Louise Volschenk isn’t here to tone it down. She’s raising boys, building a beauty empire and proving that bold works just as well at the boardroom as it does on the eyelid.
If there’s one thing you quickly learn about Louise Volschenk, it’s that she does not do anything halfway.
Not motherhood. Not business. Not a winged eyeliner. And definitely not life.
She’s the kind of woman who can wake up at 5:30am, get kids to school, squeeze in a gym session “for sanity purposes,” run a full makeup academy, answer a hundred emails, teach a class, cook an Insta-worthy meal, and still end her day around a beautifully set dinner table with her family … before being asleep by 9pm.
Louise is a Pretoria-based makeup artist, entrepreneur, educator, and mom of two boys. She is also the founder of Halouw Makeup Academy and Halouw Professional, and one of the recognisable faces from The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad. But before all of that, there was a 14-year-old with a makeup brush and a very memorable first bride.
“I was so nervous. And then the mom had a heart-to-heart with her … she ended up crying off all the makeup. So I had to redo everything.”
Most people would call that a disaster. Louise calls it the beginning.
That moment, somewhere between panic and pressed powder, quietly set the tone for a career she never originally planned but now can’t imagine living without.
“It definitely evolved over time. It was not my first choice. But now … I will never look back.”
There’s a calm certainty in the way she says it. The kind that only comes after years of doing the work when no one is clapping yet.
Today, Louise describes herself in three words. Energetic. Ambitious. Loyal. And if you’ve met her, you’ll know those aren’t curated adjectives for a bio, they’re active personality traits. She moves quickly, thinks faster, and somehow still manages to make everyone around her feel like they’re exactly where they should be.
Also. She doesn’t drink coffee. Not once. Not ever. In an industry and a world that runs on caffeine, Louise is powered by something else entirely. Faith, resilience, and perspective.
“My faith and knowing that setbacks are learning curves keeps me going. Tomorrow the sun will shine again.”
Over the past two decades, she has watched the beauty industry evolve at a rapid pace. Instead of trying to keep up, she’s built a space that evolves with it. At Halouw Makeup Academy, students are not only taught technique, they are prepared for the real world, equipped with experience, and given opportunities to step directly into the industry.
“There’s so much more to this than just doing makeup. We are creating opportunities.”
And while trends may lean toward soft, minimal beauty, Louise has never been one to play it safe.
“We are not scared to be bold. When everyone is doing toned-down nudes, we are delivering neon cut creases. For me, makeup is not about fitting in. It’s about expression, confidence, and reminding people that beauty should be fun.”
That sense of fun has shown up in unexpected ways too. Like the time she worked with Madonna’s stylist, who introduced her to the world of drag makeup.
“It sparked something,” she laughs. “We even included it in our course for a while. Students would bring their husbands and boyfriends, and we’d have these boerseuns in full drag. It was hilarious.”
But beyond the colour, the creativity and the career milestones, there’s another role that shapes Louise just as much. Being a mom.
Her days are full, unpredictable, and often demanding – but her evenings are intentional. Cooking is her reset, her way of bringing everyone together.
“I go all out at least four nights a week. I set the table, we sit down, we talk about our day.”
It’s in these everyday moments that her perspective on success really comes into focus.
“I want my children to see that work is something you can love. We’re so lucky to do something we are passionate about.”
It’s a mindset she’s deeply aware of passing on -because children absorb more than we think. For Louise, showing her boys that ambition can be joyful is just as important as any lesson she could teach in a classroom. And for the moms trying to juggle it all, she keeps her beauty advice refreshingly simple: keep it quick, keep it effective, and when in doubt – reach for a bold lipstick. “It makes it look like you tried. Even when you didn’t.”
Over the years, her career has been filled with standout moments, but one she’ll never forget is the arrival of her very first Halouw Professional products.
“There was a moment when I realised … this is real. We are a makeup brand. Another proud milestone came last year when Halouw was voted Best Makeup Artist in Pretoria, a recognition we attribute to the support of our clients. It really meant a lot. We felt incredibly supported.”
Still, what matters most to her isn’t just what she’s built but what others build because of it.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students create something for themselves. Some of them are now top artists in SA. And it all started here.”
Next on her horizon is something a little different but completely aligned with who she is. Her upcoming book, The Art of Hosting, set for release later this year.
“It’s about hosting with confidence. Recipes, menus, table settings and taking the fear out of it. Anyone can become the hostess with the mostest.”
Which, coming from Louise, feels less like a suggestion and more like a guarantee.
So what does she want women to hold onto, above everything else?
“That they are already enough. Before the comparisons. Before the pressure. Before the filtered versions of perfection. God created you in His image,” she says. “You are beautiful just the way you are.”
And then, with the kind of confidence she’s known for, she adds: “Natural beauty is going to be trending soon. Mark my words.”
At the heart of it all, beyond the makeup and milestones, Louise is proof that you don’t have to choose – you can be the mom, the businesswoman, the creative, the dreamer. You can do all of it. And you can do it beautifully, in your own way.
Bridal beauty
Because looking good is one thing … but feeling like the best version of yourself? That’s the goal. Let’s get one thing straight, makeup doesn’t make the bride. That glow? It’s already there. It’s the excitement, the love, the moment. The makeup just highlights it. But (and it’s a big but), there are a few things every bride should know before walking down the aisle …
The glow-up starts long before the wedding day
If you want that effortless, lit-from-within look, start early. Think consistent skincare, a healthy routine, and looking after yourself from the inside out. At least six months before the big day. Because no highlighter can compete with actual glow.
Don’t chase the internet bride
We’ve all seen that photo. Perfect skin. Perfect lighting. Perfect everything.
Here’s the truth. Even she doesn’t look like that in real life. Makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not change who you are. Translation? You, but elevated. Not filtered into oblivion.
Book the pro. Thank yourself later.
Good makeup artists don’t have last-minute availability, they have waiting lists. Book early (we’re talking six to twelve months, sometimes more), do the trial, and then … let go. That extra spend is peace of mind.
Nerves? There’s a plan for that
Wedding morning jitters are real. Louise’s approach? Keep it calm… and maybe a little bubbly. I usually ask for a quiet moment while I do the bride’s makeup. But a glass of champagne definitely helps.
Keep it timeless, always
Trends come and go. Photos? They stay forever. Skip the overly trendy looks and go for something classic that still feels like you. Future-you (and your albums) will be grateful.
Louise’s signature bridal look
Striking eyes with a softer lip is always a vibe. Translation? Just enough drama, without stealing the whole show.
Final word?
Catch the tear before it falls, stay out of the heat, don’t touch your face and trust the process.
Details: halouw.co.za or follow @halouwmakeup on Facebook or Insta.
Text: RIALIEN FURSTENBERG. Image: MOONRISE CREATIVE STUDIO.
Main image: AMORIE ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY.
