Studio W

2012-01-02T22:52:00.001-08:00

It's 2012 today we open the book. It's pages are blank. We are going to fill the empty pages ourselves. The book is called Opportunity..... Opportunity to fill your pages with your hopes, your ambitions, your dreams and desires. Today is New Year's Day, and today you begin filling your first chapter, so make each page count! I copied this from a friend’s Facebook post - I thought it was very fitting. A new year to start again. Studio W has some great new classes to offer this year - Special Effects, Body Painting and Portfolio Building!! We will be featuring some of the top industry professionals who will be sharing their talents and knowledge with our students. As we go into this new year what are your new year’s resolutions? Are you following your dreams and aspirations? How will you make an impact on the people around you? For me I’m blessed to be in a profession that I love and have a passion for. This keeps me inspired and on my journey - weather it’s making someone feel beautiful and special with the subtle nuance of doing their makeup or inspiring and motivating others!

As we go into this new year I look for new and fresh ideas on how to continue to give back to others going into this wonderful profession!

Cheers to a fabulous and beautiful new year!

Summer!!

2011-06-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again Summer; and Weddings are in full swing. Make a statement by creating a unique destination wedding in Hawaii. For all of your beauty needs Studio W is the top choice of brides, wedding planners, coordinators, videographers and photographers. Studio W is the preferred vendor for Hawaii’s top rated hotels to include; Sheraton Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian, The Outrigger Hotels, Aqua and Ilikai Hotels, Turtle Bay and Haiku Gardens

To inquire about our bridal beauty services call us at 808-371-8242 or visit us online www.studiowofhonolulu.com.

Studio W won the brides choice award in 2010 and 2011 from weddingwire.com and Martha Stewart for best hair and makeup services in Hawaii!

We look forward to working with you on your very special day!

Warmest Aloha,
Wendy

2011 Year of the Rabbit and Change

2011-02-28T09:01:00.000-08:00

Last year was a time for change and new beginnings, so be it. 2011 started off with a bang we had a great turn out at the Honolulu Bridal Expo - we love our brides! I had the opportunity to work with one of the bands I love - The Goo Goo Dolls for the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The Hilton Hawaiian Village was a great place to people watch, if you’re a football fan. Lots of action there.

Studio W was hired to work on Will Ferrell’s Funny or Die project in Hawaii. Nice group thank you for this opportunity. Isn’t it always the case you’re traveling and you get called for a job. I was called to do makeup for Oprah’s magazine an editorial spread for the May issue in Hawaii, unfortunately I was on my way back to Los Angeles.

Speaking of LA - I had a nice stay with my friend in Santa Monica. Went to the reunion party with the cast and crew from Pacific Blue on the USA network. It was really nice catching up with old friends, no one missed a beat it was like we could have gone right back to the set and picked up where we left off. Great to see everyone. Thanks Paula Tricky for an awesome party!! Darlene adore you - Mario Lopez was missing he was probably busy with the new baby..

I'm still looking for a unique - boutique makeup studio in the Las Vegas area. Our makeup programs are under way and we've already had a great turn out. From our last program we wish to congratulate Napua who is now doing makeup on fashion photo shoots with Ashley and has booked a few weddings - Great job Napua we wish you continued success with your projects! Congrats to Kathryn who is now working freelance with MAC, working on a print job that could be a billboard and booked her first wedding! Gissel who decided after taking our class she wants to do this as a career in addition to going back to school for esthetics. Nora is well on her way to Miami where she plans to contact Telemundo.. Yay girls this is what it's all about at Studio W. We give you the techniques and tools to succeed in your career choice!

Keep us posted on your continued success..

I have a few film projects in the works. Will post more once I have all of the details.

New* New* New* We will be adding a Special Effects makeup and Body Painting to our schedule. Look for details..

We won again yippee for the second year in a row - Brides Choice award from Wedding Wire & Martha Stewart for being in the top 5% nationally for excellence in service , quality and professionalism.

That's all folks as bug bunny would say.. Let’s hope the year of the Rabbit will bring opportunity and peace to everyone.

Studio W has left the Building!!

