Made-up to be taking part

What made you go into business as a make-up artist?

I've always been fanatical about make-up and fashion. A few years ago, my best friend asked me to do her make-up on her wedding day. I was more nervous than she was, I reckon, but I loved every second of it and knew it was what I wanted to do, so I retrained.

How long did it take from idea to opening?

Oh, only about 30 years! I'd always had the idea, although I guess the day I did my best friend's wedding make-up was the day I started to believe it could actually happen. I started training and building my kit right away – so maybe about a year?

Lowest point?

Raising funds for training and kit was no picnic. I didn't want to scrimp because it's important to me to get the best training I can and to use high-end products that perform for my clients.

Highest point?

Seeing the bride on her wedding day looking and feeling a million dollars and knowing you played a part in that. Then she starts to cry and her mascara runs…

What motivates you?

When I get a new face to work on, I think I must feel like Rembrandt with a blank canvas. Every face is a new creative challenge. If I'm not doing make-up, I'm thinking about make-up. Not that I'm obsessed or anything!

Describe yourself in three words.

Ambitious, perfectionist and bubbly.

How do you relax outside of work?

I think it's the other way round. I have a two-year-old, so I do make-up to relax! I also attend a Kettlercise class a couple of times a week as keeping fit is important to me.

Where will you be in five years' time?

I hope to have developed my skills further and to be one of the leading make-up artists in the South West.

What are your tips for success?

Have self-belief and don't give up. Keep fit and be positive.

What's your one essential item in your make-up bag?

Eyebrow pencil or powder. Good eyebrows are the bomb – they can knock years off you and are the perfect frame for beautiful eyes.

What do you like about your line of work?

People. Meeting loads of fascinating new people, teaching people new make-up skills and making people feel good about themselves.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

Imagine being in someone else's shoes. I think it really helps me relate to my clients, from brides with a rollercoaster of emotions on her wedding day or a model getting nervous about walking out on a catwalk or posing for a photoshoot.

How environmentally friendly are you?

I do my bit to make my business as environmentally friendly as possible. MAC run a brilliant recycling scheme – if you return six MAC primary packaging containers to a MAC counter, you will receive a free MAC lipstick of your choice.

What's next for you?

In the next couple of weeks, I'm off to London to learn the art of vintage make-up from the 1920s right to the present day. Then I shall be hitting the wedding fayres – starting with the Westcountry Wedding Show!