2023 was a big year for fresh starts, personal changes and some new awards. With my divorce due to finalise in the May of 2023, I made the decision early last year to change my name back to Gemma Clark and relocate to new premises. I was keen to do both as soon as possible so I could head in to 2023 with a fresh start.
Gemma Clark, who’s this?
I wanted to change my name ahead of my divorce for business purposes. This felt like a risky move for me. After all, my business and reputation had been built under my married name, Gemma Rimmington but it was important for me to close the chapter and start working under my future (maiden) name, Gemma Clark. The new name change meant tweaking my logo, changing my social media names and of course my website name.
I was concerned that clients/followers would not realise my business name had changed and that it would affect future recommendations, social media tags and of course google searches but it felt like a necessary change. The change of logo was the first step towards the new change and in May, I celebrated officially returning to Gemma Clark – on a beach in Marbella with my family, drinking cocktails! Well, if I’m gonna celebrate the end of a stressful milestone I’m doing it in the sun raising a delicious cocktail (or 2).
Relocating my business to new premises
I knew I wanted a large space, with lots of natural light (as natural light is a Makeup Artist’s best friend) and after looking at a few options, I was delighted when a unit became available at The Palace Hub on Redcar seafront. It was big – perfect for holding master classes and group sessions as well as a gorgeous beam of light shining through the windows… perfect for client appointments. With lots of other creative businesses based here it seemed like my dream solution without the concern of outgrowing the space in the near future.
I signed the tenancy agreement in February and was given a couple of months to turn it in to a creative studio space that reflected my branding and would be a happy home-from-home for work. I started personalising some bits and pieces to match my logo colours and my favourite “lip drip” look which graced the front cover of British Muse magazine.
Creating the new studio space
Over the next couple of months, I worked between my old premises in Guisborough and fitted out my new studio between clients. It was definitely a labour of love. I wanted the new space to be a place that my clients would appreciate and enjoy visiting. I was grateful for the assistance from “the oldies” who helped me get the studio finished in time for the April deadline for relocation.
New makeup studio – Unit 28 The Palace Hub, Redcar
From April 2023 I welcomed clients new and old to my new makeup studio. I am delighted with my new work “home” and I always get lovely feedback from clients visiting for appointments. I love being located on the seafront. As a keen runner, the beach has been my sanctuary while navigating some big life changes and of course it comes in to its own beauty during the summer months.
So, the address for the new location is Unit 28, 3rd floor, The Palace Hub, 28-29 Esplanade, Redcar, TS10 3AE.
Winner of the English Makeup Awards
I have worked really hard over the years to build a business and a reputation I am proud of. In April, I headed to Birmingham accompanied by close pal and fellow industry professional, Anna Cordelia for The English Makeup Awards 2023. I was over the moon to be named both regional winner and then overall winner for Specialist Freelance Makeup Artist of the Year 2023. How amazing is that? Even better than that, this marked my 14th industry award in my 9 years of running my own business. I am exceptionally proud of that. I was invited to do a radio interview the following morning as well as making it in to the newspaper.
I am also shortlisted for the same category as well as Creative Makeup Artist of the Year at this year’s English Makeup Awards taking place in April. Could it be number 15? I am grateful to be shortlisted again so whatever happens, I am really happy to see my name on the shortlist of 2 different categories.
How to book my makeup services
If you are a bride looking to book your bridal makeup for the big day, please email me with your wedding date, wedding location and bridal party details at hello@gemmaclarkmakeup.com and I will get back to you with my availability and all of the booking details. I am currently taking wedding bookings 2 years in advance so don’t leave your big day to chance.
For all other services which take place at my makeup studio, including occasion makeup, prom makeup, makeup lessons, Microblading, lash lift and tint or brow lamination (fluffy brow), please use my booking link.
If we haven’t met yet and you are looking to book a makeup artist, you can read more about me here.
Thank you for your continued support and I hope to see you in 2024!
Love Gemma x