At CMS, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our students' learning by connecting them to real-world experiences and the industry’s best talent. Last week, we had the privilege of hosting Josee’s Professional Braiding Studio for an inspiring and educational masterclass that left our students feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.

The Backstory: Wicked, Sim Camps, and a Connection to Josee
It all started with Sim Camps, a CMS graduate who recently worked on the film Wicked. Sim had the incredible opportunity to style Cynthia Erivo’s hair, and as part of this process, she collaborated with Josee’s Professional Braiding Studio for the intricate micro-braids seen in the film. This collaboration caught the attention of the BBC, who interviewed Josee about her work on Wicked.
Inspired by their story, we reached out to Josee and her team—daughters Abigail and Naomi—and invited them to CMS for a masterclass. They graciously accepted, bringing their wealth of knowledge and artistry to share with our students.
The Masterclass: Learning from Industry Experts
Our UAL Hair, Makeup, Costume, and SFX class had the incredible opportunity to hear from Josee, Abigail, and Naomi, who shared their journey, skills, and passion with our students.
The masterclass covered:
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship: Josee shared her inspiring story, from growing up in a small village in DRC Congo to becoming a business owner and working on one of the most iconic films of 2024. Her story highlighted the values of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief, leaving a lasting impression on our students.
The Wicked Experience: Josee’s team shared behind-the-scenes details of working on Wicked. From tight deadlines to maintaining discretion, they provided invaluable insight into what it takes to work on high-profile productions.
Technical Skills: The team demonstrated their method for creating the tiny, intricate micro-braids that were featured in the film.
Images from @joseeprobraidingstudio
Empowering the Next Generation
Abigail and Naomi were particularly engaging, encouraging students to embrace their creativity and believe in their abilities. They emphasised the importance of professionalism, adaptability, and collaboration in the film industry. Their warmth and passion made the session feel like more than just a lesson—it was an empowering experience that reinforced the potential within each of our students.
This masterclass is just one example of how we at CMS strive to bridge the gap between education and the film industry. By inviting professionals who are actively shaping the industry today, we ensure that our students are not only learning but also inspired by real-world experiences.
Through talks, workshops, and masterclasses like this one, we give our students unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders, expand their networks, and gain insights they wouldn’t find in traditional classrooms.
What’s Next?
We’re incredibly grateful to Josee, Abigail, and Naomi for their time, expertise, and energy. This masterclass was a testament to the power of collaboration, artistry, and determination, and we’re looking forward to more events like this in the future.
Want to know more about Sim Camps’ experience on Wicked and her collaboration with Josee’s Professional Braiding Studio? Read our blog here.

Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re enhancing the CMS student experience with masterclasses, talks, and opportunities that bring the film industry into our classrooms.
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