Blog
2018 Christmas Gift Guide
Artist Spotlight with Makeup Artist Tanielle Jai
Tanielle Jai is a highly sought-after makeup artist from Brisbane, Australia who has been in the industry for over a decade.
Her incredible artistry skills and bubbly nature makes her an absolute joy to follow on instagram, where she recently hit 50K followers!
She is one of our favourite makeup artists here at Lou Lou Lips so we thought it was only fitting to have her as our first interviewee for our Artist Spotlight series.
Hey Tanielle, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for our Artist Spotlight!
Firstly, tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.
My Name is Tanielle, Im married to a wonderful guy named Rob, 30 yrs old and have two little ones - Ezra 3 and Denzel 8m. I’ve been a Makeup artist for 13 years - worked alot of those years as a retail MUA, only started working for myself three years ago after my first child and have never looked back!
Favourite movie?
Sleepless in Seattle
Red wine or white?
Red
Morning person or night person?
Night person, but now that i have kids and also being an MUA I have to be a morning person.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
New York
Where and how do you work best?
I love working alongside one of my other Mua friends - Sometimes this job can be lonely - even though im with people all the time, but you are always talking small talk. So when I get to work with another MUA or Hairstylist that i know it makes the job so much more fun! Also love working on a creative shoot with teams that I work with all the time! always a lot of fun.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Talent can only take you so far, Hardwork can take you anywhere -
My dad used to say this to me all the time. You can have talent, but without a good work ethic it will only take you so far, You always have to be teachable and open to learning. Open to taking risks and just HUSTLE!
Also
Sometimes you gotta fake it till you make it. I don’t mean that in the sense of being a fake person, but sometimes you just got to take a risk even if you don’t think you can. I always push myself - even If I don’t think I can, I just do it, more often then not i surprise myself, and then sometimes I really fail but success doesn’t come without failures.
Favourite quote?
"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." - Col 4:6
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”- Anais Nin
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?
@nikki_makeup is my favourite. She just inspires me so much! I also love @pennyantuar and @emmachenartistry @hungvanngo
Some beauty accounts I love to follow for inspo is @inbeautmag and @theartistedit - they feature so many amazing MUA’s and Im constantly inspired by those accounts.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Not comparing myself. believing in myself and trusting the journey. Let intimidation become your inspiration!
What has been your biggest win so far?
Not having to work for someone!! I feel so blessed to be able to work for myself. I love the creative freedom I have not being tied down to one brand or 9-5
What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
It’s really important to me to not be stagnant and to always be open to learning. So i welcome criticism that is constructive, as i see it as a way to improve and get better. Sometimes it hurts but alot of times its coming from a good place. If its mean and nasty I have learnt to brush it off as i know those opinions do not shape who I am. It’s taken me a long time to really learn to love myself and have a strong sense of self, and there has been years where I’ve gone through things and not understood why - but now looking back I see those challenges as the times that have moulded me to be who i am today. It sounds silly but journalling and self talk was so key to me when it comes to building my confidence, Listening to the inner hate voice is not an option. As soon as those negative thoughts come to mind, I quickly shut them out.
What’s next for you?
I would love to start creating some youtube videos.
If a young girl or boy walked up to you asking for your advice on life, what would it be?
We live in a world where everything is so easy to access. We open our phones and we can recall any piece of information at the drop of a hat. People are making an income from just being “good looking”, and it makes it look like people don’t have to work hard anymore. Nothing good comes easy. Hard work is worth it. Dreams don’t always happen overnight. There is a minority of people that have what looks like “success” and it’s come from talent and/or looks alone, it will fade and that kind of success won’t be sustainable because when things get tough they don’t know how to deal with it. True Success is something that will last. True success comes with the daily grind and working hard at your craft, Hard work refines you. Always strive to be better and working on it every single day. It comes with failures, but when you succeed the feeling is so much better because you know you’ve worked your ass off for it! When you face challenges you will be able to tackle them head on. Keep going, don’t give up. You’ll have your days, but there is always the next.
What is your favourite Lou Lou Lips lipstick and why?
Ooooh I love Billy and Dea Dia. Both very similar, one's more matte and the other is creamier - i always love a nude - but these have a browny peach undertone which is a colour im loving at the moment as I feel it suits most people! I love how i can put a darker lip liner with it to make it look like a KIM KW lip or make it softer just by itself.
For us, lipstick is something which gives us that extra boost of confidence, what gives you confidence to take on each and every day?
I can’t leave the house without a few things haha, but mascara is my no.1
Follow Tanielle @taniellejaimua
ALIAS launch night
On Thursday the 7th of December we launched our ALIAS range in the beautiful Eleven40 studio in Malvern, Melbourne. Thank you to everyone who came along to be the first to get their hands on ALIAS.
Goddess Spotlight with Kate Nixon - Founder of Kat The Label
Hey Kate, thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for our Goddess spotlight!
I am a huge fan of Kat The Label and I have loved seeing the brand grow over the years!
Tell us a little bit about Kat and why you started.
