Hi Lovely people, I hope you are having an awesome week so far!
It's all about maintaining your focus this week. That's right chin up, head faced forward and mind over matter. Do not forget the reason why you started to push yourself a long your journey. You have nothing to loose by putting absolutely everything into your vision, your goals and your dreams. Do not lose focus! Even when the route looks really bumpy, keep working towards your vision. When a plane is in the air and there's always a little turbulence but nonetheless the plane keeps moving towards it's destination. The plane may have to re-route but the plane still heads in the required direction and that is what you need to do.
You will experience turbulence, you will have to jump hurdles but what ever you do -
do not lose focus!!
The interview below is with the brilliant Make Up Artist Abbie May Hopkins, Abbie has had the pleasure of being head make up artist at African Fashion Week - 4 years in a row and has also worked with the fabulous presenter -Maya Jama. I am personally inspired by Abbie May's brand, talent and work ethic which all speaks for itself. Read the interview below and be swept away by Abbie May's Art.
Enjoy!
xoxSarahxox
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So Abbie May, what inspired you to get into the Make Up Industry?
I am not one to sit behind a desk as I get so bored just sitting there staring into space. Even when I was at school, I was always looking outside the window thinking about the big beautiful wide world. I used to get so frustrated not being able to do what I wanted to do and I was rubbish at maths and science. I was so creative, I managed to get top marks in all creative subjects at school in my GCSE's and that's when I knew I needed to be doing something fun and interesting with my career for the future to fufil my needs. Honestly, I think music inspired me to get into the make-up industry. I was always looking at music videos and celebrities and copying their looks when I was younger, Christina Aguilera and Spice Girls gave me life. I knew I didn't want to be in front of the camera, but still working in music and make-up behind the scenes.
What piece of work are you most proud of and why?
I have been head make-up artist for the past 4 years for Africa Fashion Week and this year's show make-up has been my proudest moment as I honestly feel it was spot on and really represented me and my personality with the make-up looks I choose. I wanted to push myself into creating 2 make-up looks (1 per day) that really do capture peoples attention on the catwalk. I wanted them both super colourful and playful.
Day 1 – Bright block coloured eyes with matching coloured lashes and pencil liner in the waterline using pink, blue, red, yellow, green and orange. Every model had a different eye colour which really stood out on the catwalk.
Day 2 – Pink and glittery, super pretty and girlie (me in a nutshell!)
Who do you look up to/who inspires you and why?
In all honesty, I find a lot of my inspiration from my clients. Especially Maya Jama who I have been working with for a few years now. She is one of the most hard working females I know. She is also one of the most beautiful people inside and out and really has a heart of gold. She is 100% one to watch on social media because if you ever feel like you are having a bad day, her Instagram stories/snapchat will always make you laugh. She is probably the realist person I know and is a great representation for young women.
But I do also want to big up Bea Sweet Beauty who I sadly haven't met yet, however, I have followed her work for years and I am a huge fan as her work inspires me because of her confidence in make-up and pushing boundaries really shows in every single piece of work she does. Bea really thinks outside the box and you can really tell she is a perfectionist in her artistry.
What are some of the biggest hurdles challenges that you have had to face so far?
I knew the answer to this straight away and didn't even have to think twice. Being a young woman in this industry really can be difficult at times. I have been told I don't look old enough, that I probably don't even have enough experience and have even experienced grown men talking down to me because they think they can. Well this needs to stop. I always stand up for myself and will continue to do so, although life would be easier if I didn't have to over come these hurdles at all.
What would you say to anyone who is at the point of giving up on their dreams?
WHAT EVER YOU DO, DON'T QUIT. Please go to women empowerment events, networking events and meet people who are in the same boat as you. I came from a small town in High Wycombe where being a make-up artist wasn't really heard of unless it was behind a counter working in retail. You have to put in what you want to get out of life, nothing comes to you on a plate. I have worked my ass off! I almost quit, being broke for the first 3 years of my career was the hardest time of my life as I felt so unstable and unsure of my career. I couldn't even pay for petrol to get to jobs! I actually met some people who were fashion stylists, other MUA's and musicians who became my good friends still to this day and we were always there for each other when we were having a bad day and second guessing everything. It is 100% the people around me back then who helped me not quit and I am forever thankful to them.​
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Be inspired guys, share this blog post with someone you want to inspire and what ever you do - do not lose focus!