This is my personal story of overcoming challenge. My long-term client told me at the start of 2023 that she is competing in a beauty pageant - Mrs International Global Malaysia 2023 to be exact - and wanted me to be her makeup artist. I initially declined because pageant makeup is a completely new realm for me. Yes, I am a makeup artist, but my entire career has been in the wedding industry; I know nothing about pageants.
But, after much thought, I decided to accept the challenge and informed her that I would love to be her makeup artist, and she has full support. These are some of the looks I created for her, including meet and greet, swimwear, and culture night. If you ask me what is the most difficult aspect of producing these looks was, I will simply say time and constant changes.
I remember its always a rush to get her ready. We get about 1.5 to 2 hours for makeup and hairdo, all done by one person mine you, getting dress, body foundation, putting on accessories, finishing touch up, and having a few trial runs in the room to get yourself pumped up before walking out of the room. The hours will go by without you realizing it.
There was no room for doubt either; you just had to bring your A game because everyone else was. It was literally the best queen win! Months before the pageant, women are sourcing their clothing, perfecting their catwalk and posture while juggling their regular commitments. There was even more training under stress during the contest. All of the queens are exhausted by the end of the day. So all you have to do is play your part flawlessly so that she may be her best self.
In the end, my client was crowned Mrs International Global 2023's first runner-up! Although I was unable to be present for her final, I am equally pleased for her. In retrospect, I'm glad I changed my mind and took her offer. I discovered a lot about myself and my abilities as a makeup artist, such as how to work effectively under pressure. So, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity, and thank you, client, for trusting in me.
Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch - what make you go beyond the norm
I'd like to point out that the Nyonya kebaya she wore for culture night is more than 20 years old. It was made for her when she was only 20 years old. We may gather two things from this statement:
- the workmanship and quality back then are exceptional and ;
- she can still fit into something that was created to her body 20 years ago!!? I couldn't even fit into my jeans from the night before today.
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