From MAC to Mexico: Patrick Ta Inspires Creatives at GTCO Fashion Weekend Masterclass

From MAC to Mexico: Patrick Ta Inspires Creatives at GTCO Fashion Weekend Masterclass

The 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend continued its tradition of empowering Africa’s creative industry, as celebrity makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Patrick Ta shared invaluable insights from his 15-year journey in the global beauty scene.

The session — a highlight of the weekend’s Masterclass Series — traced Patrick Ta’s inspiring rise from a high school dropout to an internationally acclaimed artist who has worked with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Rihanna and the Kardashians.

After honing his craft at MAC Cosmetics, Patrick built his own makeup empire six years ago and has since expanded into Mexico, marking his first international launch. His story of resilience, artistry, and entrepreneurship captivated the audience of aspiring makeup artists, beauty lovers, and professionals eager to elevate their craft.

Mastering the Art of Makeup

During the session, Patrick demonstrated professional techniques for achieving flawless, camera-ready looks, emphasizing that great makeup begins with proper skin preparation. “Always moisturize before applying foundation,” he advised, adding that he relies on underpainting techniques to create a smooth, natural finish, especially for photography.

He also showcased his famous “baking” method — applying powder generously and brushing off the excess — while reminding attendees to match foundation to the face, not the wrist or hand, for perfect tone balance.

Patrick described his signature aesthetic as “wearable red carpet makeup” — looks that are glamorous yet practical. Favoring warm tones over cool shades, he combines cream and powder products to achieve a glowy, natural finish, even when using significant amounts of powder.

Building a Career Beyond the Brushes

Beyond artistry, Patrick offered valuable advice on professionalism and business growth. He urged participants to clean their brushes after every use, keep learning, and create content that reflects the kind of work they want to be booked for.

“Your social media is your portfolio, but your business structure keeps you sustainable,” he noted, stressing the need to balance creativity with strategy. He encouraged attendees to attend trade conventions like Makeup in New York to connect with manufacturers and understand the business side of beauty.

For budding entrepreneurs, Patrick emphasized authenticity and patience: “Only launch products you genuinely love,” he said. “Don’t rush to expand — build a strong foundation first.”

A Message of Passion and Purpose

Patrick Ta’s story stood out as one of persistence, vision, and the power of self-belief. From his early struggles to becoming a trusted artist for A-list celebrities and launching a global brand, his journey showed that makeup artistry is more than a craft — it’s a fulfilling career rooted in passion, innovation, and discipline.

At the GTCO Fashion Weekend, his masterclass not only celebrated beauty but also inspired a new generation of African creatives to dream boldly — and build smart.

The 2025 GTCO Fashion Weekend continued its tradition of empowering Africa’s creative industry, as a globally renowned makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur shared invaluable insights from his 15-year journey in the industry.

The session — a highlight of the weekend’s Masterclass Series — traced his inspiring rise from a high school dropout to an internationally recognized makeup expert who has worked with global icons including Rihanna and the Kardashians.

After honing his skills at MAC Cosmetics, he went on to build her own brand six years ago, recently expanding into Mexico, his first international market. His story of resilience, skill, and entrepreneurship captivated the audience of aspiring makeup artists, beauty lovers, and professionals seeking to take their craft global.

Mastering the Art of Makeup

The instructor demonstrated professional techniques for achieving flawless, camera-ready looks, emphasizing that great makeup begins with skin prep. “Always moisturize before applying foundation,” he advised, adding that he relies on underpainting techniques for a smoother finish, especially in photography.

He also showcased his “baking” method — applying powder generously and brushing off the excess — while reminding attendees to match foundation to the face, not the wrist or hand for accurate skin tone balance.

His signature aesthetic, which he calls “wearable red carpet makeup,” combines glamour with everyday practicality. He favors warm tones, layering cream and powder products to create a natural, glowy finish, even when using generous amounts of powder.

Building a Career Beyond the Brushes

Beyond technique, the session offered lessons in professionalism and brand growth. The makeup artist urged participants to clean their brushes after every use, keep learning, and create content that represents the kind of work they aspire to do.

“Your social media is your portfolio, but your business structure keeps you sustainable,” she said, stressing the importance of combining creativity with business acumen. He also encouraged attendees to attend trade conventions like Makeup in New York to build authentic brand connections and learn the business side of beauty.

For entrepreneurs, his message was clear: authenticity sells. “Only launch products you genuinely love,” she said. “Don’t rush to expand — build a strong foundation first.”

A Message of Passion and Purpose

Her story stood out as one of grit, self-belief, and the power of creative entrepreneurship. From dropping out of high school to working with global celebrities and launching an international brand, her journey reminded attendees that makeup artistry is more than a job — it’s a fulfilling career path rooted in passion, discipline, and innovation.

At the GTCO Fashion Weekend, her session not only celebrated artistry but also empowered a new generation of African creatives to dream — and plan — beyond the brush.