2010-05-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Exciting news - We have decided to expand our company’s wedding services working with vendors and brides in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Las Vegas. *News *News *News - We’ve moved out of our downtown location on Smith St. This started out as a great place to start our boutique makeup studio. As we discovered the Chinatown district in downtown Honolulu was not the right fit for us. We have a high level of standards and sophistication and the atmosphere we create for our clientele is very important to us. So we bid Chinatown – adieux!!!

Movie News- Wendy will be working on an yet untitled project will blog back with all the cool details.

Studio W is adding new staff as we continue to grow and expand!

I had so much fun in the last master class I can’t remember when I laughed so much, thanks ladies for making this last class a blast! Pictured from left to right - Deva, Angelina, Marylou, Me, Selina and Bianca

Big Congratulations to Studio W Makeup Academy Alumni Mahealani Mika Hirao-Solem who was crowned Miss Aloha Hula 2010 at the Merrie Monarch Festival. Way to go Mika!!

Finished working with Michelle and Mark they were married today - Happy Cinco de Mayo!! What a fun group from Australia. I wish them all the love, joy and happiness on their new journey together. We were working with L’Amour Photography Eric and Wendy you guys always make me smile, I love your energy!! One of these days I just have to make it down under I’ve met so many wonderful people from Australia.

My daughter always the prankster wanted a fake black eye for April Fool’s day as her mom I obliged fun makeup fooled everyone..

Pics from Trina & John's Wedding hey grooms need love too! Jill working her magic.

I hope you enjoy the new pics, I’ll post more of our wedding pics as we get them.

Happy 5th of May everyone!

New Year - Time of Change

2010-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

My new year’s promise is to update this blog more often! January was fantastic we met so many awesome brides at the Bridal Expo. Special thanks to all the models; who we were able to work our magic on. They all looked so pretty walking the expo floor in their wedding gowns. We can't wait to get some images from Eugene.

We won the brides choice award for 2010 from weddingwire.com!! We are in the top 5% of wedding vendors locally and nationally who have won this award; for quality, excellence in service and professionalism. Yay..

February finishing up the master makeup class- I had some wonderful students in my class. Wishing them all the best on their makeup journeys.. Tiana Tong one of our students, I have to give her a shout - she placed 4th in the world competition for face and body painting in Austria. Pretty cool. I'll include some pics of them doing what they do best, being creative..

March we are offering our professional makeup artists classes; on Hairstyling- for brides, commercial, fashion looks and photo shoots.

Studio W became a preferred vendor for Haiku Gardens in Kaneohe. A beautiful venue happy to be a part of this ohana. I love Haleiwa Joe’s they have some of the best food on our side of the island, good eats!

New changes are on the horizon for us. We will be relocating our studio and we will continue to offer our services – On- Location. We will keep you posted and updated with new changes.

Until next time- wishing everyone peace and beauty.

Giving Thanks

2009-12-17T00:20:00.000-08:00

I am in awe of how fast this year has gone by. I was looking at the last blog entry and couldn’t believe it was already August, now it's already the end of 2009. As I reflect back on this year I have a lot to be thankful for. My family

Friends

Brides: Raquel. Meredith we did this shot for a photo shoot with Wendy & Eric. Our Indian bride Ameet from Canada she was referred to us from another bride in Canada how cool is this!!

Students and associates who have made this a wonderful year. Forming new friendships, making people smile, giving our students the tools to be inspired, creative and have passion for what they do. I love what I do, it gives me a reason to smile.. Hey I'm thinking of my pal Dave Miyamoto, he makes people smile for a living you gotta love this! Also a big huge thank you to Wendy & Eric of L'Amour photography thanks guys for all the brides you’ve sent us this past year. I can’t express enough how honored we feel to have you refer us. Not to mention you're both so talented and a blast to work with.

So many new changes for us this year, we moved from our old studio space to the new space. Check out the new place below so much room, yay!! The old space was a bit cozy..

Students practicing the art of Airbrushing.

We added some new staff to take care of your beauty needs - a hairstylist and esthetician. Welcome Leina - Leina is expert at waxing, facials and eyelash extensions.

