Today, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing St Lucian Born Tala Albert via Skype.
It is always such an honor to meet another young person like myself who has the passion and drive to do something that they love.
For Ms Albert, that love and passion is for make up. But, not only is Tala talented at make up but she is also an actress in her spare time. I happen to think that is absolutely amazing!
Here is how our interview went;
Me: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Tala: I was born and raised in Castries, St.Lucia. I attended Ave Maria Girls Primary School and then Castries Comprehensive Secondary School.I migrated to New York City at the age of 15 and I attended high school there. I currently live there. I’m a single mother of a 9-year-old girl. I’m an optimist, a lover of the arts and very passionate about makeup and beauty.
Me: OK Great! So.. you’re a makeup artist. Why did you choose this profession?
Tala: I have a natural love for it since I was a child. I remember playing in my aunt’s makeup every time I went to Barbados for the summer. Fast forward to adulthood I experimented with it on myself and got lots of compliments, so I decided to start doing it part-time whilst working as a nanny. I bought books, took classes and the better I got the more serious I became in pursuing it as a full-time career.
Me: Very nice. I must say that I have seen your before and after pictures and the transformation is remarkable. How long have you been doing makeup?
Tala: Thank you. I would say all my life, but professionally 2 1/2 yrs.
Me: You’re very welcome. May I ask where you get your inspiration from? And is there anyone who has inspired you throughout your career?
Tala: Life inspires me, women from various cultural backgrounds inspire me. Makeup artists such as Sam Fine, Pat McGrath, Nicky Posely and Renny Vasquez have inspired me throughout my career.But above all my daughter Amynie!
Me: Amymie, beautiful name. I agree that your child should always be your number one inspiration. If you weren’t a makeup artist, is there anything else you would do?
Tala: Well my ultimate dream is to become an accomplished actress! I have been featured in two plays “Letter from Leonora” and “Zingay” in New York.
Me: Wow. An accomplished makeup artist and actress. I’m impressed.
Tala: I’m my biggest critic, so I wouldn’t say “accomplished” yet. There so much more work to do
before I can say so, but I appreciate your kind words.
Me: I do know that feeling of always wanting to better oneself.
Tala: I am humbled. Yes! most definitely:)
Me: Do you have a signature look and what sets you apart from other makeup artists?
Tala: Yes according to my clients and onlookers they have referenced my look as “Contour Game” Aka Face Spanx 🙂
Me: Nice. What is the most important beauty advice you can give to women?
Tala: Love and Believe in yourself first, that’s the first step to a flawless makeup application. Cause if you accept and love yourself, then you wouldn’t put makeup to change your features but only highlight them. I believe that to my core. And lastly, moisturizer is your best friend and healthy skin is the best canvas for a great makeup application.
Me: I completely agree with you on that. What do you think is the most common beauty mistake women make?
Tala: First, is not loving the reflection in the mirror, and thinking makeup can create someone. Second is choosing the wrong foundation and third is not trying new makeup looks.
Me: What products do you think should be a staple in every woman’s purse?
Tala: 1. Brow pencil/ powder, the windows are the eyes to your soul, so that makes the brows the frame and the frame is Everything! 2. Mascara, 3. Press Powder, 4. Lipstick/gloss, 5. Eye liner and 6.Blush. Every woman’s makeup bag must haves!
Me: Well I have 4/6. Thats not too bad. Missing the brow pencil and blush 🙂
Tala: Hahaha, great start!
Me: Hahaha, I’ll get there. And last question. Do you conduct makeup classes?
Tala: Yes I do! I have one coming up in St.Lucia on April 30th at the Bay Gardens Inn!
Me: Oh wonderful! I’ll make a special effort to attend.Do you travel to other countries to conduct classes?
Tala: That would be awesome if you did. So far it only been St.Lucia but hopefully in the near future I will.
Ms Tala Albert, I would like to thank you so much for taking time out to do this with me. I appreciate it very much and I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors and I hope to see you soon in St.Lucia.
End.
Visit Tala’s Facebook page for more information on her upcoming makeup class in St.Lucia and also to get an eyeful of her work.
