Monica styles for high-fashion couture brand Nancy Vuu

FdA Specialist Hair and Media Make-up student Monica Montalvo has gained valuable industry experience by working at Nancy Vuu – a luxury couture brand for children and teenagers. 

Monica is using the skills she has learned on her course to work with models and the high-fashion styles that are currently appearing next to Dolce Gabbana, Versace and Armani in Beverly Hills and on the red carpet in Hollywood. 

“My role involved working with lots of children and my focus is mainly on styling their hair. I loved this opportunity as it was about more than being a make-up artist – I was creating whole new looks. 

“I have learned a lot about the industry and got the chance to put the skills I acquired at UCB into practice. 

“I have also had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as theatre productions like Alice in Wonderland at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. I have been doing a few jobs over the summer and I am currently working on a music video. I would love to be more involved in these types of productions in the future.” 

Monica praises the Specialist Hair and Media Make-up course at UCB, saying “Since I started I have received such a breadth of information. I enjoy all of it – especially the prosthetics. It’s been such a learning curve, but it has really prepared me for the industry I want to work in. 

“The staff at UCB are very professional and have a wealth of industry experience, which they are happy to share with their students.” 

Monica’s advice to those wanting to work in the hair and make-up industry is: “Have passion, enjoy it and make the most of it. Always be professional, positive and patient and show that you genuinely care.”