What was it that first attracted you to this profession?
FH: What attracted me to this profession was the level of perfection and the idea of beauty. I like people. I have always been fascinated with the intimacy of conversation and the 1 on 1 relationships. I think that through makeup I am really able to explore the beauty of that.
What was the one moment that changed your career?
FH: I can’t say that there is one moment that changed my career but I do think the
biggest influence was when I left my home, Canada, and moved to Europe.
The experience of living there for over 9 years was a huge eye opener and allowed
me work on a global scale.
What kind of role do you think you’ve played in helping women to rise
above conformity with makeup trends and use tool to express who they
are?
FH: The one thing I don’t like is conformity especially when it comes to beauty
and the way that women are influenced to feel they need to conform to be beautiful.
I think that women should be able to be who they are and look the way they want to look. My idea of beauty is simplicity. For instance, I think a lash (being the tool) if it is done beautifully is gorgeous enough to stand alone with out the need of eyebrows, blush and lipstick to make a beautiful look.
What’s the one thing about your profession that bothers you the most?
FH: Trying to express myself within the limitations of a specific job. Sometimes it can be difficult to merge my creative vision while also ensuring that the clients needs are satisfied.
What’s the one thing that thrills you the most about the work you do?
FH: It would have to be the level of creativity and the fact that I can get totally and completely immersed. I go into that other frame of mind almost like a zen or mediation place. I loose myself within it. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to do. When I get lost in an idea I am in the zone and I can be anywhere and all of a sudden think in terms of makeup. For instance, I can see a hot shinny red convertible and instantly think lipstick or walk into a fabric store and see beautiful chiffon fabric and I instantly think of veils of color on an eyelid.
What’s the secret to success in your books?
FH: Its important to have the right attitude, work hard, and love what you do.
Treat each job as it is the most important job and do it to the best of your ability because to the client it is the most important job.
How much have you sacrificed to build the career you have?
FH: I suppose as far as sacrifice there was a time that I was sacrificing a lot. I left my home and family when I moved to Europe where I knew no-one. At the time it was a huge sacrifice but the rewards that have been returned to me from that totally dispel any thought of sacrifice.
Do you think there’s such a thing as “Honest” beauty today?
FH: Of course I think all beauty is honest. Walking down the street with confidence, having a freshly scrubbed face looking in the mirror and liking what you see, that’s honest beauty. Real beauty is in everything that you see.
What is one of the things in life that make you happy?
FH: Many things in life make me happy. As far as relating to my work it’s knowing that I did the very best. Happiness is every time I step back and look at a face I just finished. I see a bit of myself, it is a part of me and that’s a very satisfying feeling.