We thought since we get so many emails asking Lea about her business, how she started up & what lies ahead. We thought it was time to give you the answers!!
Q1. How did you get into Make Up?
From a young age I was into arts, loved colour, drawing, painting, so I suppose make up was inevitable except the canvas is faces instead. I was lucky enough to have an opportunity overseas in the UK with natural skincare group, Aveda. On my return to Australia I continued to work with them in their flagship store Paddington, doing mini make overs, so it began from there and never stopped...ha ha
Q2. Apart from your own make up, what are some of your favourite make up brands?
Definitely NARS - amazing colour, so on trend and very versatile, great staple for make up kits.
Chanel, Georgia Armani, Christian Dior & another favourite is BECCA. But ofcourse my all time favourite products are Sundari Cosmetics and is what I use daily on myself.
Q3. How did you get into all your events & PR?
I think its all about networking, whether it be a friend who knows someone, or just picking up the phone and asking a company or supplier. I think where I have been fortunate though is I come from a corporate background, so I acquired some good business skills, which has helped me really understand how to build good relationships, know what people want & negotiate to also get what I want, so its a win/win situation. Coming from a good place of intention, being humble and wanting to give back also helps!!
I am very blessed to have great relationships with Melbourne Racing Club, The Butterfly Foundation which has exposed me to many people, created more opportunities which has subsequently led me to Miss India Quest, Plate Up the Positives - Celebrity chef event, up coming make up for photos shoots & more. I love that I get to meet wonderful people, who subsequently become good friends.
Q4. What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Mmmm, probably getting my first salon to take on the make up range. Naming rights for Diamond Stakes, setting up the office in Prahran and the upcoming Look Book (thanks to a great team of people). Doing this as a mother is my greatest accomplishment though - my son Javier is beyond anything I could ever dream of. Dont think anything can beat that!!
Q5. Whats next?
Well, I am always asked if I do make up lessons, or if I can show people how to apply make up. So instead of catering to make up artists, I want a workshop to help everyday people struggling to pull off a simple look or a night party look. Workshops start end of April, it was always in this business plan & I am a stickler to keeping to it as much as I can.
So look out for an upcoming promotion through Living Social........
I am also excited to have partnered with a sales agent who will look after getting my products into beauty salons & chemists, that way it is more accessible. It also allows me the opportunity to stay hands on with doing make up, public events, speaking, training.
Q6. Who is your favorite Fashion designer?
Mmmmm, I have two actually which I think are timeless & classic. These two designers really understand a woman and how to make her look graceful, yet chic, very old Hollywood. None other than Oscar De La Renta & Christian Dior collection, hands down!!!
