With a brush in hand and a mission in her heart, Loraine Olivier is turning beauty into a vehicle for empowerment.
As we honour the courage, resilience, and achievements of women this August, we shine a spotlight on the inspiring journey of Loraine Olivier, whose story is a powerful reminder of what it means to rise above life’s challenges and empower others along the way.
From small-town roots to the city
After completing her somatology course, Loraine worked in a salon for a year before returning to college to specialise in make-up. Today, Loraine lives in Kempton Park. ‘I’m a city girl and love staying in the city,’ she says. Though her parents and sister still live in Ermelo, Loraine has carved out her own path in Gauteng.
A mother’s drive and a passion for beauty
Loraine is a proud mother of three children, aged 19, 16 and 5, and a wife to her husband, Dirk Olivier, whom she remarried. She has been in the make-up industry for 21 years and says her children are her motivation. ‘My kids are my purpose for living, they are my drive.’
Her career in beauty has been a long and rewarding one. ‘If there is one thing I’ve realised, it is that, as you grow, your passion or purpose changes.
Loraine founded her business, Style And Makeup Effect, in 2013 after going through a difficult divorce.
Before launching her brand, Loraine was a stay-at-home mother who did make-up casually for weddings and music videos. Today, Style And Makeup Effect offers make-up artistry, styling, and beauty transformations that boost confidence.
Through her brand, Loraine has empowered countless women. ‘When women walk into the studio and when they walk out, it’s two different people,’ she says. ‘I usually turn my clients away from the mirror and then do a big reveal after completing the look. The reaction to their transformation and them walking out of my studio feeling confident is the most fulfilling aspect of what I do.
‘For me, it’s not about changing how someone looks, it’s about giving them confidence and reminding women that they are worthy.’
Supporting women to step into their power
Loraine is passionate about helping women break free from limiting roles. ‘My mission is simple; it’s to empower women. I want to empower women who are unhappy in the corporate world and want to build their brand; women who become completely dependent on a man and have limited themselves to being only a wife or only a mother.’
She runs a make-up training programme that equips students with skills to start their own brands. These programmes not only help her students, but also teach Loraine. ‘They’ve taught me how different everyone is,’ she reflects.
To further grow her skillset, she also completed a hair course. Although she found it nerve-wracking at first, she didn’t give up. ‘I told myself I’m either going to quit or master it – and with the amazing support of my husband, I mastered it. Now when I touch clients’ hair, everything just flows.’
Her advice to women facing difficult situations is clear: ‘If you see a mountain in front of you, start climbing. You will never get to the top if you don’t start climbing. When I look back, being single for four years with two children was tough but I made it. Don’t just give up, go through the storm.’
Family, faith and inspiration
Loraine credits her mother as her role model. ‘My mom is a dressmaker so my sister and I were always exposed to her creative flair,’ she says. ‘After we completed school, my mom built her very own successful business. I can proudly say my mom is my inspiration and role model.’
She remembers the sound of the sewing machine in the mornings and her mother’s strong work ethic. ‘She’s hardworking and that’s something I carry with me,’ says Loraine. These values have also helped shape her own parenting. ‘I continue to teach my children that if you want something in life, you need to work hard for it. Nothing falls in your lap, so if you want something, get up and get it.’
Her husband also plays an important role in her life.
She is also grateful for her close friend, a fellow businesswoman. ‘She’s not in the make-up industry but is also a business owner and we’re always there for each other.’
Work, rest and balance
This empowering artist currently works on the live breakfast show Goeiemôre, Good Morning on VIA, which airs Monday to Thursday at 6am. She’s in charge of make-up, hair and wardrobe styling for the presenters. Loraine thrives on the fast-paced environment of live TV. ‘I’m getting addicted to the thrill of the fast-paced mornings of getting the team ready for camera,’ she says.
Despite her busy schedule, Loraine makes time for rest and reflection. After suffering from a viral infection a few months ago, she realised the importance of taking breaks. ‘Yes, work hard, but it’s essential to make time to rest,’ she says. ‘As entrepreneurs and women, we are always giving 100% but we also need to prioritise our well-being.’
Her downtime is usually spent with family at Harties, or enjoying quiet Sundays. ‘I have to start my week by spending time with God, it brings peace to me ahead of any busy week. My faith is also a driving force that keeps me going.’
She also cherishes time with friends. ‘It’s also important to have coffee dates with friends or go on a date with your husband,’ she adds.
While she comes across as calm, Loraine admits she’s quite the adrenaline junkie. ‘I may not be a fan of heights, but I love anything fast,’ she says with a smile.
Recognition and the road ahead
Loraine’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Last year, she received the Best of Ekurhuleni award in her category, and this year she was a finalist for the Woman of Stature Award.
But for Loraine, the real reward lies in empowering women and creating opportunities. ‘Women often rely on their husbands or partners. As women, we should build our lives on the things in this life that are sustainable.’
As she looks to the future, Loraine hopes that her legacy goes beyond her name. ‘I hope people will remember Style And Makeup Effect, remembering the unforgettable experience they had on their special day.’
Text: DESNAY PETERSON. Photos: OOGAPPEL STUDIO and NEW BREATH STUDIO. Make-up and styling: LORAINE OLIVIER. Hair: MARINDA ERASMUST PASQUALE HAIR STYLISTS
