Harry Marjoram is not your average seventeen-year-old. As a college student, business owner, Professional Beauty competition winner and soon-to-be qualified make-up artist, he certainly proves that age is no barrier to success.
In June, Harry will finish his VTCT Level 3 Media Make-Up course at East Coast College in Lowestoft. Whilst half way through his course, Harry put his skills to the test by competing in the Warpaint Make-up Championships at Professional Beauty 2019.
Competing in the category ‘Real Beauty’ with a theme of ‘Prom Queen’, Harry impressed judges and secured a well-deserved first place after showcasing both everyday and evening looks on his model. Harry expressed that the time limits were his biggest challenge within the competition – just an hour and half to complete a look that would be judged on full-face makeup, hair and an outfit. Describing the experience, Harry reflects “It was every emotion that I could possibly think of – anger, worry, not believing in myself- but I pushed that aside and came out on top.”
Harry and his model pictured with evening look
Carole Lindsay, Business Development Manager for ITEC/VTCT and a member of the judging panel, describes: “This is the second year I have had the honour of being invited to sit on the judging panel for the ‘Warpaint’ Make-up Competition held at Pro Beauty. As always, the learners’ standards were high across all categories, but this year Harry stood out from the rest of the entrants. His overall look was expertly applied and the finished results were exemplary. He spent a great deal of time and effort thinking about not only his design, but his models outfits and overall look. A very professional job. I was delighted to find out that he was studying a VTCT qualification with one of our centres when the winner was announced. Well done Harry.”
Harry’s goal after finishing his course is to go into full-time work in the beauty industry. He has already achieved this with a job offer as a Tom Ford make-up consultant in Jarrolds department store.
Harry faced tough competition for the role, attending a recruitment day for multiple brands, along with 50-60 other applicants. He explains, “I’m in love with Tom Ford so I put my name down for them.” On the day he had to evidence his abilities with a portfolio, as well as proving his knowledge of the industry. Only a few applicants could be selected so Harry notes “I am quite lucky that I was one of them”.
In addition to his studies, Harry’s win at Professional Beauty appears to have given him a strong springboard for a career in beauty. Speaking about the recruitment day, he explains: “I did mention everything I have done and what I’m currently doing so that likely helped secure the position.”
Harry is an impressive individual undertaking not only college and competitions, but in addition to his new job role, he also has his own eyelash brand launched February 2019. Explaining what inspired him to start his own business, Harry reveals “I’m such an independent person; I wanted to have something for myself. I have followed other brands on Instagram for a while and then decided why not do my own.”
Harry promotes his lashes through Instagram and sells via an online store. “It’s been going really well; I haven’t had one negative comment. Everyone at the competition loved them. Everyone at college loves them. I’ve had lots of support from friends and family.”
With an array of accomplishments already under his belt, it is hard to believe Harry is just seventeen. In his view, however, age is no obstacle: “I may only be seventeen but you can do something at a young age. I hear people at college say ‘I can’t, I can’t’ but I tell them ‘You can’.”
Harry has plenty of advice for anyone considering their future career “I believe you should do what you do because you love it. If I can tell anyone anything, it would be that. It’s not about the fame or money, that’s just a bonus…Why go to work if you don’t like your job.”
You can see some of Harry’s make up artistry on his Instagram: _king_harry