Guyanese make-up artist on track to officially open beauty school

Janica Sandy
Janica Sandy

Third place winner of the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) Battle of the Brushes Makeup Competition 2018, Guyanese beauty specialist Janica Sandy, returned to Guyana this year with more knowledge and vigour after a packed year’s programme which she says has equipped her with what she needs to know to open a prestigious school in Guyana and to pave the way for her pursue her Hollywood screen ambition.

Janica says that her time spent at the John Casa Blanca’s Institute in Vancouver, Canada was not about makeup application but about better understanding the science behind the art form. The programme covered areas like skin care, skin analysis, prosthetics, makeup and fashion across the eras, photography, customer service, website building, photoshop and digital marketing. Additionally, she underwent a course designed to secure a measure of experience in the motion pictures industry.

Janica’s work reflects the impressive art technique that she has developed during her studies abroad.

“I wanted to bring my experience back to Guyana and teach people the right thing. Now that I am back, I want to help my people here have the same knowledge and skill as the first world countries”, Janica shared.

If all goes well, she plans on launching her school Ultimate Image Academy, in January. There, persons can read for diplomas in makeup artistry, hair art design, fashion and designing and certificate programmes in photography and videography, interior decorating, fashion and makeup artistry, beauty and fashion business management and many others.

Currently Janica is working on the accreditation of her school in Guyana.

 For the Battle of the Brushes Competition, Janica was one of the eight persons chosen to compete at the competition level from among sixty applicants. The competition is held in four countries – the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. She was the first Guyanese participate in the competition. 

“Being on that international stage and hearing my country’s name being called was one of the best moments for me. This is something I would remember for as long as I live. This was where I got a lot of exposure and the chance to meet with many persons within the industry,” she told The Scene.

Janica also plans to open a beauty and wellness store called The Beauty Boutique. Her business will market her cosmetics line, Image Cosmetics, was launched in 2017. The line will include makeup brush sets, Mink eyelashes, lipsticks, and applicators. The Beauty Boutique will also be retailing customized essential oils and non-scented shampoos. The retail part of the business is slated to open in November.

Meanwhile, Janica is in the process of finalizing plans for a Caribbean tour in October and November where she will be visiting St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and the Cayman Islands.

Currently, part time classes are available and there are special discount packages for retuning students and persons wishing to pursue more than one certificate programme.

Ultimate Image is located on Durban Street. Janica can be reached at 689-0888.