Faculty
Nini Jenkins- Owner and Educator
Jackie van Riet- Color science, Complexion
Lauren Taylor- Director of Education
Nini is multi-skilled and has been in the makeup industry as an artist and an educator. Nini works in all facets of the industry and is a proud member of
IATSE Local 476.
Her greatest passion of all is helping people and building a community of support. As an makeup educator and a seasoned makeup artist, she started to realize the level o
Nini is multi-skilled and has been in the makeup industry as an artist and an educator. Nini works in all facets of the industry and is a proud member of
IATSE Local 476.
Her greatest passion of all is helping people and building a community of support. As an makeup educator and a seasoned makeup artist, she started to realize the level of education and support artists needed in Chicago. Thus, Chicago Makeup School was born.
Lauren Taylor- Director of Education
Jackie van Riet- Color science, Complexion
Lauren Taylor- Director of Education
Lauren brings 20 years of experience as a makeup artist that started her career in the theatre department in college and continued to gain education and knowledge in multiple fields of the industry. As one of the partners for the esteemed bridal company in Chicago, We Only Do Pretty, she learned first hand the business side of artistry an
Lauren brings 20 years of experience as a makeup artist that started her career in the theatre department in college and continued to gain education and knowledge in multiple fields of the industry. As one of the partners for the esteemed bridal company in Chicago, We Only Do Pretty, she learned first hand the business side of artistry and how to develop and grow an establishment that is focused on client relationships.
As the Director of Education and an instructor, Lauren is able to apply her knowledge and experience to Chicago Makeup School.
Jackie van Riet- Color science, Complexion
Jackie van Riet- Color science, Complexion
Jackie van Riet- Color science, Complexion
Jackie is a passionate and inspiring educator and makeup artist who travels across the country teaching makeup classes. For Jackie, the true joy lies in the transformative power of makeup, as she takes great pleasure in helping individuals discover their best selves. Jackie eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share her extensive knowle
Jackie is a passionate and inspiring educator and makeup artist who travels across the country teaching makeup classes. For Jackie, the true joy lies in the transformative power of makeup, as she takes great pleasure in helping individuals discover their best selves. Jackie eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share her extensive knowledge in color theory and tattoo coverage with the students of Chicago Makeup School.
Shannon Rodriguez- Fashion/ Runway, Editorial
Shannon Rodriguez is highly skilled makeup artist based in New York.
She started her career as a mixed media artist and was introduced to makeup artistry by a close friend. There she found that being a Makeup Artist involved color theory, light, and texture much the same way as when she was creating art pieces.
She enjoys working in beauty, commercial, fashion, kids, and editorial work. Shannon is obsessed with the contrast between perfected skin and texture. She is a Makeup Impressionist.
When Shannon is not doing makeup, she enjoys traveling (she’s been to over 15 countries) watching horror movies, and going to art museums.
Andrea Samuels- Red Carpet
Andrea Samuels, is an award- winning celebrity makeup artist, hair stylist, and educator based in LA. Andrea began her creative career drawing and sketching people at the age of two. At age nine, she earned a scholarship to take a semester of art college courses at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Andrea's passion for art merged into makeup when she experimented with makeup for her senior prom.
Soon after, Andrea graduated from Makeup First school and started chasing her dreams. She began assisting celebrity artists like Sir John, DeShawn Hatcher, Gucci Westman and the late AJ Crimson. Andrea worked on NYFW runway shows as a Key Makeup Artist. She then moved from Chicago to LA, where she became successful and was signed by a reputable agency.
Mo Drennon- Gender affirming
Mo Drennon is a multidisciplinary creative artist. Their experience ranges from editorial and commercial work to short films, music videos, and awards shows.
Mo is excited to teach gender-affirming makeup class for Chicago Makeup School.
Nicole Kubiesa- Digital Marketing
Nicole is a makeup artist and marketing expert based in Chicago. She has experience in sales, marketing, and social media. Nicole assists companies in implementing proper social media strategies and digital marketing techniques to increase brand awareness. She would be an excellent addition to Chicago Makeup.
Pia Macias- Special Effects
Pia is a talented makeup artist with a passion for character design. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with esteemed individuals such as Michael Shannon and Matt Walker from the Smashing Pumpkins. She has also worked on TV series for Disney and Chicago PD. Pia's expertise extends beyond conventional beauty makeup, as she excels in crafting special effects looks. Chicago Makeup School is excited to welcome Pia as an instructor for the Basic Special Effects Class.
Christopher Carmichael- Contracts
Christopher Carmichael, an expert in Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution; Appeals; and Counseling & Advising on Contracts, will bring the vital legal tools to Chicago Makeup School needed for students to have a successful career as a freelancer.
His guidance in contracts and the legal elements of small business, will prove invaluable to students.
He is a Partner at Henderson Parks Legal Firm in Chicago, IL.
Mercedes Small- Mastering all skin tones
Mercedes is a makeup and hair artist working on campaigns and commercials as well as editorial shoots. Mercedes started her creative journey at an early age, accomplishing things she did not think were possible, which lead to the makeup artistry world.
Melissa Musseau- Art of eye makeup
Melissa Musseau is a highly skilled Chicago-based makeup artist known for her meticulously crafted artistic looks. A member of the local Union 476, Melissa is constantly busy working on TV show sets and styled shoots. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with students at Chicago makeup school.
Sam Terri- Taxes For Freelancers
Sam is a beauty and special effects makeup artist who also specializes in taxes and accounting. Sam teaches a very important class at Chicago Makeup School, and we are thrilled to have her. This class helps our students to run a successful makeup business.
Krista D' Agostino- Stage Makeup
Krista is a makeup artist with a focus in theater, sfx, and body paint. She is a member of the wig and makeup crew at Lyric Opera of Chicago where she has worked on numerous performers from dancers and actors to world renowned principal artists.
Ayeisha King- Camera ready live
Ayeisha is a Chicago-based makeup artist, executive and educator for over 15 years, with a passion for knowledge, teaching, and discovery in Makeup Artistry. Her current role as a permanent roster Makeup Artist for national television newtork news and broadcast projects is both challenging and rewarding for this self-professed lifelong makeup nerd and junkie. The combination of theory, expression, creativity and a love of people is what continues to fuel her pursuit of makeup artistry.
Ayeisha is excited to share her knowledge in artistry and preparedness for Live Studio Broadcast and outside On-Location shooting for Live television.