Heather our hairstylist has been with us for awhile, she's taking on more salon clients. Heather is great with color, cuts and styling she can even do hair extensions. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful staff in the salon and our amazing team of freelance stylists. Heather, Terri, Toni, Jill and Nathan thank you for all the hard work you do! Can’t wait for our holiday get together.

I’m also proud of the work our makeup graduates have been involved with-

Movies: Finding Gauguin & Coors Light Commercial, Music Videos, Short Films at UH, Various Photo Shoots, Fashion shows at the Honolulu Design Center, Tsunami, Bar 35, Level 4, and a few others.

Keep up the great work and follow your dreams nothing is out of reach.

Speaking of I was asked to speak at the Kailua Windward Boys and Girls Club. Any time I can inspire and motivate young girls to feel better about themselves, it's the best! I talked about what else makeup and the importance of taking care of your skin and good hygiene - start early! Heather talked about the importance of clean hair and scalp. It was a fun day plus we were able to go see the New Moon movie with them - nothing like having a bunch of girls screaming in a movie theater, ok Jacob is Hot!! So is Edward :)

I've included some pictures of this past year to show our journey with brides, students and well life in general. Hope you like them and a few from my photography class - a new hobby..

Next year I hope to be turning another corner creatively and I'm always up for some new adventures.. Cheers to 2010!

Summer Time

2009-07-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

As I sit here reading my last blog entry I can't believe it's almost August. Here’s a re-cap of our summer activities- In April we had the opportunity to expand our space. We re-opened Studio W May 1 our new address is 918 Smith St. Suite A ground floor across from Aloha Tower.

Our June graduating class has already worked on a photo shoot exciting NEWS..

Our March master makeup student Chantel is busy doing makeup and special effects on Maui. She's working as a key makeup artist for the feature film "Finding Gauguin" We are super proud of her accomplishments!!

As the makeup academy grows, I am happy to be able to provide a space for students to grow, learn, and to be inspired doing what they love.. Check back on Summer Time part deux for more blog news and pictures..

Heather and I are busy getting ready for the bridal expo this weekend at the Blaisdale. We will be talking with brides about their big day and doing makeup and hair- offering special discounts. Please stop by and say hello. Thanks Nathan - I just received your text and will be happy to have your creative energy to help us out this weekend!

Brides: Congrats to all of you beauties.. We wish you all the love, happiness and joy!!

Here are a few of our Brides & Grooms..

Congrats to: Mr & Mrs Miyamoto, and Nacholani :) Photo Credits: Dave Miyamoto & CO

Lindsay & Greg

Alice & Ashraf- Photo Credits: Visionary

Sukhi & Gordy- This was an awesome experience to be able to create a traditional Indian bridal makeup. Thanks Sukhi for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day out at Turtle Bay Resort.

I'm waiting for the pics to come back from her photographer Sunny from Canada. This picture was taken from my digital.

Christine & Matt- Photo Credits: Christie Pham

Kelly & Stephen - Photo Credits: Christie Pham

Kelly looking like a princess.

We will be collaborating on a few wedding shoots with Eric & Wendy of L'Amour Photography. Here’s a picture of Wendy taken at the March OWA meeting. We were asked to do the makeup and hair.. It was a lot of fun, always a good time with the OWA peeps :)

I love this look very retro, my favorite.

This picture from another collaboration with James Anshutz Photographer- Bride Wars

Here's another picture from our shoot:

This picture will be featured in the new Bridal Expo magazine to promote James Anshutz Photography, Studio W and Masako Formals - who graciously loaned us the dress for the photo shoot. Thanks again to James, Kumi and Pauline.

Wishing everyone a fun filled, beautiful weekend..

Beauty & Fun!!!

2009-05-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Wow I can't believe it's already the month of May.. My daughter will be turning 12 almost a teenager. Ah.. Can't decide on Ice Palace or Dave & Buster’s either way it will be a day of fun and laughter.. Maybe some tears my baby is growing up.

Still keeping busy with our brides, we love them! We just finished an awesome bridal photo shoot. Will post the pics when we get them.
Thank you to Kumi and Pauline of Masako Formals for your generous donation.

Studio W was invited to do the hair & makeup for the Look Hawaii Launch Party at the Honolulu Design Center we had a great time and had some beautiful faces to work on!

