Graduate Profiles

Anastasia Andonopoulos

Kelly Mathys

Schreen Ogden

For one Regency grad, a career in cosmetology has taken her halfway around the world – to Berlin, where she does hair and makeup on the set of music videos. How did she get there?

Regency: You’re in Berlin now...how did you end up there?
Anastasia: I used to live in Berlin before I moved to Texas to go to cosmetology school. When I graduated from Regency, my mother informed me that there were a lot of salons looking for stylists in Berlin. I realized it would be a great opportunity, so I moved back.

Regency: How did you get into working on music videos?
Anastasia: When I got to Berlin I created an account on an online forum for English speakers in Berlin. I put out an ad explaining that I was a cosmetologist looking for work. Within a few days, I had several replies from interested people asking me to work as a makeup artist and hairstylist in music videos!
Working on German model and actress Alice Grinda Anastasia and Bianca, a G-Unit Model

Regency: What were some of your most fun and interesting projects?
Anastasia: I worked for two artists: David Pedroza from California and the rapper BlackLioN. In the video for BlackLioN, I did makeup for a G-Unit model.

Regency: Do you prefer doing hair or makeup, or do you like them both equally?
Anastasia: I really like hair. Updo’s were what I loved in school and I kind of stuck with that. But makeup isn't far behind.

Regency: Why did you choose Regency? Did something set us apart from other schools?
Anastasia: I loved the campus. It looked so professional. And the campus manager was so friendly and welcoming during my tour.

Regency: What’s the most valuable thing you learned at Regency?
Anastasia: The technical skills and customer service skills I learned were really important, but probably the most valuable thing I learned was how to be comfortable with clients. When I first started school, I was the shyest, most timid person in the class. The educators really worked with me to boost my self confidence and people skills!

I’m so thankful that I decided to go to Regency. I learned so much from the educators and even some of my peers. I am so fortunate that I learned how to do extensions, thermal styling and makeup. Those are the main skills I use in my work. Anastasia at work applying makeup to a model. Actress/ model Alice Grinda and recording artist David Pedroza on the set of David’s music video. Regency: Any student experiences that really stand out?
Anastasia: I think it was great how Regency brought in guest speakers. When James Ryder talked to our class about all of his experiences as a makeup artist and showed us how to do makeup, I knew right then that was something I wanted to do.

Regency: What advice would you give students who are coming to Regency?
Anastasia: Relax and have fun! Also, listen to what the educators have to say… even the little chats teach you so much.

Regency: What are your future plans?
Anastasia: Right now I am an independent contractor working on music videos, but I’d like to work in a salon full time.

Regency: Any parting words?
Anastasia: I would like to thank Regency for a great educational experience. The educators gave me great inspiration and skills…they really helped me become the confident cosmetologist I am today!


Date Created: April 27, 2009