Fiona's World

Do what you love, they say, and you'll never work a day in your life. Australian expat FIONA BENNETT followed a lifelong passion to carve out a successful niche business - Makeup by Fiona B.

- VERNE MAREE

Born in Brisbane to Vietnamese immigrants and raised there, Fiona studied health science in nutrition and soon moved to Melbourne. She started her career in product innovation and then worked in business development for a nutraceutical company a job she loved. Then, in 2014, she moved to Singapore.

“I was heartbroken that couldn't find work in my field,” she recalls. That was when she took the initiative to start her own business, Makeup by Fiona B, and in the process transformed her career.

What brought you to Singapore?

I came here as a trailing spouse with my then-boyfriend, Sam. Fast-forward nine years, we are happily married and have two beautiful and very energetic little boys, Chester 5) and Ascott 2). We love our life here and have no desire to return to Australia anytime soon.

Have you always had a love for makeup?

Obsession is a better word. was always the one who helped my friends to get ready for a night out, and they'd tell me: You should be a makeup artist!” When it comes to the latest fads, products, beauty buys and so on, trust me when say I've tried them all. I've always been creative, and love drawing and painting.

How was Makeup by Fiona B born?

Like so many other trailing spouses who can't find a suitable job, felt unfulfilled in the corporate role had reluctantly taken on. So made the really scary decision to step outside my comfort zone and follow my true passion.