Big Mahalos to the team: Nathan, Sarah, Kela, Lesley & Christa and to Toni and Karlel for the invite!!
Here's a few pics:

Location- Location- Location - We've finally landed in our new space located at 918 Smith St Suite A. We didn't have to move too far a few doors down and our space is fantastic. We've added one full time hairstylist to take care of all in salon hair services and one part time hairstylist and an esthetician. We will now be including on our service menu haircutting, color, highlights, straight perms, facials, waxing and custom spray tanning. Both stylists have been in the beauty industries for over 10 years. Welcome Heather & Sarah. Look for the new photos of our Studio / Salon to post soon.

On the makeup academy front - I'm so proud of our students who have this last month participated in a fashion show, we referred a commercial to Christa and Chantel is up for a movie yay!!! Here's Christa doing makeup for LH fashion show.

Our graduates have been involved in movie shoots, commercials, photo shoots, music videos and weddings. I'm so proud of all of you, keep up the great work!

With summer almost here it's time to get your tan on - The safe way. Our tanning products are all organic. Come in and get the just kissed by the sun glow. You'll look like you've been on vacation for two weeks :)

Specials for May & June - Full body custom spray tanning for $45 normally $65 +

Waxing - Brazilian $45.

First time clients receive 10% off all beauty and in salon services. Call us to make your appointments 808-371-8242 or 525-7203.

Come in to the beauty bar for your custom blend foundations.

We transform the ordinary into the extraordinary! Wishing everyone a fun filled and beautiful summer :)

Grateful and Blessed!

2009-03-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Every day I get to make women look good and feel good especially on one of their most important days of their lives is truly a wonderful feeling! It’s such a gift to be included on this joyous and happy occasion! I am forever grateful to be in the profession I’m in.

Here are a few words from some of the recent brides followed by their pictures and a link to the Nohea’s big day! I wish them all the love , joy and happiness in their journey together….

Hi Wendy,

Thank You for the wonderful job you did. I can't thank you enough for making me look beautiful..Thanks again!

Heather

Aloha Kakou!!
Although our magical day has not quiet settled into our minds, as realty is supposed to, we find ourselves still in awe. Thanks again to everyone for helping to make this day so breathtaking and memorable. Thanks again to everyone for all that you do and for being part of our lives.

Attached is the email with web address for the pictures. Enjoy.

Love,
Nohea and Josh

http://clients.belrphotography.com/chelsie_josh/

And thank you’s and feedback we receive from the trial sessions we do..

Hi Wendy,
I just want to say thank you so much!!!!! I will give you my room info as soon as I know it. Thank you again you and Terry are great!
See you soon,
Lani

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for the trial session this past weekend. I love my makeup!

I'll keep you posted about what room we're in. We'll probably check in on Friday afternoon.

Mahalo,
Julienne

Here's a few pics from brides, trial sessions and a fashion show, we did this last month at Tsukiji's in Ala Moana we partnered up with Salon Blanc. I love partnering up with them they are great friends and wonderful artists!!

Pamela- Married on March 7, 2009

Rika Married March 14, 2009!

Congratulations to the newlyweds!!

NEWS****I’ll be a guest blogger from time to time for the daily fashion report with the Honolulu Advertiser!! I’ll be writing about what else, makeup-
what’s in, what’s hot, the latest trends and product info.

MORE NEWS***** Studio W is expanding to a larger space to include more hair services, full body waxing, spray tanning (just in time for summer) facials and massage therapy!! Bye Bye old space...

Will be offering specials for the month of June for bridal parties and spa parties!!

Check back for the latest… With updated pictures from the March Master Makeup & Airbrush Classes and our new space!!!!

Warmest Aloha,
Wendy

Fashionista Fashion Show at Pearl

2009-02-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

When Alyssa called me to do the makeup and hair for her show at Pearl Ultra Lounge my answer was yes yes!!I love doing fashion shows. We wanted to create a fun fresh look for spring and right now the fashion trend is tropical with a 50's flair this was my inspiration for the makeup & hair. The clothes were fun and sexy.

