I work with some very talented hair and makeup artists in Toronto who have helped many clients enhance their natural beauty so that it shines in their photoshoots! Today I’m introducing you to Janet Ford, the owner of Ford Beauty. She’ll share her personal story as well as some of her “holy grail” beauty items!
Stay tuned for PART 2 next week where she will share her tips for doing your own hair and makeup for a photoshoot!
1. Hi Janet! Can you introduce yourself and your business?
Hi, I’m Janet Ford, a makeup and hair artist located in Markham who started my business Ford Beauty back in 2012. We offer in studio and mobile makeup applications, hair styling, custom hair extensions, lessons and pampering facials.
2. I know that your journey to this career was not a straight line! What are the steps that led you to a career in the beauty industry?
I wish I had an amazing story where I loved makeup and hair since I was 4 and knew this was my path in life, but I kind of came about this career in 2011 when I was struggling to find a makeup artist for my wedding. Back then social media was not up to today’s standards, and it was hard to search for an artist whose style I was looking for in Toronto. I ended up taking a skin care course and then doing my own makeup, along with my bridesmaids’ makeup for my wedding (I would not recommend doing makeup for others on your wedding day especially if you’re not a professional!). It was a stressful morning, but it all worked out and afterwards a few others asked if I can help them with their wedding day makeup. A year later, I started my business, and 2 years after that I left my full time job at a bank and pursued Ford Beauty full time. Really, if you embrace something new, you never know what doors will open for you.
3. Do you have a signature look that you do for clients? If so, can you describe it?
My primary clients are brides and maternity clients. My signature look would be flawless airbrushed skin that is lightweight to the touch, and makeup that will enhance your eyes and soft contouring to create depth for photos. We do get a few clients who want something more dramatic or something much more natural, but this tends to be our signature look.
4. What part of your job do you most enjoy?
I absolutely love meeting new people. I love hearing their stories, how they got engaged, how they came upon their work life, their family life, etc. Everyone has an amazing story and doing their makeup and hair, being together one on one, you really get to know their special story. I also meet my clients at some of the most exciting times of their lives, and that happiness and excitement just radiates through at our appointments.
5. There are some tools and products that every woman feels is their “holy grail” item. Do you have any of these?
I cannot live without a beauty blender. The way it applies and blends makeup to the skin, you cannot go back to brushes or hands. Another must-have is a lightly pigmented bronzer (I love Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer). With bronzer alone, you can lightly contour, add depth to your face, add colour when you feel washed out, and even use it as eyeshadow. It’s quite versatile. Last must-have is a good lash curler. With no makeup on, but just curling your lashes properly will make a world of a difference, opening up your eyes even on the most tiring of days.
6. What do you want people to know about when choosing a hair and makeup artist for their photoshoot?
I always recommend clients to choose an artist whose overall makeup and hair style they love. When looking at their work, do you like the majority of the photos? Or do you like one out of 50 pictures? It really shows you the artist’s signature style, and you can feel more confident that they can recreate and adapt that vision for you and your features.
Next week…
Can’t you just feel and sense how calming and comfortable Janet is to work with, just through reading her words?!
Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist is a wonderful treat for yourself and I highly recommend considering this when booking your Toronto newborn or family photoshoot. However, for the times where it’s not in the budget, next week’s post will feature Janet sharing her tips and tricks for clients who are interested in doing their own hair and makeup for their photoshoots! See you then!
See examples from sessions where Janet has done the makeup and hair:
This in-studio newborn session
This outdoor maternity session
Contact Ford Beauty
Ford Beauty can be found on Instagram, Facebook, their website (currently under construction), and by email at info@fordbeauty.com
