A PROFESSIONAL make up artist who has worked with reality TV stars is giving students the chance to follow in her footsteps.

Claire Robinson is opening the first private academy of its kind in Middlewich and hopes to take trainees out on photo-shoots as part of their work experience.

The 30-year-old has teamed up with TPG Education, an established training company, to offer fully accredited courses in hairdressing and make up artistry.

"We believe this will be great for the community," said Claire, from Middlewich, who has now trained as a tutor. "Most students have to travel out to cities to gain qualifications and experience in these areas.

"We want to make it easier for people to train without the extra cost of travel."

TV celebrities will be at the academy's opening evening at the Whitehouse Business Centre on Lewin Street from 6pm to 9pm on Thursday, October 17, when canapes and Prosecco goodie bags will be available.

Northwich Guardian:

Professional make-up artist Claire Robinson is giving students the chance to follow in her footsteps

Students will be able to register during the evening. Only eight places are available on each make-up course.

Former hairdresser Claire funded her own private training to become a make-up artist after becoming a mum.

"I had to build up my own clientele through social media and recommendations," said Claire, who has a six-year-old daughter Miley.

"I now work on photo shoots with models and various reality TV shows. I really enjoy it."

Claire has worked with Naked Beach fashionista Jsky, ex On The Beach stars Laura-Alicia Summers and Ali Drew and celebrity Big Brother star Nicola McLean.

"You have to build up a really good relationship with the person you are working with," said Claire, who also has a lot of private clients. "They have to have trust in you.

"Sometimes my clients cry, they are so made up with the final look. It's just amazing! That's why I love my job.

"It's surprising how many people have zero confidence but once I put make up on their face and they look in the mirror, they say: 'Oh, my God, I love it!'"

Claire believes the 12-week course, which runs one day a week, will give people the chance to start a new career.

"I am so excited," she said. "This is something I have wanted to do for a while. I now have a teaching qualification and will be running the course whilst I am working in the industry.

Northwich Guardian:

Students will have a chance to go on photo shoots with Claire Robinson as part of their work experience

"I will be giving students the opportunity to go on shoots with me. They will learn that you have to be fast as you often have more then one client. I always know beforehand what look I'm going to create.

"Well established make up artist Molly O'Brien, who works with a lot of celebrities and has a big following on social media will will the level three course."

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Students will work with models in a professional photo shoot at the end of the course and their make-up skills will be captured on video, to help them secure employment.

"This is a new career path for me," said Claire. "I have built up a good reputation in the make-up industry. Now I want to build up a good reputation in the teaching industry. I want to make sure our students come out the best."