Here are a few photos from the show. Please excuse the fuzzy pics it was a long day we were up early for a wedding at 4am I'll repost new pics soon :)

Thanks Alyssa we had a fun time with the girls!

Brides &...............

2009-02-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

We started the year off at the bridal expo in January this is always a fun and upbeat event for us. I get a chance to talk and meet with soon to be brides who are excited, happy and a little stressed about getting everything organized. My best advice for brides once you decide on your wedding day. Try to book your vendors well in advance this will save you a lot of headache trying to book people at the last minute. Plus your favorite vendors may not be available. We book about two months in advance sometimes up to 4 months, we can accommodate last minute bookings. We had a big wedding party on Jan 31 congratulations to Nohea she looked beautiful! We wish you all the love and happiness on your new journey together.. Here's what she had to say about our services:

Aloha wendy!!

Thanks again for making me beautiful!!! You and your crew were awesome. I just wanted to share this with you. As soon as I get pictures from the photographers I will be sure to send them your way. Thanks again for everything. You guys are the best!!!

Aloha and God Bless
Mrs. Joshua Versola

pictures will post soon :)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

I’m not really into resolutions this year, I don’t think they mean too much. I do believe in reassessing yourself and striving to make changes that will benefit yourself and others. Life is too short to waste it on excuses or to put the important stuff off for tomorrow, after all what if tomorrow never comes. Be present with those around you, embrace your family and friends. Enjoy the gifts we have all around us. Don’t put off today… Do what makes you happy and follow your passions!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

A few images of the things in life that are the most important to me and make me happy!

Project Runway Designer Blayne Walsh Fashion Show at Skyline Waikiki

2009-01-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

We did this fashion show in December. One word to describe this a blast!! We had a lot of fun creating the makeup and hair looks for this show.. It was all about the crimping iron and big bold looks..

Personally I love to creating looks for fashion, it makes you step out of the box creatively..

I have to give a shout out and much love to Toni, Nicky, Heather & Liz you are my girls I couldn’t have done it without you!

Looking forward to the next big event we get to play at..
The following pics show some of our work and process..

Thanks Blayne for having us play in your sandbox!

2009-01-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

Wow - as I look at back and reflect on last year it was like a whirlwind. Here are some of the events my company has participated in. Plus I've had the opportunity to work with some very cool people.

Featured in Hawaii Film & Video - I was asked to be a guest columnist this year. I love to write so this was a no brainer. They ran a story on me in 2004 Hollywood celebrity makeup artist escapes to paradise. It was a nice article.

I've been living in Hawaii for almost 6 years now. When I get the chance to work in production I do. When I received the call to work on this movie I had no idea it was the Indiana Jones movie. Everything was kept very hush hush.. The film was shot in Hilo last year. It was a lot of work and even though we were in the jungle with rain, mud, nasty mosquito’s and long hours.. I had a great time I felt like I was back in my element I love working on set. We filmed on the Shipman property it was a beautiful backdrop for the film. We had a top notch crew. Harrison Ford celebrated his 65th birthday on our set what a highlight to get to sing happy birthday to one of the greats not to mention a gentleman.. I finally had the chance to meet and work with Fizz she’s a wonderful makeup artist. We have a few friends in common and to work again with an old friend Ken Diaz another great makeup man. I love to listen to his stories.. Good times!

Here I am working behind the scenes with the stunt guys!! It just rained on us and I’m drenched in this pic..

Our fabulous brow kits are featured in Hawaii Bride & Groom Spring/Summer Issue

Bridal expo in July. It was fun to see friends and talk with brides about their big day. My team and I were doing makeup and brow shaping. There’s nothing better than making someone look good and feel good on one of their most important days of their lives - it’s the best! My husband asked me about bridezillas he said don’t you worry about running into bridezillas I said no after working with celebrities for so many years brides are great we show up and make them look pretty they love it! We love our brides!!

