CPM FEATURED
“Let me tell you a little something about me. I LOVE making people feel better. Sounds cheesy I know, but when real-
ly reflecting on my career to date, my future plans, and what pushes my buttons and drives me, it really is the ability to
make people feel good by boosting self confidence and making sure they like what they see in the mirror.
Our industry is superficial I know – but never underestimate the power of self esteem and positivity.
From an early age I had a keen interest in Makeup, not so much with plastering it on myself (until I hit my teenage Goth
years), more with the Art side of things with creative face painting and special effects –I just loved creating intricate
scenes and gory broken bones!
When I left school and tried to follow the academic route that I felt my parents and teachers wanted me to take (you
know the usual career advice for someone who gets good grades: Lawyer, executive of some sort, Prime Minister etc etc),
but I knew that I was heading in the wrong direction and needed a creative outlet for my energy and ideas.
I’m sure my dad almost had a heart attack when I told him I was dropping out of my A levels to pursue a career as a
Makeup Artist! In my mind, I didn’t see myself working for someone else in a salon for minimum wage – I saw a brand
with my own line of makeup, a chain of salons and travelling around the world for high profile fashion shows, with a
training academy to teach others the skills they needed to succeed. This was back in 1995 at the age of 17.
What I hadn’t factored into my teenage master plan however, was marriage and children, so when I fell pregnant at
the tender age of 20 I had a choice to make: did I conform to society and become a benefits mom, giving up my career
and dreams for the future? Did I hell! Having Callum just gave me more determination to succeed as I now had someone
else to do it for! I continued to train in all aspects of Makeup, Hair, Beauty & Nails, putting myself through every course
possible, and practicing on anyone who would sit still long enough to let me! When Gracie, Ruby and Tommi later came
along, although juggling the work got harder (by then I had bought my first salon) – the reasons to carry on and be the
best I could be just got stronger. With the help and support of my family, especially my long suffering husband Craig, I
managed to keep growing and growing.
Being multi skilled has helped me massively, from offering both Hair and Makeup services to my clients throughout my
career, to being able to be on set for an editorial shoot or TV show, it really helps to be able to offer both, not to mention
the pride I feel when I get to see the finished results knowing that I’ve created that design from start to finish starting
with a blank canvas!
One of my specialist areas is bridal hair and makeup, and for the past 18 years I have seen more than 1000 brides
through the happiest morning of their lives, being there to make them look and feel their beautiful best, helping calm
nerves and doing up dresses – I feel really privileged to be part of this private time and am extremely proud to be booked
up 12 months in advance and teaching teams of up and coming wedding stylists to be the best they can be.
With multiple awards in this area, and plans for growth, my bridal department is going from strength to strength
and I cant wait for the next 1000 brides!”