returning to work, or finally pursuing something for yourself — you’re welcome here.
I have previously learnt from another school, can I join your course?
Absolutely. In fact, a significant percentage of our students come to us after completing courses elsewhere. Many find that larger institutions teach outdated techniques or lack the personalized, hands-on guidance needed to feel truly confident.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution, or an established working artist wanting to sharpen your skills, master modern high-end trends, and elevate your technique, you are incredibly welcome here. Our intimate class sizes and precise, detailed mentoring are designed to take your artistry to the next level.
Whether you are a recent graduate looking to bridge the gap between theory and real-world execution, or an established working artist wanting to sharpen your skills, master modern high-end trends, and elevate your technique, you are incredibly welcome here. Our intimate class sizes and precise, detailed mentoring are designed to take your artistry to the next level.
Can I work in the industry after completing your course?
Yes! Most of our students come to us because they want a no fuss approach to a course that will certify them to work in the industry. We teach our students exactly what they need to know when it comes to working in the bridal, glamour, fashion and media industries, building their own businesses, working in a salon, working in retail or becoming a freelance hair stylist and makeup artist. We don’t complicate things, instead our curriculum is designed so that everything you learn in our course is actually realistic to what you will do as a working professional, we skip the fluff!
Do I need a Diploma or Certificate to work as a Hair Stylist or Makeup Artist?
The short answer is no, not for the vast majority of the industry. You do not need a government qualification to work in bridal, glamour, editorial, runway, fashion, retail, or to launch your own successful freelance business. In these lucrative fields, clients and agencies only care about three things: your talent, your professionalism, and your portfolio.
The only exception is if you want to work exclusively in film, television, or special FX (SFX). Those highly specific fields often require a 12-to-18-month institutional diploma, which can cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with significant student debt before you even start working.
If your goal is to master high-end commercial, bridal, and glamour styling, an intensive, practical course is the smartest investment. It gets you industry-ready and earning an income in weeks, not years.
The only exception is if you want to work exclusively in film, television, or special FX (SFX). Those highly specific fields often require a 12-to-18-month institutional diploma, which can cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with significant student debt before you even start working.
If your goal is to master high-end commercial, bridal, and glamour styling, an intensive, practical course is the smartest investment. It gets you industry-ready and earning an income in weeks, not years.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes you will, we ask students to complete at least 80% of their course as well as pass their final assessment in order to receive their certificate.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Join?
Yes. We’ve had students as young as 13 and as experienced as 60.
If you’re under 18, we may ask for parent or guardian permission - but if you’re passionate and ready to learn, age is never a barrier here.
What matters most is your attitude and your willingness to take the first step.
Confidence & Skills
I have never Done Hair or Makeup Before, I have no experience. Can I still join?
Yes you can join if you have no experience. Most of our students start as complete beginners - many even doubt themselves. Our classes are hands-on, small, and supportive, so you can build skill and confidence step by step.
I’m not confident or good at hair and makeup - will I fall behind?
Not at all. Everyone learns at their own pace, and we support you through everything. You'll never be rushed or left behind. Confidence comes with experience - we’ll help you build both.
Payments & Pricing
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we have 2 payment plans to choose from. Once you pay the course deposit on our website which secures your seat, you can pay the remaining balance one of 2 ways. Choose between 2 split payments or weekly payments spread throughout the duration of your course.
Are there hidden fees?
No hidden costs. Your course fee covers your tuition, products used in class and access to our beauty app for support after the course.
How are your courses structured to offer better value than traditional institutions?
Traditional accredited courses often cost between $6,000 and $17,000 and drag out over 12 to 18 months due to rigid, bureaucratic government requirements.
We have purposefully streamlined our curriculum to eliminate the unnecessary fluff. By focusing exclusively on intensive, high-end practical skills and modern business training, we deliver an elite education in a fraction of the time. You graduate faster, save thousands on unnecessary tuition, receive a professional kit included in your fees, and start earning an income as a working artist months ahead of your peers.
