Just doing it.


As most of you know, I started this venture when I was 14. Watching and looking up to celebrity make up artists like Mario Dedivanovic, it had inspired me to start myself. Was I good when I was 14? Definitely not. Am I where I want to be now, 7 years later? Definitely not. Have I improved and grown both my confidence and clientele? Definitely. This has become measurable through both returning custom and the volume of new custom I have experienced in those 7 years. Had I not have taken that leap at 14, when it feels like the whole world is judging you- I wouldn't have gained the experience I now have. 

I started in my bedroom with no ring light and with a seat that was nowhere near tall enough for me to work efficiently, because 14 year old me couldn't afford a new chair or good lighting. Until I could. I then would practice all day everyday in an attempt to improve, borderline harassing my sisters and friends to let me paint their faces. I then would make posts which would be noticed by big brands and local influencers who I looked up to, which drove me on even more. Although I now disagree with their praise for the looks I created, I was buzzing at the time and can only be thankful. 

Years had passed and my style of make up had changed once and changed twice and changed again. I took a make up lesson right before COVID, the only training I've ever had outside of being self-taught. We went into lockdown very shortly after and so my skill development was put on standby, with very little options in my home to practice on. Fast forward to now, I have loyal clients and am working towards getting better with every face. I still work from my bedroom (not for long!), but I am a long way away from 14 year old Aoife. 



Straight from the archives
This was a look I probably (most definitely) made my sister let me do in 2018.


More recently
To now, my favourite recent look.


At the moment, I am committing to a project which is very exciting and one which I have dreamt of for years (stay tuned). And so, I would urge anyone if they are sitting on the fence about a possible business venture or anything of the sort, to just do it. You don't know what can happen!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Truth Behind the Brushes: Stereotypes as a Makeup Artist

As a makeup artist, I've encountered a range of reactions when I tell people what I do. This ranges from excitement, admiration and interest in my craft, to the assumption of "oh you're one of those". For many, the image of a makeup artist is tied to the ideas of being shallow, insecure, or even unintelligent. It's frustrating, because nothing could be further from the truth.  The Stereotypes We Face If you're in the beauty industry, you've probably heard it all. People think you're obsessed with looks, that you must be insecure if you're so focused on appearances, or that your work can't possibly require any real skill or intelligence. It can be disheartening to see someone's face drop when they realise you're not in a more traditionally respected role, and self-admittedly I have felt a sense of shame admitting to people what I do on occasion. I fear I will be viewed as someone who is all surface, no depth when I say "I am also a ...
Read more

MY LAST BLOG?!

  Blog Title: Stepping Out Barefaced: Rebuilding Confidence Without Makeup Introduction Makeup is often celebrated as a tool for confidence, a way to enhance features and express individuality. But for some, it can become a crutch, fostering dependence and creating a fear of being seen without it. Learning to embrace your natural face is a powerful journey towards genuine self-confidence. There were years of my life that I wouldn't have been seen without my way-too-pale foundation and way-too-dark eyebrows on, and now, 90% of the time I don't even bother brushing my teeth <3 Ok now that I've gotten that mediocre joke out, let’s explore why makeup reliance can harm confidence and how to pull bare faced, something I do all the time. (Trust me bro, 2024) The Hidden Side of Makeup Dependency Makeup can feel like armour—protecting you from judgments and boosting self-esteem. However, over time, reliance on makeup may reinforce the idea that your natural appearance is "no...
Read more