MUA Feature - Wanja Carree

Wanja Carree is a multi-talented 24 year old makeup artist, hairstylist and model from South Auckland, New Zealand. 

I was lucky enough to meet Wanja through "Starnow" (www.starnow.co.nz) where like-minded creative individuals can collaborate on all sorts of paid and unpaid projects. Wanja and I have often worked together on all sorts of work - her experience spans from weddings, portfolios, family portraits, music videos, body painting, pageants, to fashion and commercial work.

Wanja has been in the industry for over 4 years, originally starting off doing promo work and collaborations with other photographers. She now owns a freelance makeup and hair business "Wanja's World". 

"I studied Make up and hair styling after high school in 2009 and loved it! I then did a diploma in special effects and sculpting, which was even more amazing. I don’t see doing hair and make up as a job because I love it so much. I always enjoy meeting new people and pride myself in providing excellent service and always making sure my clients are very happy with the end result. Remember, if you can dream it you can do it!"

Kylah, 2013. MUA & Hairstylist: Wanja Carree. Photography: The Undefined Photography

Wanja has worked on a number of projects for The Wardrobe including 2012's 'Business Showcase' featuring Jennifer Tooley, and 'Accessori' 2012. Her attention to detail and her wide product knowledge assist her in achieving each look. She works with a number of well known brands including ZA cosmetics, MAC, Loreal, Smashbox, and others. Wanja's sister, Kylah often works along side her assisting with hair for weddings and large scale shoots. 

I interviewed Wanja Carree and asked her a few questions about being part of the makeup and fashion industry:

1. What is your favourite part of your job as a makeup artist and why?

I love so many things about it, but I would have to say meeting new people and always going to different places for every job is awesome. It's never the same so it's always exciting.
2. What was your inspiration for doing makeup/hairstyling as a child?

I used to watch my grandma do her hair and make up in the mirror when I was little! I would wait till she left the room, then climb on her chair and try to copy what she did with her make up on me. So I guess it kinda started there.

3. What's your fav 'look' at the moment in fashion?

I don't really pay much attention to the trends, I prefer to wear what I want, when I want!

4. What are some tips you would give to newcomers about getting into makeup artistry?

It's a very competitive industry and its all about getting your name out there. Also, people give up too quickly and end up in jobs they don't like. So if it's really what you want to do, then don't give up, and make sure you get business cards you can give to people when you meet them, it helps to spread the word about you.

5. What's one item in your wardrobe you could never part with and why?

Um, probably my black army style leather boots (laughs), they are super comfy and work with a dress and jeans!

www.facebook.com/WanjasWorld & www.wanjasworld.4ormat.com

To contact Wanja for bookings or more info, visit her website or send her a message on facebook. 

All images courtesy of 'The Undefined Photography' - www.theundefined.co.nz