Our Instructors

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Jennifer “Jenny” Garner
Main Stage

Jennifer "Jenny" Garner, a Nashville native, has built an impressive career as a makeup artist over the past 16+ years. She began her journey working on models for runway shows and print ads, quickly discovering her passion for the world of television and film. Through dedication and hard work, Jenny has collaborated with a wide range of companies and contributed to numerous high-profile productions. For over seven years, she's been an integral part of the NFL Network's hair and makeup travel team, preparing talent for live broadcasts at major events like Thursday Night Football and the Super Bowl. In 2022, after years of aspiring to join the prestigious lATSE Local 798-the union representing top-tier hair and makeup artists-Jenny proudly met the requirements for membership. Her artistry can be seen across multiple major networks and platforms, including Netflix, BET, NBC, Hulu, ABC, Lifetime, Disney, CMT, and more, showcasing her versatility and expertise in the industry.

speaker
Elaine Sterling
Instructor

Elaine started in the industry as a massage therapist in South Africa, where she honed her European-style spa and salon techniques. Elaine combined her passion for European sophistication and salon styles with American science, technology, and innovation. She continues to stress the importance of education and challenges her students to understand the value of hosting guests and catering to them with polish and elegance. ESI has a breathtaking campus with an elegant appearance and chic style. Elaine states, “I want my students to remember where they started, so when they go off to start their own business or work for other companies, they carry themselves with sophistication and standard. A client never forgets.” Elaine started her school with a credit card and only six students. She taught every class until she was able to add instructors and additional programs. The expansion of ESI makes it one of the largest accredited beauty schools of its kind. The institute certifies students in cosmetology, massage therapy, nail care, and esthetics. Elaine also created an esthetic line, Elaine Sterling Skincare, that embodies her passion for American science and European flare.

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Bethany McLean
Instructor - Demo Stage - "Face Painting"

Bethany has been a professional body artist in the Atlanta area for over 8 years, providing face painting, full body painting, and hand drawn henna temporary tattoos. She has trained with some of the best face and body artists in the country and has won awards in competition at the Face and Body Art International Convention. She is currently on staff at the Georgia Aquarium, paints regularly at restaurants around Atlanta for kids’ nights, and is available for any event…birthday parties, promotions, photo shoots, baby showers, and more!

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Syvonne Richardson
Instructor - Demo

Meet Syvonne! She is a GMMA graduate and professional makeup artist hailing from the beautiful United States Virgin Islands. For over a decade, she has been mesmerizing viewers with her incredible talent. From numerous photoshoots to captivating commercials and being a key artist at fashion shows, Syvonne's journey began in her early years while working at MAC Cosmetics, a local makeup store in St. Thomas, USVI. In 2014, Syvonne made a life-changing decision to relocate to Georgia, driven by her passion for film and television. Her exceptional work has graced the screens of popular TV shows including the iconic 'The Wonder Years' reboot and the beloved Netflix favorite, 'Black Lightning.' Additionally, she has made her mark in independent horror films and collaborated with some of Atlanta's top photographers, including the renowned Kevon Richardson, Will Sterling, and Jeffrey Moustache, among others. Beyond her ability to take creative risks and push conceptual boundaries, Syvonne is deeply committed to making women feel beautiful. Her artistry not only aims to shock and captivate but also to empower and uplift. Whether it's creating that ultimate scare or enhancing natural beauty, Syvonne's passion shines through in every project she undertakes. To delve further into Syvonne's captivating work, you can explore her Instagram page, @precious__artistry, and discover more about her career on her online IMBd profile.

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Stephanie Anderson
2017 Past Honoree - Body Art Maqui / Judge - Body Art

Stephanie Anderson Award Winning Body Painter, Theatrical MUA, Special Effects and Fine Artist based in Atlanta.

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Lay’Na Anderson
Instructor

With a love of color and a creative mind, Lay’Na Anderson started her career in makeup while attending school for her esthetician license. After being sent on an audition for a makeup job by the Director of Education, Lay’Na began doing makeup full time while attending school. (And yes she got the job!) As a makeup artist for over 15 years, Lay’Na’s work can be seen in print, television and major motion picture. Lay’Na was an artist at CNN and traveled for a decade with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics as part of their freelance team. More recently, Lay’Na has designed looks for film and television, including but not limited to: Single Ladies, Teen Wolf, ID Thief, 42, The Watsons Go To Birmingham and Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Lay’Na’s philosophy: “Be Inspired…know what works for you and NEVER be afraid to reinvent yourself!”

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Darla Wigley
Judge - SFX

Darla Wigley is a self taught ball of fire with an ever vibrant zeal for the makeup arts. Her 20 years of experience in the fields of special effects and beauty makeup have span from Seattle to Key West. Darla runs a full service studio for film, TV and indie projects, creating everything from basic makeup looks to prosthetics, masks and props. Constantly honing her skills, Darla has even developed her own retail line of prosthetics. Equally skilled in all types of makeup, Horror is dearest to Darla and has brought her quite renown within the haunt industry. She is a regular speaker at haunt tradeshows and seminars. Taking on the task of Key Makeup Artist for a local haunted house, she has taught the team the skills necessary to take them from just a local haunt to a national acclaimed haunted attraction. Darla sees a makeup artist not as someone that just does makeup adding colors to the skin. She sees an artist as one who lives within their craft creating skilled adventures into fantasy, horror and beauty. She loves teaching her skills and visions to others.