I first discovered sewing and fashion when I was about 15 - I was a tiny kid so none of my clothes would ever fit properly. I started altering a lot of my clothes with this toy sewing machine and eventually moved onto sewing things from scratch. Once I got to university I was studying journalism and realised that nope, fashion is where my passion is so I switched courses and studied fashion design and tech at RMIT.
After studying lingerie at RMIT I was a little lost in what I wanted to do for my career, and was tinkering around on my sewing machine as usual and made a pretty little lace bralette (the Serendipity bralette that is my biggest seller today!). I’d put photos on Instagram and share my creations with friends, and that’s when random people would start to follow me and request to purchase. And it all really happened so organically through there.
Favourite movie?
At the moment, it’s the Intern with Anne Hathaway (I am probably trying to live through it a little haha)
Red wine or white?
White!
Morning person or night person?
You know I don’t even think I am either. But I do like to make the most of the day so I’ll say morning!
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
The Greek islands or Mexico! Somewhere I can lie on a beach and hide from social media for a little while.
Where and how do you work best?
I work best in my new HQ- a small converted red brick warehouse in Moorabbin. I was in the home office the last 2 years so its so nice to be able to finally stretch out in a warehouse.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve received even though it sounds cliché is slow and steady wins the race. Keep persistent, even on the hard days.
Favourite quote?
I would say that ‘a year from now you’ll wish you started’ which stops me procrastinating.
Who are your biggest influences? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you’re doing now?
I was so so inspired by Sophia Amoruso the founder of Girl Bossempire and Nasty Gal.
Its great to see that these successful people who’ve built businesses or changed the world are normal, regular people who just don’t give up. These early start up days of mine are so relatable to what Sophia has written about so it's comforting to know that everyone makes mistakes or has no idea what they are doing, or has to eat noodles for a week.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Biggest challenge so far would be managing the digital marketing side of the business. Everything grew so organically that I didn’t bother investing in paid advertising early enough, and am finding it hard to keep up now. Facebook ads will be the death of me.
What’s your best advice for handling criticism?
I try to just shrug it off- either people are jealous or have just had a shit day. We often get internet trolls on Instagram comments but I always keep an open floor so if anyone has an issues I just explain we are a small business there is only so much I can manage at this stage (or I just block the idiots).
What’s next for you and Kat The Label?
I am hoping to expand my wholesale presence the next 6 months, and put some effort into the US. I’d also love to move into other categories like sleepwear or swim, but think that might be a little down the track.
If a young girl or boy walked up to you asking for your advice on life, what would it be?
Work hard on what you love. I was a super average student, but I’d come home and sew all night. Then that weekend I’d turn up to an event in a new dress I’d made. If you have a passion, pursue it in your own time, not just when you’re getting paid or at school.
For us, lipstick is something which gives us that extra boost of confidence, what gives you confidence to take on each and every day?
I actually love wearing my Lou Lou Lips for a little extra confidence! Working alone and from home a lot, its so refreshing to add a little lippy and take on the days challenges, makes you sit up a little straighter!
Goddess Spotlight with Angie Greene, CEO of Stand Up Events
Stand Up Events was founded by Angie Greene in response to the inequality that exists in Australian sport.
Exposed to elite sporting culture from birth, Angie’s grandfather, Frank Sedgman was a Grand Slam tennis champion, her father Russell Greene is a Hawthorn Football Club Hall of Fame member, and her brother, Steven, played for the Hawthorn Football Club for 5 years.
Angie’s second brother, Brent was equally as talented in sports but as a gay man felt out of place in team sporting cultures. The experience and the discrimination Brent experienced drove Angie to create Stand Up Events.
In addition to challenging sexual and gender discrimination in Australian sport, Angie hopes Stand Up will hasten change in any environment where people feel marginalised.
Hey Angie, thanks so much for taking the time to answer some questions for our Goddess Spotlight.
As you know I am a huge fan of Stand Up Events and everything you do for equality. Let's start off with some light questions...
Favorite movie?
Literally can not decide. I love everything from Horrors and psychological thrillers - to Rom Coms! As long as there is popcorn, I’m good!
Red wine or white?
RED.
Morning or night person?
Night! However, I AM trying to be more of a morning person, purely based on being more productive thought-out the day.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would it be?
New Orleans. I have been there once and it is the one place that I am absolutely desperate to go back to. It is nothing short of magic.
Where and how do you work best?
I work best is being surrounded by honest, creative and authentic people, who are genuinely interested in the end goal. It does not matter where it is. As long as I am around people who are trust-worthy, passionate and supportive, this is where I am the most productive.
Whats the best piece of advice you have received?
Someone once told me that people will constantly try and bring me down but it is only up to me if I let them. This has helped me in so many situations, as it reminds me that I am in control of whether I let criticism negativity affect me. It is not always easy to live by, but I do my best.
Favorite quote
I have a few!!
“No one knows what they’re doing either” - Ricky Gervais
"We must all face the choice between what is right, and what is easy." — Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“Not all those who wander are lost” - Lord of the Rings.
Who are your biggest Influencers? Who do you admire most? Who or what inspired you to do what you are doing now?
