Makeup art

For Sueann Norville being a makeup artist allows her to express her artistic skills on a person’s face as opposed to a canvass.

That’s because, from the time she knew herself, she remembers always having a deep love and passion for art.

“As a child, I did a lot of drawing and colouring which is a big part of makeup artistry and as I grew my love for art grew. When I was graduating from secondary school, I decided to do my own makeup and from then I decided to pursue makeup artistry as my career. I honestly can’t see my life without having makeup in nothing else gives me that thrill,” she told Today’s Fashion.

Sueann’s journey started in May 2017 when she did a one-on-one class in 2018 with a fellow Barbados makeup artist known as Gaildoesmakeup on Instagram. All other techniques were self-taught. She watched YouTube videos and practising.

But then actually giving birth to her business Queendom Beauty brought with it its own challenges.

“Some major challenges I faced when I started are lack of confidence towards my work, but we all have to start somewhere and getting products online because of the high fees that have to be paid when items arrive in Barbados. I I believe everything happens in its own time but I wish I knew then what I know now pertaining to business because of the oversaturation in the beauty industry.”

The name Queendom Beauty came about one day when Sueann was scrolling through Instagram and saw a photo of a line of black women captioned: “Queendom”. She immediately thought empowerment and that is what she wants her brand to portray. The business is located in St. Thomas but she offers mobile services to clients who want to have their makeup done in the comfort of their own space.

“At the moment I specialize in makeup services. When you book with Queendom Beauty you have the option to have Bold Glam (this is the option of bold colours and/or glitter), Soft Glam (this is the option of no eyeshadow or just a neutral matte look), Eye Glam (this is the option of just getting the eyes done). All of our services with the exception of the eye glam include a full face and lashes. My customers range from age 21 and up.”

She continued: “I follow a lot of international artists that do the same type of artistry I’m interested in and I spend a lot of time studying photos that portray my type of artistry. I can say I’m not into the whole “Instagram Look” I prefer the more pro-artist style of makeup. I always strive for that smile when they see the end result this way I know I did what I set out to do and that is to make my clients feel beautiful and happy.”

The business owner wishes to use Queendom Beauty to “empower” other females.

“Honestly, the word empowerment means a lot to me and with the help of my business, I would like to make young women feel empowered to the point where they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. I would like for us as entrepreneurs instead of looking at each other as competition we need to lift each other up and change our way of thinking because I think we can bring so much value to other peoples’ lives.”

The 24-year-old former student of Alleyne School successfully completes studies in Principles of Business at University of the West Indies Open Campus. She then moved on to the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology and did Garment Making.

Sueann has done makeup for clients for Foreday Morning jouvert, Grand Kadooment, Crop Over events, graduations and other formal functions. However, she has set some career goals which she intends to attain.

“I haven’t yet done a brides’ makeup. Another goal is to be able to give my clients a luxury experience, to feel pampered in the same way you would feel getting another beauty service like hair or nails. So having my own designated makeup space and equipment so I am able to carry out my work as timely and efficiently as possible is top on my list.”

Given her clientele Crop Over is her busiest time but she schedules according to ensure there are no clashes or major inconveniences to her customers.

But what keeps Sueann going during those hectic times and through all of her days is the love of family and those dear to her.

“Personally, my number one motivation is my daughter also my family and close friends they always stick by and guide me through every decision or difficulty I have been faced with. I would like to say thank you to my mother Esther Norville and my Daughter Ranecia Norville-Callender for being my motivation and my closest friends Cara Wiggins and Rico Hoyte for sticking with me throughout the years.”

Sueann loves reading, she says it really feeds the brain with new information. She also loves going to the beach with friends just to talk, unwind and “getaway for a moment”.

 The words of wisdom she offers to those seeking to venture on the same career path are simply.

“Don’t just do it for the money because it is something you are passionate about because businesses have their ups and downs and you will need motivation and reasons to keep going. For all beginning and upcoming makeup artists remember we all started somewhere and practice makes perfect!” (IMC)