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Where did you grow up?
In the West Midlands.
Where do you call home?
Kingswinford.
Where did you go to school?
I went to local schools, King Edward VI College, and then to the
University of Birmingham. At college I took varied A levels: media,
English, and politics. At university, I kept with what I enjoyed
and chose to study an honours’ degree in English, which took
three years.
What does your job involve?
My job as a make-up artist involves primarily advising women on
their skin care routine, offering them tips and tricks for their
make-up, providing a whole new look or doing something very specific—a
particular look or style they may want to emulate.
No two women are the same or have the same requirements.
Setting up my website
added another dimension to my make-up artistry career. I formed
my website out of frustration that there wasn’t a New Zealand-based
site where women could read reviews, interviews and catch up on
what was new in the beauty industry. Although the site is in its
infancy, I love developing something that others will enjoy and
benefit from, and really love hearing my clients tell me that they
have read my latest article or review. It’s extremely rewarding.
How long have you been working in the make-up industry?
Since I was 16. Working for Benefit Cosmetics was my first break
in to the cosmetics industry and I fell in love with it.
Even though I would always go to university and
keep my studies academic, I had great fun with exploring make-up
artistry as my part-time, then full-time, jobs. In doing that, I
realized that was the route I wanted to go down rather than something
which would use my degree—although I know it will come in useful!
What was your dream job growing up?
I was never one of those children or teenagers who had a set direction
on where they wanted their life to go. I wanted to be many different
things growing up. It is only in recent years that I decided that
starting my own cosmetics company or brand would be my ultimate
dream.
What has been your career highlight?
Working with celebrity make-up artist and product developer Michael
Pierce was certainly a highlight: it was inspirational to be around
some one so passionate about their job and the industry. He was
amazingly talented and super-charming. I learnt so much from him.
In addition to that, editing an interview with the legendary Dr
Perricone also has to be in there. An amazing man who found the
time to speak to me and my website certainly made me want to keep
going with what I was doing—I have so much time for him!
Do you aspire to be like anyone?
I aspire to emulate my father, the hardest working person I know.
My father is an example that if you apply yourself with the right
attitude and work ethic, you can go far and achieve great things.
My Dad is wonderfully knowledgeable and amazingly generous. Qualities
far superior to any celebrity or other person I could name!
Who is your favourite make-up artist?
I am inspired by François Nars as a make-up artist. Recently when
his 15×15 project was released, I gained new appreciation
of his work. His make-up is simple yet complex—and I think
he could make any woman look phenomenal.
What is the most common make-up mistake made in New Zealand?
It’s not so much a make up mistake, but I do get
frustrated when I see women try to correct their concerns with heavily
applied, congesting make-up. They may be concerned about their blemishes
or dry patches and instead of looking at their skin care routine,
they will apply lots of heavy foundation and then feel like nothing’s
got better. I try and encourage women to look at ways they can improve
their concerns before make-up, so that when they do apply
their product it looks flawless and perfected.
What has been your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment so far, was probably making the decision
to head over to New Zealand. It was very difficult to leave my family
and friends, but experiencing life in such a wonderful country has
been a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
What do you consider to be the winning formula to success?
My granddad always said to me, ‘You can get mountains from
molehills,’ and I take that with me everywhere. The notion
that you can achieve great things from small ideas is so important.
I carry a notepad with me wherever I go so that I can always write
down and develop my business ideas. I don’t believe that success
is gifted to people, and I believe that hard work, a willingness
to do what it takes, nerves of steel and extremely thick skin can
take you far. Not being afraid to make mistakes and accept your
weaknesses is so important—because that's when you can work
on them and move forward.
What is something we don’t know about you?
That I am an ardent football fan—and missing supporting my
local football team is probably one of the toughest things about
being away from the UK.
What are you plans for the next five years?
My plan for the next five years would be to begin developing my
own cosmetics brand, which would include skin care and cosmetics.
I want to create something new, revolutionary and most importantly,
a product line that will work for women no matter what their age
and skin type. •
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