My Story

My path to becoming one of the most sought after make up artists in Ireland wasn't plane sailing in fact, I was turned away from every job I applied for…

I am honoured that my skills have allowed me to meet and work with a vast number of celebrities, fantastics photo/film/media crews and of course all of the wonderful brides who let me be a part of their lives on their wedding day.

My path to becoming one of the most sought after make up artists in Ireland wasn't plane sailing in fact, I was turned away from every job I applied for…Thankfully, my determination and talent prevailed and I am very proud to say that I am the first Deaf professional makeup artist in Ireland. (click here to read about my interview with the Irish Times).

Growing Up

I grew up in a silent world. At 18 months old I got meningitis, I spent a few weeks in intensive care and have been Deaf ever since. I use capital ‘d’ for Deaf to contextualise that it is a part of my identity, I am an Irish Sign Language (ISL) user and part of the Irish Deaf community. I am bilingual, when I’m in an environment with hearing people I ‘lipread’ and when I’m with Deaf people I communicate in ISL.

From the time I could hold a crayon I’ve had a passion for art and creativity. I loved drawing and painting as a kid, I think it was a way for me to express myself visually. My talents were identified early on winning a number of national awards for art throughout my teens.

Rose of Tralee

Along with art and creativity I had a passion for fashion, which lead me to completing a Diploma in Art & Fashion Design when I finished school. I actually used to design wedding dresses back in the day lol.

Around the same time I was modelling but I found that job a bit too lonely so it didn’t last too long ( I do miss the free clothes though :)

My mammy always encouraged me to follow my dreams and to never let anything stop me from doing what I wanted to do. I was passionate about make up, I loved art & fashion so I entered the Rose of Tralee in 2005 and became a finalist as the Monaghan Rose.

Having a modelling background, I am used to being around a camera and know the ‘ins and outs’ of photoshoots. Along with my Art & Fashion Design Diploma, I wanted to combine these skills so becoming a makeup artist was a natural transition.

Barriers - a blessing in disguise

As mentioned in my interview with the Irish times, once qualified I applied for every job I came across. Retail is usually the first stop for most when qualified.

Every interview I went to they loved my makeup skills but I was judged on how I communicate and was never offered a job. Looking back it was a blessing in disguise.

They wanted me to become a sales person, which is often the role offered in retail… Looking back I’m glad I was turned down.

My mammy passed away at a similar time and I always remember her telling me, never give up and to follow my dreams… I knew I was talented and was determined to make it work so I took the leap of faith and became a freelance makeup artist straight from college.

I put myself out there, attended every masterclass and training I could, assisted well established makeup artists, networked with photographers and people I knew and focusing on building up my portfolio to show what I was capable of.

Becoming a Makeup Artist

I’ve met some phenomenal people along the way who have supported and championed my work and they have become some of my closest friends ( you know who you are).

I have travelled Ireland teaching makeup workshops.

I presented at ‘Taste Your Future’ an event showcasing professionals in their respective fields.

I have been featured on TV3 Xpose, Newstalk, The Irish Sun and worked in London’s Fashion week.

I looked after Megan Markle when she came to Ireland.

I’ve glammed the judges on Irelands Got Talent.

I’ve worked with a number of celebrities and absolutely wonderful brides.

My work has been showcased in multiple magazines and I’ve been flow off to various locations abroad… I guess my mammy was right ;)

When I’m not doing make up

I love to laugh, have cups of tea and spending time with my family and friends.

Growing up as a farmers daughter I love spending times in the outdoors.

I love photography and my latest obsession is interior design. My partner and I done a full DIY renovation on our house and I honestly would love to do it all over again.

My favourite hobby is probably sleeping, if I was in the Olympics I would win gold for sleeping.