Hello! My name is Gemma Vendetta...

I am currently studying through the prestigious, Vidal Sassoon recognised, Clip Joint Education, in Adelaide.

Follow this link to learn more about Clip Joint - http://www.clipjoint.com.au/about/

I have decided to take one of my fellow classmates on this journey with me. Her name is Kelly, she's as passionate about hair, and hairdressing as I am!

This funding will aid and assist our participation in this years’ HAIR EXPO AUSTRALIA, 8 - 10 June, 2013, at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

Above: The wonderful Shoo-Shoo Mammas - hair and makeup by Gemma Vendetta

I’m an Adelaide based hair and makeup artist, specialising in re-kindling the love for and the re-creation of vintage styles with authenticity and respect to our fore-artists. At 32 years of age, I have finally discovered my true calling, where my true passion lies, and what ultimately makes me happy (after the creation of Gemma Vendetta in 2007 my journey can now continue with gusto). That ‘true calling’ is to be a Qualified, and nationally recognised Hairdresser, and professional makeup artist, and ultimately utilising my Teaching skills to become an Educator.
(I'm currently a 'talented amateur!!)

I am a single Mum, living with Multiple Sclerosis. Kelly is also a single Mum, living with Lupus. I’m certainly not asking for charity, but for assistance to experience the wealth of knowledge available for the taking. Thank you, sincerely, for your continued support, encouragement and belief in our abilities!

Follow this link to learn more about MS - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_sclerosis

I love being a hair and makeup artist, and soon to be qualified Hairdresser, and professional makeup artist. I love the way hair can be manipulated, sculpted and changed semi-permanently, and permanently. I love the way a face can be transformed by light and shade, and tones. I love to challenge myself and I feel that to be able to experience the Hair Expo in Sydney, is the next crucial step to take in my professional development. Being an artistic individual, a single mother, and part-time student does not come without financial strain and that’s why I am reaching out to you and asking for your pledges!

Above: Miss Viva Liberty - winner Miss Kustom Kulture 2012 - Photo: Andy G Williams - Hair/makeup & styling by Gemma Vendetta

I’m going for gold here, I don’t know how long I’ve got left, but I’m going to be successful in all I pursue, and I’m going to make a massive impact along the way. Living with Multiple Sclerosis has given me a unique gift, to be able to look at life with a clearer perspective. I no longer take each day for granted, and in reality, we aren’t on this earth for THAT long, so why not make the most of it. I want to work with the big guns, I want to break the mould, and I want to be the female Sassoon of the next generation. I want to be recognised as an icon of my time; I want to positively influence others’ to try their best, to reach for the stars, and to value knowledge and experience as a lifelong pledge to the pursuit of happiness. I'm sharing all of this with Kelly, and taking her on this journey too. And I’d like to share that journey with you also.

I would like to use the target amount to send my classmate, Kelly and myself from Adelaide, to Sydney, to experience Hair Expo Australia. Travel, education and accommodation are expensive and your generous donation would allow us to experience a rare opportunity to ‘mingle’ with high-end industry professionals such as Pivot Point, the Australian Hairdresser of the Year - Joey Scandizzo, and Napoleon Perdis.

Our costs include:

- Flights x 2 adults - approx. $700 (depending on when tickets are purchased, this is subject to change)

- Apprentice pass x 2 - $752 (plus booking fee) - includes 2 x 2 day 'LooknLearn' workshop passes, and entry to the NextGen Gala.

- Opening Gala x 2 - $338 (plus booking fee)

- Napoleon Perdis Makeup Class x 1 - $71 (plus booking fee)

- Accomodation x 2 - $1096 (depending on when booking is made, this is subject to availability)

- Total: $2957, of which I rounded up to $3,000 to include transfers/inner city transportation.

Hair Expo Australia draws together the Southern Hemisphere’s hairdressing community, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the largest display of brands and products, world class education, international talent and show stopping live performances. As an artist, this opportunity is something to take advantage of, to grow in leaps and bounds from, and to make the most of networking with established professionals in the field.

Your kind pledges will see us afford our flights, accommodation and educational experiences. We will be contributing to the remaining monies needed going towards all other incidental expenses, and materials.

This opportunity motivates me to yet another level of achievement, and possibilities for the future. This opportunity will not only effect my life, but Kelly's also.

I would love for you to like my page on Facebook – www.facebook.com/GemmaVendettaVS so you can watch the expo unfold before your very eyes, as I document each moment!

Photo: Bree Vracic

My pledge to you, is that the more knowledge I gain, the more I will share it with others, whether it be through client interaction, online tutorials, or showcasing the highest quality of my work, I’ll be there sharing all the goodness with you!

Thank you again!

Gemma Vendetta & Kelly Tomney xx

(Watch these two names!!)