My biggest influencers are people who I call “reverse role models”. These people (who will of course remain nameless) have gotten to high places and have done so in not the most authentic or ethical way. I will never, ever want to work that way. I don’t believe that by gaining success, you have to step on other people or have hidden agendas. I have seen people work this way and they inspire me to do the complete opposite.
Who inspired me to do what I do is my family, and society in general. I grew up with family and friends around me who have been treated differently simply for being who they are. I have never understood a lot of humanity, nor will I ever. I would like to play some small part in making a difference and to show people that regardless of our sexuality and/or gender, that we are all PEOPLE. People who deserve the same respect, rights, equality and inclusion as everyone else. And not to just be “accepted” but to all be embraced for exactly who we are.
In terms of who I most admire - I just can’t go past Gaga and Queen B.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
One of my biggest personal challenges (and one that I was not expecting) has actually been my sexuality. I came into what I do because I believe in it and I believe in people. From the very start, I have had people questioning Why?
Why am I doing this? Why is a straight person running a Charity about fighting homophobia? What is my agenda? People told me that I had no right to do what I am doing and that I did not belong in this “space”. This is a constant thing I have been confronted with.
My response has always been the same. I have never seen myself as a straight person fighting for non-hetero and gender diverse rights. I see myself as a human being who wants to see equality for all people.
There are challenges every single day. I don’t think anyone would come into any areas of social change being ignorant to that fact. At times it can get really hard but I am very quick to remind myself of WHY I am doing this and what the bigger picture is. When I do that, my personal challenges go out the window, as it was and always has been about the bigger picture and the end goal.
What is your best advice for handling criticism?
I can only be in control of what I am in control of. There will always be criticism but as long as I can look at myself and know that I am doing the very best that I can, that I am standing up for what I believe in and I am being authentic and genuine about it, I think that is all that matters.
Another piece of advice that I got when I started Stand Up Events was ‘You can’t win everyone’.
Whats next for Stand Up Events?
We have partnered with Monash University to create world-first research and to create customised preventative programs to implement into Junior Sporting Codes - in the hope of eradicating homophobic language and behaviour, so everyone feels safe and included in sport.
If a young girl or boy walked up to you asking for your advice on life, what would it be?
Always, always, always back yourself.
Always surround yourself with people that you love, trust and who bring out the best in you.
For us, lipstick is something which gives us that extra boost of confidence, what gives you confidence to take on each and every day?
My family, my boyfriend and my friends. I have a group of people in my life that I would do anything for, and they would do anything for me. Knowing that I have their unconditional love and support means the world to me.
To find out more about Angie and Stand Up Events click here
Goddess
This week we're taking you into the world of our Goddesses and why it was that we based our first range around these ancient Goddesses and what they mean to us.
Lou Lou Lips wants to give women confidence to be themselves. Lou Lou Lips lipsticks add to your beauty, we don’t want to change you. We want to help all women find their confidence inside and out.
That’s why we’ve named our lipsticks after the early Roman and Greek deities. The spirits of these Goddesses were closely linked to the physical and spiritual needs of people. The Goddesses acted as an idea that people could believe in to give them strength and hope. This is what Lou Lou Lips wants to be for women through lipstick, a symbol of strength, hope, and confidence, helping them get through every day.
Aurora, the Goddess of dawn in Roman mythology, renews herself every morning and flies across the sky, announcing the arrival of the sun. Her energy represents renewal and the new hope that comes with each day.
Dea Dia was the ancient Roman Goddess of growth. Every May, Dea Dia’s priests held a three-day festival in her honor. Dea Dia gives women the strength to continue to grow, learn and explore themselves and the world around them.
Flora was the ancient Roman goddess of flowers and of the season of spring. She was a symbol for nature and flowers and was also representative as a goddess of youth. We are continuing to grow every day at Lou Lou Lips and Flora believes it’s never too late to grow into yourself.
In ancient roman mythology Luna is the divine embodiment of the Moon. The moon was associated with the divine feminine and was important in ancient calendars helping people to measure time. The moon and the stars were also important in navigation. Luna represents the strength to continue navigating your own path in life.
Nemesis was the Greek Goddess of Revenge & Divine Retribution. Nemesis was described as a remorseless Goddess, intent on her task which was “to give what is due”. We like to use Nemesis when we need strength to go out and get what we deserve. We hope she gives you your strength when you most need it.
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, sex, fertility, prosperity and desire. Venus is one of the most widely referenced deities of Greco-Roman mythology as the embodiment of love and sexuality. Venus encourages love to all, beginning with yourself.
Victoria was the ancient Roman personified Goddess of victory. She was a major part of Roman society. Multiple temples were erected in her honor. Victoria was a symbol of victory over death and determined who would be successful during war. Victoria encourages women to aim for success.
All of our lipsticks have a special meaning to us and we hope they will for you too, whether it’s the strength given to you from Victoria to face the day each morning, or the sexy confidence boost from Venus when you’re heading out for drinks, wear them whenever you need a little bit extra to get through the day.