Madavie Ashley Latchman, 21, of Lot Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice, who dreams of one day opening her own makeup studio, last year successfully launched her career despite a facing a hurdle.
Madavie, who is self-taught, explained that she had been doing makeup on and off for over two years, but it was last year that her career began to thrive.
She said that after she completed secondary school, she was unsure of where life would take her as it was quite difficult to secure employment. However, she was given the opportunity to travel to America where she spent four months.
The young woman said it was there that a light bulb went off in her head after she visited many makeup stores. “I discovered there that I wanted to do makeup,” she added.
She then returned to Guyana, excited to start her own business and launch a career. In 2018, she started practicing on herself and relatives, but life threw her a curve ball as she fell ill with a serious ear infection. For six months she was unable to do much for herself.
She was forced to put her dream on hold while other makeup artists emerged throughout the region. But after regaining full health, Madavie, still inspired and determined to make her mark in the industry, started Facebook and Instagram pages where she built her online presence. Her talent attracted the masses.
To her surprise, she said, persons started to message to book her, and by September 2019 she had her first bridal opportunity. “I packed my bag the night before and made sure I had everything but then in the morning I checked it again,” she giggled. “I went early, before the bride even. I had to wait on her and after I did her makeup, she loved it. Honestly, it was the best feeling to see the look on her face.”
Noticing that brides wanted the full package, she started to practice hairstyles. She now offers a package of makeup, hair and assisting with dressing the bride. She said she also gives a 20% discount if she is hired for both the wedding day and reception.
“It is something I truly love and of course you want to make a profit, but you shouldn’t have to kill people financially to do so,” she added.
According to Madavie, her client base has expanded, and she now has clients throughout the ancient county.
The young woman stressed that without her parents, siblings and friends she would have not been able to successfully launch a career that she is truly passionate about. “My parents never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do, they always supported me, and my friends use to always tell me to do it,” she enthused.
Meanwhile, Madavie said she dreams of one day opening her own studio where she can also supply makeup products to local consumers. “I know there is room for me in the market,” she said, “because everyone has their own likes and dislikes and types of skin, you have to bring various types of things that will suit people.”
The outspoken, confident and glamorous young woman is the only makeup artist in her village at present. She advised young aspiring makeup artists to never give up and always practice. “Practice is the key to flawless make up,” she said. Madavie can be contracted at Facebook or Instagram at Make up by Ashley
