Local schoolgirl Kaicey Johnstone is going from the College classroom to the cosmetics industry by launching her own business. Kaicey, 16 from Spateson is studying Level 4 Makeup Artistry and Hairdressing as part of West College Scotland Schools programme as part of her studies at Johnstone High School.
After setting herself up on Instagram as a Makeup Artist around a year ago, gathering over 1800 followers so far, Kaicey recognised an opportunity in the market. She was inspired by other independent Makeup artists starting their own cosmetic businesses, so she was keen to get involved.
After a lot of research, Atrium Cosmetics was born, with a focus on selling faux mink eyelashes. Kaicey hopes this will expand in the future to include eyeshadow pigments, eye glitters and handmade lipglosses. The business name was born within the classroom! Kaicey shared the background of the brand saying, “I came up with the idea for Atrium Cosmetics whilst I was in my Biology class. I saw the word “Atrium” on the board as we were studying the chambers of the heart, so I just put it in front of cosmetics, and I loved it!”
Kaicey says that College has helped her get started by creating the opportunity for some valuable networking. She has had the chance to work alongside some of our Makeup Artistry and Beauty Therapy students who have shared their skills and passion for the industry with her. Kaicey says that she has been lucky enough to meet some of her best friends in the industry and they have given her a helping hand along the way. The support of her lecturer, Christine Brack also gave her the motivation she needed to take the brave step into the business world.
She said, “Before I came to College, I was working really hard on my makeup, doing up to 5 looks a day and uploading them to my Instagram page to increase my engagement. Thankfully it has paid off as I have seen my follower numbers grow, but then I became busy with schoolwork and had less time for makeup. But now that I am on the Schools Programme at College, I have time to solely dedicate to what I really love doing. College really helped bring back my passion for makeup and gave me the chance to experience the whole salon environment.”
Although she has her business head on now, Kaicey still recognises the importance of her education and hopes to complete her final school year, picking up skills related qualifications including Business and Photography. With a goal of studying Makeup Artistry at College in the future, Kaicey is committed to helping her brand grow and develop. She said, “I would love to have my own salon one day and stock my products. It is important to me to be able to offer great prices for outstanding quality products! The effort and investment I put into the brand really pays off when I see others loving my products!”
Karen Stevenson, Head of Hairdressing, Beauty and Makeup Artistry said, “Kaicey is an outstanding example of entrepreneurship and enterprising approach to becoming a young business owner to the pupils of the Schools programme and all of our students. We wish Kaicey all the best for the launch of Atrium Cosmetics in early 2021 and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!”
Follow Kaicey's progress on Instagram - @kaiceyelliemua @atriumcosmetics