This month, the amazingly talented celebrity and wedding MUA Ann-Marie from Lawson Make Up joins us on the blog to answer my quick-fire ‘get to know you’ questions!
Ann-Marie is extremely talented and holds a huge passion for what she does. She is London-based, and regularly gets sought out by celebrities and actors, as well as prettying up faces for super high-profile events like the BAFTA’s and and the Brits!
I was also lucky enough to meet her at some industry events and retreats over the last few years, and was amazed to learn she’s also from Motherwell! (Where I’m from in Scotland! Such a small world!)
We’ve loved getting to know her a little more here on the blog. Here she is to tell you a bit more about herself….
Please Introduce Yourself
I’m Ann-Marie… an artist and a lover of beauty. I’m unbelievably privileged to have those intimate moments with brides and grooms who just want to be very much themselves yet look perfected. I help to make them feel totally sensational as their private makeup-artist or gents-groomer!
Your business…
1. What made you want to set up your business?
I worked in a creative capacity for global companies for years, quite happily I might add, then an opportunity presented itself to take a redundancy payout. It just seemed right.
2. What’s the best part of your job?
Really and truly making someone not only look the very best version of themselves but to actually smash through any self doubts or insecurities they have, leaving my client feeling absolutely AMAZING!
3. What’s the worst part of your job?
Often I have a very early start, bearing in mind that I need to be up, dressed, breakfasted and sometimes have to travel quite a way to get to my bridal party.
4. What’s the weirdest request you’ve ever had from a client?
I’d rather not say. Yes, it was THAT weird…
5. What’s been your favourite ever wedding you’ve worked on/at?
Some of my clients are incredibly famous. Getting those tiny glimpses of wonderful bespoke weddings can be quite breathtaking, always original and very unique. It’s impossible to pick just one.
6. You’re surrounded by beauty in your job. What do you find beautiful?
Aside from make up artistry, I’m an amateur portrait painter. To me there’s nothing more beautiful than true, raw, unfiltered human emotion. It’s all around us, should we choose to look.
7. Best piece of advice to offer to those getting married?
I’m not myself married though very happily partnered, thereby exempt from this question. Phew. (That wasn’t exactly the point Ann-Marie!!)
8. Anyone you particularly admire in the industry?
Tricky question. I admire so many professionals for their unwavering generosity of person and knowledge, huge infectious spirit and some quite insane unflappability skills. I’ll offend absolutely everyone I don’t favour…
9. Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think”.
This silly frivolous phrase always reminds me in good and bad times that we all really do have a very limited time.
10. What was your career plan B?
To paint portraits full time. With the age of the selfie it’s a dying art and expensive, so not accessible mainstream. As a primary business this isn’t impossible, but perhaps a little challenging.
You…
11. Where do you call home?
My birthplace of Scotland defines me but my location/house is in London. My true home is wherever my Vince is; without him everywhere else is just a postcode.
12. Favourite shop?
I’m a huge fan of flea markets, charity shops and pretty much anywhere that serves proper coffee.
13. Favourite restaurant?
Generally I cook at home – it’s both a pleasure and hobby. However, I’m watching Chef Tom Brown with an impressive CV and currently going solo in “Cornerstone” in Hackney Wick.
14. Who would you have play you in a movie about your life?
Aha… so who would I “like” rather than who would be remotely suitable. Excellent question, definitely Idris Elba! I envision us spending LOTS of time talking about details (sorry Vince).
15. Cocktail of Choice?
Never a cocktail, always champagne.
16. Your biggest extravagance?
I actually spend very little and I’m not a very materialistic person, so I guess my biggest extravagance is that I allow myself is time. Time to cook, paint, listen to music or just spend it with those I love.
17. Do you collect anything?
It might be said (has been said; repeatedly) I have a useful (probably unhealthy) obsession with keeping things that I may fix one day!
18. If you could buy any building, which one would it be?
Undoubtedly the Constance Hotel on Pemba Island. Built simply and beautifully, everything about this incredible place and the magical island of Pemba would bring complete joy, adventure and ultimately inner peace. (Pemba Island is part of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Archipelago, off the coast of East Africa. )
19. What’s the most romantic thing someone’s ever done for you?
Vincent kissing me so passionately with great care and absolute tenderness when I was very, very, poorly in hospital – reassuring me that I am his ultimate love.
20. Where do you go to let your hair down?
Although initially very shy.. .once I settle I’m happy letting my hair down wherever! I could have the best laugh at a bus stop… It’s about who I’m with.
And finally…
21. Tell us something about yourself
I’ve flown a plane! Really!
22. Invisibility or flight?
Invisibility
23. Tell us your favourite Instagram accounts at the moment!
I’m all about @IrvingPenn right now. He is a portraiture photographer who captures something emotive and unexpected every time.
24. Any regrets in life?
Never ever. Uneasy paths are part of our journey and there will always be battle-scars when we choose to live. Embrace them.
25. If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Suffering… of humans and animals.
Thank you so much to Lawson Make Up for taking part. We would love for her to give us a make-over one day! If you want a mega professional and creative MUA, then Ann-Marie is one in a million. (And a great laugh to have a drink with too, might I add – from experience!!)
Thanks for taking part Ann-Marie!
Photography Credits: Lawson Make Up