We have purposefully streamlined our curriculum to eliminate the unnecessary fluff. By focusing exclusively on intensive, high-end practical skills and modern business training, we deliver an elite education in a fraction of the time. You graduate faster, save thousands on unnecessary tuition, receive a professional kit included in your fees, and start earning an income as a working artist months ahead of your peers.
Course & Delivery Info
How many students are in the class?
We cap our classes at a maximum of 12 students to keep your learning personal and hands-on.
Once we reach more than 6 students, we bring in a second trainer to ensure you get plenty of one-on-one support.
This means no overcrowded classrooms, no waiting in line for help, and no feeling lost in the crowd.
You’ll always have direct access to your trainers, real-time feedback, and the chance to ask questions as you go — which is essential when learning practical skills like makeup and hair.
Does the course come with a professional kit?
No, and that’s intentional.
As a professional hair and makeup artist, it is essential for you to understand what to look for when buying products for your kit and it is very important for you to try different brands.
Instead of limiting you to one brand or product range, we supply a wide variety of professional tools and products for you to use in class.
This gives you the chance to experiment with multiple brands, compare different formulas, and figure out what actually works for you - and your future clients.
We’ll teach you how to build your own personalised kit based on your style, budget, and the kind of work you want to do.
Most courses that include a pre-packed kit lock you into one or two brands, and chosen by someone else - this limits your growth. Our approach gives you the skills and freedom to make educated, industry-level decisions from the start.
We supply everything, our students only need to bring a few items disposable items.
We supply everything, our students only need to bring a few items disposable items.
Is your course nationally recognised?
No, and that’s by design.
We’ve chosen not to follow the government-accredited curriculum because it’s often outdated, overly rigid, and doesn’t reflect what the beauty industry actually demands today.
Our courses are built around real-world, on-trend techniques that are current, in demand, and aligned with what clients expect — not what’s written in a government manual.
You’ll graduate with a Certificate of Attainment from the Academy of Hair & Makeup, which is all you need to gain insurance, start working, and build a professional freelance career.
How do I enrol?
For hair styling click the Professional Hair Styling page, and for makeup click the Professional Makeup Artistry page, select Face To Face courses and Add to Cart, it’s that simple! When you complete the enrolment online, you can choose to pay the full amount up front or you can pay a $500 non refundable deposit, reserves your place, and pay the balance through our interest free payment plan. Once we receive your enrolment from our end, we will email you a course confirmation, along with your course modules and everything you need to know.
Who will be my trainer be?
You will be mentored directly by our elite team of industry professionals: Alondra, Diana, Helen, or Millie. For our larger classes, you will benefit from having two trainers in the room to ensure maximum hands-on guidance. Every educator at the Academy is an active, successful artist with a wealth of real-world experience.
Alondra Gatae (Founder & Director): A self-taught master artist with over 25 years of international industry experience. Having worked with iconic global brands like CHANEL, MAC, Dior, and YSL, Alondra founded the Academy to empower the next generation. She focuses heavily on building your technical confidence and teaching you the exact business systems needed to thrive as a high-earning professional.
Diana (Senior Educator): A former National Makeup Artist for CHANEL, Diana is renowned for her sharp, flawless technique and deep industry knowledge. She brings an unmatched level of precision to the classroom, with a true passion for helping students master their artistry and step into the industry with absolute confidence.
Helen (Senior Educator): A highly accomplished senior artist known for her exceptional technical precision and industry expertise. Helen brings years of salon, bridal, and commercial experience to the classroom, guiding students to master flawless, high-end execution with patience and detail.
Millie (Educator & Mentor): A standout graduate of the Academy turned successful industry professional. Now actively working across high-end bridal and major fashion shows, Millie brings a relatable, inspiring, and highly supportive energy to the studio, helping students seamlessly transition from learning to working.
Our training team is transparent, patient, and completely invested in your success—both in mastering the artistry and launching your business.
Alondra Gatae (Founder & Director): A self-taught master artist with over 25 years of international industry experience. Having worked with iconic global brands like CHANEL, MAC, Dior, and YSL, Alondra founded the Academy to empower the next generation. She focuses heavily on building your technical confidence and teaching you the exact business systems needed to thrive as a high-earning professional.
