What do you do, and what do you love most about it?
I consider myself an artist, influencer, and entrepreneur. Being a HMUA for the past twenty-two years has given me the opportunity to meet incredible women and many influential people around the globe. I realise that being part of a woman's life- helping her see her best self and elevating her image with makeup and a beautifully tailored hairstyle-goes beyond anything I love the most.

What inspired you to pursue this?
My inspiration for pursuing this career comes from a deep love for artistry, creativity, and the power of transformation. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the way hair and makeup could enhance not just a person's appearance but also their confidence and self-expression. is what truly fulfils me. It's more than just a profession; it's a passion that allows me to empower others and bring out their inner beauty.

What's your go-to advice for other women navigating their careers within the hair and makeup artistry industry?
Here's my best advice for women building a career in hair and makeup:
• Keep Learning - Styles and trends change all the time, so always improve your skills. Take classes, practice new techniques, and stay updated on products.
• Create a Strong Portfolio - Show off your best work with high-quality photos. Use social media, a website, or a digital lookbook to attract clients.
• Network & Connect - Meet other artists, photographers, and stylists. Building good relationships c a n lead to more jobs and opportunities.
• Know Your Worth - Set fair prices for your work and don't be afraid to a s k for what you deserve. Confidence attracts better clients.
• Learn Business Basics – Being talented isn't enough; you need to know how to handle contracts, invoices, marketing, and branding.
• Be Professional - Show up on time, be prepared, and work well with others. A good reputation will bring you more clients.
• Try Different Work Styles - You can work in salons, weddings, fashion, film, TV, or even start your own beauty brand. Don't limit yourself!
• Take Care of Yourself - This job can be tiring, so set boundaries, rest when needed, and avoid burnout.

How do you approach confidence and self-expression in your work?
Confidence and self-expression are everything in the beauty industry, both for myself as an artist and for the clients I work with. Here's how I approach both: Confidence in My Work
• Trusting My Skills - Confidence comes with experience, so l practice constantly and stay updated on trends and techniques. The more I know, the more secure I feel.
• Owning My Unique Style - While I stay aware of trends, I also develop a signature approach that makes my work stand out. Clients remember artists with a distinct touch.
• Speaking with Assurance – Whether I'm consulting a client or explaining a look, I communicate clearly and confidently. People trust professionals who sound sure of themselves .
• Embracing Mistakes as Growth – Not every look will be perfect, but I see mistakes as lessons rather than failures. This mindset keeps my confidence strong. Encouraging Self-Expression in my clients.
• Listening First - I make sure I understand a client's vision, personality, and comfort level before suggesting looks.
• Pushing Boundaries (Gently) – Some people want a bold transformation but feel unsure. I introduce new ideas in a way that respects their comfort zone while encouraging them to explore.
• Making Makeup & Hair Empowering - Beauty should never feel like a mask. I focus on enhancing natural features and making sure my clients feel like the best version of themselves, not someone else.
• Celebrating Individuality - I remind clients (and myself) that there's no one definition of beauty. Confidence shines brightest when people embrace what makes them unique. Would you say confidence comes naturally to you in your work, or is it something you're still building? Since I've been in this industry for so many years, confidence comes naturally to me. I know my worth, I trust my skills, and I'm not afraid to express myself through my work. That doesn't mean I stop growing- there's always another level to reach. Whether it's refining my technique, exploring new styles, or mentoring others, I'm always evolving. At this stage, my confidence isn't about proving myself anymore. It's about owning my expertise, pushing creative boundaries, and helping others find their own confidence. I love what I do, and that passion shows in every look I create.

What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, isn't just about recognition or a packed client list-it's about feeling fulfilled in my work, staying true to my artistry, and making a lasting impact. It means :
• Loving What I Do - Waking up excited to create, transform, and express myself through hair and makeup. If I'm passionate about my work, l've already won.
• Making Others Feel Their Best – Seeing a client's confidence light up after a session is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Helping people embrace their beauty is success in itself.
• Growing Constantly - I never want to feel stuck. Success means always improving, learning new techniques, and pushing my creative boundaries.
• Having Creative Freedom - Being able to say "yes" to the projects that excite me and "no" to the ones that don't align with my vision is a huge marker of success .
• Building a Legacy - Whether it's mentoring others, inspiring the next generation of artists, or leaving my mark in the industry, I want my work to outlive  me in some way.
• Balancing Work & Life - True success means thriving in my career without sacrificing my well-being, relationships, or personal happiness. For me, success isn't just one big moment -it's a journey. Every step forward, every happy client, and every creative breakthrough is part of it.

Who is the woman that has inspired you the most, and why?
My Abuelita is the woman who has inspired me the most. She was my icon. She always looked amazing, no matter what. Her style wasn't just about the clothes she wore-it was the way she carried herself with such confidence and grace. She taught m e that looking great is about feeling good in your own skin and owning it. The way she presented herself, always put together, but with so much warmth and kindness, has always stuck with me. I try to carry that energy and confidence with me every day, just like she did.

What does female empowerment mean to you?
For me, female empowerment is about embracing and celebrating our individual strengths while lifting each other up. It's about recognizing that women can be multifaceted -powerful, nurturing, creative, and ambitious - all at the same time. Empowerment means having the confidence to make our own choices, pursue our passions, and not be afraid to take up space in any space we choose. It's also about supporting one another. Empowerment doesn't mean competition; it means understanding that we all rise when we cheer each other on, share knowledge, and build communities of women who empower each other. Ultimately, female empowerment is about creating an environment where women can thrive freely and fearlessly, no matter what obstacles may come. It's about dismantling the systems that try to limit us and creating new paths where we can write our own stories .

What's your favourite or most worn AJOSEPO piece, and why?
My favorite AJOSEPO pieces have to be from their gemstone collection. I absolutely adore the Ona earrings and the Wulbari earrings, both in black. They're my go-to pieces because they have this perfect mix of elegance and edge. The black gemstones make them versatile enough to pair with almost anything, and they always add a little extra shine and sophistication to my look. They're the kind of statement pieces that make me feel put together, whether I'm dressing up for a special event or just adding a bit of glamour to my everyday style.