Professional makeup artist, Thato Martin, is keeping her eye on the ball and making waves in the beauty industry. As a wife, mother and business owner still finding time for her daily “face beat”, this is how she does it.
Born in Qwaqwa, the skillful makeup artist, hair stylist and nail technician has been residing in the City of Roses since the age of two. For Thato, it’s much more than just putting on makeup; it is about feeling good, looking good and having the confidence boost that comes with it. “Doing makeup is one of the things that boosts my confidence and makes me feel good about myself. Since I love seeing other women happy and feeling confident about themselves, I thought to myself, how about doing this professionally and seeing where it takes me.”
Thato is currently working for one of the biggest make-up brands in the world and has also recently spread her wings to start her own business in the city. Her business, Crest Beauty Boutique, offers makeup services for various types of occasions, from hair purchasing, hair installation, hair styling, washing and treatment.
Her secret to keeping all the balls in the air is having found the perfect balance between being a businesswoman, mom and wife and still making time for herself.
Starting her own business is the definition of a dream come true, shares Thato. She opened her business in 2016 after having her first child and needing a second income. “It was not easy and people around me doubted me as I was a performer (dancer) before having my babies. I had no knowledge of the beauty industry but all I knew, is that I loved it and was willing to start from scratch and learn all the way. So fours year later, here I am, not where I want to be yet, but on my way to turn my wildest dreams into reality.’’
Her secret to keeping all the balls in the air is having found the perfect balance between being a businesswoman, mom and wife and still making time for herself. “This is a question I get a lot. I don’t even know how I do it sometimes, I just do it. I honestly try to balance everything, respecting that things need to be done, and no matter how tired I am, I do not stop until I am done. I respect the time I have to spend with my children, the time I have to share with my husband and the time I have to do my work – I can never mix them all at the same time.”
For the makeup lovers, Thato advises that you should always invest in good quality primer, setting spray and good quality foundation.
Apart from perfecting her craft, Thato is known for always being makeup ready and in an interview with Get It, expresses that her secret is to get up super early as her makeup can sometimes take her up to two and a half hours to complete. This while getting ready for work, preparing lunch for her husband and children and making breakfast as well.
For the makeup lovers, Thato advises that you should always invest in good quality primer, setting spray and good quality foundation. But before investing in expensive makeup products, make sure your skin is taken care of. According to her, skin care is very important and the end result of wearing makeup depends on how your skin looks.
With summer at our doorsteps it is always a good idea to go for a colourful and fun makeup look. Thato advises that you should work with what you have. “Depending on your undertone and skin complexion, I’d say cooler colours for cool undertones and warm colours for warm undertones but it also depends on your hair colour and the colour of the clothes you wear.”
Another part of Thato would have loved to be in the entertainment industry as she is a performer at heart and loves the world of creatives. The 28-year-old has been in the beauty industry for four years now and has worked with a list of A-listers. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook at Crest Beauty Boutique for more.
Text and Photos: PIERCE VAN HEERDEN
