The result is KohlLab, a training initiative aiming to help underprivileged women gain qualifications so that they can financially support themselves. Launching in London in June, the week-long intensive course is iTEC-accredited and covers everything from the basics of makeup application to editorial makeup and colour theory, ending with a photoshoot to kickstart the participants’ portfolio. After completing the course, graduates will be paired with mentors currently working in the industry. “They go straight into work, whether it’s assisting at a counter, for a brand, or with a makeup artist,” Trisha shares. “Everyone we’ve had a conversation with has been incredibly generous and wants to get involved.”
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For an initiative that feels incredibly important, it’s sadly in short supply. At a time where ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusivity’ have moved on from buzzwords to contentious terms, how does Kohl Kreatives navigate the changing landscape? “I wouldn’t say the conversation is necessarily disappearing,” contends Trisha. “There are obviously reasons to highlight inclusivity from time to time, but if this becomes mainstream, I feel like I’ve achieved my goal.”
“It’s a necessity,” Disha adds on continuing to endure despite perceived pushback. “KohlLab is literally an extension of the mission to get more people involved in the beauty space and feeling like they’re a part of the conversation too.”
As a self-funded initiative, KohlLab needs support to help expand its offering and help more women earn the qualification. Whether it’s offering mentoring or expertise to lead workshops, sponsoring students to get the resources they need, or partnering to supply beauty kits – it’s an opportunity for industry leaders to get involved too. “These women deserve face time with those industry insiders too,” says Disha. “It’s really important that they know when they go into the industry that this is the network they’re starting with which is important in their field.”
Despite being two months away from the inaugural batch of trainees in London, the duo is already dreaming about expanding KohlLab. “The big thing is being able to be mobile and take it to different cities. We’re very fortunate that a lot of universities are happy to donate the space so we could be in the Midlands, West Midlands, or the North West of the country,” shares Trishna on their plans. “We’re aiming to do 10 including two in Indonesia and two in India which is where this whole concept started, so we can’t wait to take it there and work with the women that we met.”
If you’re interested in joining or supporting the KohlLab initiative, find more information at www.kohllab.co.uk/.
