Faculty

Nini Jenkins- Owner and Educator

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

Lauren is an experienced 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 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.

Christine Sciortino- Film and TV

Christine Sciortino is a makeup artist, educator, and a member of IATSE Local 476. Christine also created curriculum for Columbia College Chicago, where she taught as well. She is the author of the incredible book "Makeup Artistry for Film and TV." Christine is excited to teach TV and Film at Chicago Makeup School.

David Ian Grant- Editorial

David Ian Grant is a highly skilled and classically trained visual artist and makeup artist based in Chicago. David is a member of IATSE LOCAL 476 and works in TV and Film industry.

David is often called upon to create drag, editorial looks, and extreme transformations. His work has been featured in The Trial of the Chicago 7, Empire, Chicago PD, Disney's Saturdays, The Chi, and many other shows. He has had the privilege of working with personalities such as Jane Lynch, Da Brat, Richard Grant, and multiple RuPaul's Drag Race queens.

David is looking forward to teach Fashion/Editorial to Chicago Makeup School students.

Shannon Rodriguez- Fashion and Runway

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.

Melanie Marie Sklodowski- Male Grooming

Melanie Marie is based in Chicago but is a traveling artist. She has a cosmetology license as well as a background in business and fine arts. Melanie excels in men’s grooming, barbering, media and time period hair and makeup. Melanie is looking forward teaching Male grooming class at Chicago Makeup School.

Bridget Canela- Gender affirming

Bridget Canela is a Chicago freelance makeup artist who specializes in high fashion, avant-garde, and clean beauty looks. Bridget has a passion for working in the LGBTQ+ community, offering sliding scale lessons to help trans people. Bridget is thrilled to teach a gender-affirming makeup class at 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.