I’m made up at book debut
Success for mum Nicola as images used in publication
A talented mum is celebrating her makeup artistry being featured in a new book.
Nicola Keegan found out her work would be published in the international art book, Strìõsherra Fables, after she responded to a Facebook post by photographer Tobias Delcroix.
The international photographer was looking for makeup artists to collaborate with him on a book about female empowerment.
And Nicol, from Paisley, believes it was a match made in makeup heaven.
She told the Express: “I just can’t believe that my work will be featured in such a visually stunning book which holds a great message.”
In addition to being a mum to three-year-old James, Nicola works as a freelance makeup artist with her two female assistants and says supporting other women is one of the driving forces behind her work.
Nicola said:“I come from very humble beginnings and want nothing but the best for my boy.
“He is my motivation but having young female assistants really encourages me to be the best I can be at all times.
“I would have loved having a mentor in the industry.
“I’m so proud to be passing on my trade.
“Teaching makeup is a huge passion of mine and helping other females gain experience and find their calling is just so satisfying.”
Since giving up a career as a flight attendant and studying for a HND at James Watt College in Greenock eight years ago, the 34-year-old has seen her career go from strength-to-strength.
Talented Nicola was snapped up straight out of college after graduating in 2010 and started working behind makeup counters for brands Urban Decay and Smashbox.
She now balances being mum to little James alongside her booming career as a makeup artist.
But Nicola’s road to success hasn’t been easy.
When she first became a new mum Nicola says she lost her passion for makeup artistry.
She said: “I remember the fear of going back to work after having a child.
“When it was time to return to work from maternity leave I used to cry every day on the way to work.
“I knew something had to change.
“It wasn’t worth leaving my baby for.
“I decided to start focusing on building my freelance career whenever I had a spare minute.”
As a freelancer, Nicola saw her business skyrocket and her career highlight came last year when she made the finals of the Scottish Hair and Beauty awards.
Nicola hopes by speaking out about the struggles that come with running a successful business and a busy household she can empower other mums to chase their dream career.
She said: “I am now using all my experience in sales, counter management, salon makeup coaching and customer service to drive my business.
“It’s not been easy but it’s been worth every minute and a relief not building up someone else’s dreams – but mine and my family’s.”