“You can learn something from absolutely anybody.” Rowenna Ayling of Makeup By Rowenna
For Hampshire-based professional makeup artist, Rowenna Ayling of Makeup By Rowenna, it was a HND in fashion and textiles that led her to the creative world of makeup, where palettes of shimmering highlighter reign and tubes of lipgloss shine. And, with over 10 years of experience, it’s within the bridal industry that Rowenna has chosen to wield her talents, effortlessly enhancing brides’ natural beauty so they feel the very best version of themselves as they take to the aisle. I managed to catch up with Rowenna of Makeup By Rowenna to talk about her business journey so far and her version of Taking The Plunge, including the highs, the lows, the first jobs, the worst jobs and the tech she can’t live without…
Name: Rowenna Ayling
Business: Makeup by Rowenna
Date you took the plunge: 3rd February 2022
#1 In a nutshell, describe your business/brand – what do you offer?
“Bridal makeup artist offering elegant effortless and natural makeup for your special day.”
#2 What’s your career background? Has it always been in the wedding industry?
“I have a HND in fashion and textiles and I was a business manager for the cosmetics company Urban Decay for a number of years.”
#3 What planted the seed of your business idea? Did it strike you suddenly?
“Having worked in the makeup industry for over 10 years it was a dream to run my own business and focus solely on bridal makeup.”
#4 Describe the moment you decided to TAKE THE PLUNGE (what did this involve?
Handing in your notice?)
“During lockdown and just after my maternity leave ended I got made redundant. It was one of those now or never moments where I had to make a choice and do what I needed to do to follow my passion, and I’m so glad I took the plunge.”
#5 Describe how the first day of building your own business felt:
“Daunting but so excited at the same time! I was just ready to get stuck in and work hard.”
#6 The highs – what have they been so far?
“Visiting so many stunning wedding venues, I love pulling up to a new venue and getting to have a nosey around.”
#7 The lows – how did you move past them? What did you learn?
“Thankfully things have gone pretty smoothly in such a short space of time. I have learnt to trust the quiet periods and keep myself busy.”
#8 If you could tell yourself three things when you first started the business – what would they be?
“Believe in yourself. Network with everyone. Be your authentic self.”
#9 Your tips for those dreaded lying-awake-at-3am times? (Counting sheep? Glass of water? Get up? Meditate? Read?)
“A guided sleep meditation.”
#10 Your top organisational tip?
“Organise things into segments, so that everything has its place. I love organising my kit keeping everything in a certain place.”
#11 Who inspired you? Or inspires you in business?
“Oprah Winfrey, her book What I Know for Sure is a great read and very inspirational.”
#12 An app/piece of tech you now couldn’t live without for your business:
“Canva – it’s been an amazing tool.”
#13 Your first ever job was…
“Answering calls for a local pizza delivery company.”
#14 Your top social media tip?
“Be social, and share the love.”
#15 The brand you’d love to collaborate with and why…
“Catherine Deane. My wedding dress was from Catherine Deane and they are stunning so I would love to do the makeup on an editorial shoot for them one day.”
#16 Name a business/social media account(s) – that have helped/inspired you with your business?
“@thevibe.education hands down the best.”
#17 Your fav social media tool: (Pinterest? Instagram? LinkTree? Etc.)
“Instagram – it’s such a fantastic platform.”
#18 Your advice to those looking to TAKE THE PLUNGE:
“You can’t do it alone, don’t be stubborn and take all the advice and help out there. You can learn something from absolutely anybody.”
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS | MAKEUP BY ROWENNA
#1 Most inspirational book you’ve read:
“Manifest 7 Steps To LIving Your Best Life by Roxie Nafousi.”
#2 You’re in Starbucks, what do you order?
“Sugar Free Vanilla Oat Milk Latte.”
#3 Instagram feed crush:
“@bohemianbondibiza for ibiza dreaming.”
#4 Your worst job was…
“Working in a double glazing call centre.”
#5 If you didn’t do what you do…what would you do?
“Interior Designer.”
#6 Work day pick-me-up:
“doTERRA Smart & Sassy Essential Oil. It’s the best scent for an oil burner or a few drops in water.”
Discover more about the services the Basingstoke-based bridal makeup artist offers over on Makeup By Rowenna, and while you’re there check out her Instagram.
Catch up with all the latest Taking The Plunge entries on Bridal Editor.
