Glam gran made up at popularity
Online makeovers show the power of positivity
A glamorous gran has become an online sensation doing makeovers to beat depression.
Ann Marie Harper’s honest and downtoearth Facebook live posts have attracted half a million viewers.
The creative makeup artist, from Prestwick, who suffers from depression wants to raise awareness of mental health through her positive videos.
The 63- year- old transforms women’s looks and reaches out to thousands in the process.
She had a difficult childhood and suffered at the hands of school bullies.
The gran- of- one said: “My dad died when I was two- years- old. My mother was a manic depressive and we were poor. I was rarely at school. They laughed at me because my clothes weren’t nice I was dyslexic and they called me daft. During those days I was often scared. I didn’t like growing up much.”
She sought to hide her battle with depression but now believes it is healing to share experiences.
She said: “I realise I have an illness but I’m not scared any more. I want to do something to remove this stigma. There are days I don’t want to go out the door. It is okay to not be okay. I realise I may always be on medication for depression but I’m okay with that.”
The Prestwick Airport customer service worker sank into the dark depths of depression badly two years ago.
But she has turned the corner again after growing an online community of fans.
Ann Marie said: “I was not feeling good. I struggled to get out of my bed. But I have turned my life around and have been fighting through the pain. It is good to be able to say I am not feeling good today. I have pushed the boundaries. At the age of 63 you can turn your life around.
The mum- of- two launched her Facebook Live posts in recent months and has been overwhelmed with positive vibes from her online followers.
She recently felt a huge relief after sharing her battle with depression on stage at a P Louise make- up academy in Manchester.
She said: “I felt bad a couple days ago. And I was biting my nails so I have put fake ones on. I am honest about that, which I think people like. There is no such thing as perfection. People are enjoying my Facebook Lives because it is not fake. My phone is jumping. And I’m so humbled that I am reaching thousands of people. What you see is what you get. Make- up changes lives. So many people are looking for perfection but life isn’t perfect.”
Ann Marie gives make- up tuition and classes and held a Victorian Bride East meetsWest class in Prestwick at the weekend. Next up she will do the makeup for a charity event organised by DJ James Smith known as Mr Fabulous on June 9.
Visit: glamourgranann on Facebook.
I have an illness but I’m not scared any more