Diana (Senior Educator): A former National Makeup Artist for CHANEL, Diana is renowned for her sharp, flawless technique and deep industry knowledge. She brings an unmatched level of precision to the classroom, with a true passion for helping students master their artistry and step into the industry with absolute confidence.
Helen (Senior Educator): A highly accomplished senior artist known for her exceptional technical precision and industry expertise. Helen brings years of salon, bridal, and commercial experience to the classroom, guiding students to master flawless, high-end execution with patience and detail.
Millie (Educator & Mentor): A standout graduate of the Academy turned successful industry professional. Now actively working across high-end bridal and major fashion shows, Millie brings a relatable, inspiring, and highly supportive energy to the studio, helping students seamlessly transition from learning to working.
Our training team is transparent, patient, and completely invested in your success—both in mastering the artistry and launching your business.
What is the Hair and Makeup Artist 1-on-1 Business Coaching Program?
Our 1-on-1 Business Coaching Program is an exclusive, private accelerator for beauty professionals, studio owners, and educators who want to scale their revenue and build a premium brand. This is not a beauty tutorial—it is strategic business coaching focused on elite branding, automated systems, and high-end client acquisition.
Who is this program designed for?
It is for ambitious artists and business owners who want to break into the luxury market, command premium rates, build teams, or streamline their internal operations. If you want to stop trading time for money and step into a CEO mindset, this is for you.
What exactly will we work on?
Your roadmap is entirely customized, but we focus heavily on:
Premium Positioning: Elevating your brand to attract high-paying clients.
Systems & Automation: Setting up CRMs and workflows so your business runs smoothly.
Smart Marketing: Mastering client acquisition without guessing your next move.
Mindset: Breaking through income ceilings and overcoming business bottlenecks.
How is this different from a standard business course?
No generic templates here. You get direct, 1-on-1 access to a founder with 25+ years of international industry experience. We don't do cookie-cutter; we look under the hood of your specific business and build the exact systems you need to thrive.
How do I get started?
To maintain a high standard of mentoring, spots are strictly limited and by application only. The first step is to book a private Business Discovery Call so we can look at your current structure and see if we are a perfect fit.
Who is this program designed for?
It is for ambitious artists and business owners who want to break into the luxury market, command premium rates, build teams, or streamline their internal operations. If you want to stop trading time for money and step into a CEO mindset, this is for you.
What exactly will we work on?
Your roadmap is entirely customized, but we focus heavily on:
Premium Positioning: Elevating your brand to attract high-paying clients.
Systems & Automation: Setting up CRMs and workflows so your business runs smoothly.
Smart Marketing: Mastering client acquisition without guessing your next move.
Mindset: Breaking through income ceilings and overcoming business bottlenecks.
How is this different from a standard business course?
No generic templates here. You get direct, 1-on-1 access to a founder with 25+ years of international industry experience. We don't do cookie-cutter; we look under the hood of your specific business and build the exact systems you need to thrive.
How do I get started?
To maintain a high standard of mentoring, spots are strictly limited and by application only. The first step is to book a private Business Discovery Call so we can look at your current structure and see if we are a perfect fit.
Do you accept international students?
Yes, international students are welcome at the Academy. Because we are a private institution, we do not have the complex visa or entry restrictions often required by government universities. Our fast-tracked, intensive format is ideal for international students looking to gain elite, industry-ready skills without committing to years of study.
Do you offer government funding or VET student loans?
No, we have intentionally chosen to remain a private academy.
Government funding is typically reserved for traditional, 12-to-18-month institutional courses that cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with substantial student loan debt. Instead, we offer streamlined, high-value education. By cutting out institutional bureaucracy, we keep our tuition efficient and cost-effective, offer flexible internal payment plans, and include your professional kit in the fees so you can graduate debt-free and start earning immediately.
Government funding is typically reserved for traditional, 12-to-18-month institutional courses that cost upwards of $10,000 and leave you with substantial student loan debt. Instead, we offer streamlined, high-value education. By cutting out institutional bureaucracy, we keep our tuition efficient and cost-effective, offer flexible internal payment plans, and include your professional kit in the fees so you can graduate debt-free and start earning immediately.
