The Secret To Making It? Confidence!

Gina Myers, 31, chats to Julia Bain about making a career out of make-up, her experience of being bullied, and helping women feel beautiful.

- Julia Bain

Gina grew up in Joburg, before going on to study for a B.A. in Corporate Communications at the University of Johannesburg in 2006. A year later, she left her studies to pursue a career as a make-up artist. In 2012, Gina became the South African brand ambassador for international cosmetics brand Elizabeth Arden. She's hosted many beauty masterclasses and, more recently, held talks for high school girls on a variety of topics such as career advice, bullying, and cyberbullying, all while still maintaining her business as a make-up artist. Gina lives in Linksfield.

I had a really happy childhood. Almost every weekend, my dad would take us to the Vaal Dam - he wanted to make sure we experienced being outdoors.' enjoyed acting and public speaking from a young age. For me. it was a therapeutic outlet. even later on in high school, where I was allowed to be someone else onstage and I really loved the challenge. lt can be quite daunting. especially as a child, but it gave me self-confidence. I've always been quite outgoing but I don't seek out being the centre of attention.

My appreciation for make-up began at the age of nine. I was in a play and the lead actress offered to do my make-up for the show. At the time. I didn't see the point of it but I let her do a few simple things, like brushing my brows, glossing my lips and adding a bit of mascara, and I was wowed by the results. I didn't realise that this would become my platform to help woman feel beautiful.