Hawaii Women’s Expo- In September

YWCA-Downtown Decadence in October. Makeup & Hair by Studio W we had a great time with the ladies. If we can give back to a good cause and pamper women at the same time, well it just makes you feel warm and fuzzy…

We gave one lucky bomb listener (102.7 Da Bomb) a scholarship in August. I was on air talking with with Sam the man, Rella and Kaleo about my career as a celebrity makeup artist and about opening Studio W’s makeup academy. I did makeup on Rella we did a before and after, we had one of our students do makeup on Kaleo they are a lot fun.. They even tried to get some dirt imagine that on some of the celebrities I’ve worked with over the years, I guess you can’t blame them huh. Well I had to tell them something of course it was harmless!!! Makeup artists never kiss & tell :)

I was asked to participate at this year’s Aloha Tower First Fashion Friday Events- I was on a panel of experts to talk about this year’s newest makeup inspirations. I did two looks on our model to go from a day to night look- transformation. Our panel consists of Nadine Kam she’s is the fashionista with Star Bulletin & Midweek… Hugette Montesinos she’s the editor in chief of DISfunkshion Magazine. It was fun to be on stage with these women. I love to give out helpful advice and to talk about what else makeup! It’s my passion..

We are featured in Hawaii Magazine-

Our makeup academy is running an ad daily in the Honolulu Advertiser. We are Hawaii’s best instruction for makeup artists. We offer day and evening classes. Our education is structured for the beginner to advanced makeup artists. Check out our education info on our website www.studiowofhonolulu.com

Teaching is another passion of mine. I’ve been in the beauty and entertainment industries for over 20 years I’ve worked in Paris, NY and Los Angeles which is the mecca for Film, TV, Commercials and Print. If I can give back to students and help them on their path to creativity and thinking outside the box yay I love this.. To inspire and motivate. There’s nothing better..

Studio W had the pleasure to host the Oahu Wedding Association’s October meeting at our studio in Chinatown - This picture tells a 1000 words… I think I was channeling Boy George all about the 80’s baby hahaaaaa

My pals at Salon Blanc asked me to create the makeup looks for the first ever fashion beauty hair show they were doing at Level 4 in Waikiki. I designed the makeup looks and Salon Blanc worked the hair with creative hairstyling and haircuts. They are truly great stylists with so much creativity. I’m glad to call them friends.. Alan, Sam, Monica & Mia you are the best Hawaii has to offer when it comes to hair and style. Their place reminds me of a salon right out of Beverly Hills very stylish.. Here one of my makeup’s

Michele and I are getting ready to do another fun event tonight 11/19/08 at the Wedding Ring Shop 1181 Kapiolani Blvd- Corner of Kapiolani and Pensacola- Mini makeovers for brides.. We’ll be there from 6-9. Plus assorted pupu’s served by Honolulu Firemen, wine and signature cocktails by Kai Vodka, expanded collection of Tacori Fine Jewelry. Come join us ladies it’s going to be a great event! We hope to see you there.

Here I am working on one of our brides Amanda..

More to come!

Blush!!!

2008-11-18T19:19:00.000-08:00

My BFF called me over the weekend to tell me about a new reality show called Blush. It's about trying to find the best makeup artist in the world. Hey how come they didn't call me?? I consider myself to be one of the best I asked my husband what he thought he said there would be a conflict over Max Factor and Stargirl yes I say BUT the 100,000 prize would be fantastic.. Then I kick myself and say jeez why didn't I think of doing a show like this.. One of the contestants Mike I know him from a movie I worked on like a thousand years ago.. They have some character's on this show it makes for good entertainment if you’re in the biz...

Blush part 2-OK so now I don’t feel so bad about not getting the call for this show OMG! My first thoughts - where did they find these contestants??? Where did they get their training, if any? I am shocked at some of the unprofessional behavior shown by some of the contestants. In order to work and be successful in this business you have to satisfy the client and make them happy. It’s not about you or how good you think you are. The drama that goes on in this show. And Maxi you are just too much GIRL!!! Mike was kicked off the last episode bummer.. He was a film guy he did great special f/x makeup’s. I worked a low budget movie with him in the early 90’s. This is going to be great fodder for my makeup classes…

Rated- amusing and entertaining….

If you’re interested in receiving top notch makeup training here in Hawaii check out our makeup academy: Studiowofhonolulu.com

I thought I would add this article from Hawaii Film & Video magazine as an industry insider I’m asked from time to time to be a guest writer

The new ad for the school..