There's nothing like feeling beautiful and pampered for your special occasion, whether that's your wedding day, pregnancy shoot or matric dance.
"Making people feel beautiful on their most important day has never just been a profession for me, I am genuinely in love with my job and it has always been my passion."
Meet Nicole Amory, professional makeup artist, lash artist and hairstylist.
I've had the absolute pleasure of meeting Nicole and watching her in action, and I can truly see the passion she feels for her work. The way she is able to take one squiz at someone and create a personalised look for them is incredible!
Find out more about this wonderful mompreneur...
How did your love for makeup and hair come about and when did you start your own business?
I remember leaving school and not knowing what I was going to do with the rest of my life and not having a clue about which direction I was going in. It was only after a gap year of traveling overseas and 3 years of studying a completely different degree that I stumbled across make-up as a profession. It never ever crossed my mind that I could make someone look beautiful for a living. A friend of mine introduced me to makeup and I remember being so envious of her skills. It wasn’t long after she had me in her makeup chair that I decided that I too wanted to make people feel as beautiful as she made me feel that day. I started my own business in 2008.
What does beauty mean for you?
To me, a makeup artist enhances someone’s NATURAL beauty. I highlight their assets and disguise their flaws. I consider myself someone that uses makeup and hair styling as a tool to make a person ‘shine’. It gives me great pleasure to see my client’s reaction when they look in the mirror after I have just done their makeup or hair. For me, they are just looking for a more enhanced version of the beautiful person I saw from the beginning. I help women feel their most beautiful on the occasions that matter the most to them. I showcase their INNER BEAUTY and make their best features shine. Every woman deserves to feel beautiful every day.
Where does your inspiration come from when creating so many different looks?
I am always researching makeup and hairstyling, experimenting and advancing my skills. I often catch myself daydreaming about new hair and makeup looks.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
I believe that the true answer to any transformational ‘feel good’ look is healthy skin. A signature look is nothing without Skin prep. My makeup looks are inspired by timeless fashion icons and can be described as Classic, Elegant and feminine.
Please tell us more about your personalised makeup lessons?
I have various options for makeup lessons namely personalised, one-on-one, virtual and upskilling makeup lessons for more advanced. The most popular of the above is the makeup bag makeover whereby in your makeup lesson, I go through your makeup bag to ensure that you have the proper products customised to YOUR NEEDS, guaranteed to have you looking and feeling confident with your makeup application techniques as well as knowing what products will work for you personally. No more buying the wrong makeup products and no more wasting money on products that don’t work for you and listening to bad advice from sales consultants.
What's your number 1 makeup or beauty tip?
Skin prep and skincare is the secret to any good makeup application and will make the biggest difference to the way your makeup sits on the face. It helps with longevity, texture and the end result. So don’t skimp on your skin!
Alongside running your own business, you're also a mom of two. How do you manage to balance both?
I would be lying if I said this is an easy task. Every day has its challenges, but the secret is that there is no such thing as BALANCE. Some days your kids will need you more and other days’ work does. Once I became a mom I soon came to realise that my time was no longer 100% mine and the sooner you realise that it's temporary the easier it becomes to prioritise and move forward.
Here's what I do now when I find myself asking what I have accomplished:
I prioritise 3 things each morning. I work on them in order with ZERO After I've completed these 3 top priorities, I ask myself, "Do I have the energy to knock another 2-3 things off my list? Or shall I call it a day?"
This has given me the space I need in my business and the confidence each day knowing that I accomplished 3 things that will move my business forward. I no longer get on the guilt train of not doing enough. I also have the most amazing husband that is hands on with our kids. Without him doing what I love would be impossible.
Which platforms do you use to market your business?
Instagram and Facebook
Would you say social media has helped your business with its growth? If so, how?
Without a doubt, social media is my only form of marketing. I feel it’s relevant now more so than ever. Most people will ask for my Instagram handle before asking for my website. That way they see my work first hand and can ‘suss’ out whether I’m good at what I do or not.
Where can one find you?
Website:
www.nicoleamorymakeup.co.za
Instagram:
@thatnicoleamory
Facebook:
@thatnicoleamory
