OTTAWA ICON - Natalie Peachy
Natalie
Peachy
Ottawa Icon .07
“When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome.” -Wilma Rudolph
Natalie Peachy, also known as @nataliepeachymakeup is a phenomenal makeup artist whose work has been published in magazines. Her path in becoming a makeup artist is awe-spiring climb and wanted to share it with you. I hope you read this interview and get inspired yourself to follow your dreams in what ever it may be. I’m proud to present, after the long wait, OTTAWA ICON’S NATALIE PEACHY!
Questions
What would the “thesis” of your own biography be?
Overcoming self doubt on the road to success.
Why a makeup artist? What services do you provide?
In University I studied psychology because I wanted to become a psychologist. Growing up with a father who was a Social Worker, I always had a penchant for helping people.
After completing my undergrad I decided I couldn’t do 4 more years of school so I got a job at the National Arts Centre doing marketing and sales for the Meetings and Events Department where I stayed for 13 years.
I was always interested in makeup and beauty so becoming a makeup artist allowed me to combine that passion with the desire to help feel better about themselves. Sometimes doing a person’s makeup is like a mini therapy session!
Who are your makeup-artist idols?
Kevyn Aucoin is probably my number one influence (many makeup artists would agree). He was the first true “celebrity makeup artist”. My other idols are the talented British makeup artists Lisa Eldridge and Charlotte Tilbury.
If someone was wanting to become a makeup artist, what advice would you give them to get started?
Becoming a makeup artist can be tricky because there’s no real set path to follow. It’s not like becoming a lawyer where you go to law school, take the bar exam and boom you’re a lawyer.
My advice would be…
To study makeup artistry and technique by great artists to learn the basics.
To practice doing makeup as often and on anyone who will let you!
To be nice to clients and everyone you meet -quite often your success will depend on your personality and how much people like you.
And lastly to believe in yourself and follow your passion even if others tell you it’s not realistic!
What products do you use most?
People often ask me what my favourite brand is and I tell them I don’t have just one. Each brand has certain products they excel at. For example Make Up Forever has fantastic foundation. MAC’s eyeshadows are some of the best around. Laura Mercier’s Translucent Setting Powder is legendary.
I also use professional makeup artist brands like RCMA and Cinema Secrets which are designed to provide flawless, long lasting results for film, television and print work.
What was the most nerve racking thing about giving up your government job to pursue your passion?
Losing the security of a weekly paycheque and pension! Leaving that job was a bit like jumping out of a plane. You really hope the parachute will open but there’s no way to be 100 percent certain lol!
Looking back 6 years after leaving I can’t imagine doing anything else.
It was a risky move but sometimes the bigger the risk the bigger the reward.
Do you have any BIG plans for the future?
H*** YES! Providing makeup lessons for women has become one of my favourite things to do. Helping a women discover true beauty and confidence is incredibly rewarding. I realized that if I can get on television as a beauty host or ultimately to have my own makeover show, I could help thousands of women!
I also want to design and sell a line of affordable and easy to use makeup brushes because they are so damn expensive and nobody knows which ones to use!
Why do you think I chose you to be a part of my series “ICON OTTAWA”
I’m not sure but I’m very honoured and grateful that you did. :)
The reason I chose Natalie Peachy,
I’ve only worked once before with Natalie; and instantly learned about her captivating work. She carries herself in a truly professional and humble manor. She is a fantastic makeup artist that knows how to bring out someone’s beauty inside and out! Natalie's ICON is the sun! As the sun pours over the world, it glistens and shines on all it touches. It warms and welcomes those who bask in it. Natalie’s passion is to the sun’s fire!
A big "Thank you" to everyone on the team
involved in making this possible! Looking forward to .08 of OTTAWA ICON
Location: Natalie’s Studio, Ottawa
Photographer: Willow Lamoureux Photography / @willowthephotographer
Assistant: Anna Pickles / @anna_pickles
Models:
Natalie / @nataliepeachymakeup