Learn from our mistakes: Ciara O'Shea, make-up artist to famous faces and owner of uber-cool brand, Proshine
Also, celebrating 4K. That's how many people read my Substack last month. Whilst that might seem small to some, I'm all about celebrating the wins (as is Ciara). Here are my most read posts.
‘Learn from our mistakes’ is a series where I ask impressive women, “what would you do differently if you could start again?” Today’s advice comes from Ciara O’Shea, founder of Proshine and the make-up artist behind many iconic looks on famous faces in fashion shoots.
Ciara has worked in the industry for two decades, and I think I’ve known her for most of that time. What’s great about Ciara is that despite the superstar clientele and high-profile projects, she remains one of the most down-to-earth and lovely people I know. Clearly working on prolific shoots and fashion shows isn’t enough for Ciara, who also owns a cool London coffee shop and recently launched the cult beauty product, Proshine. The portable stick adds natural shine and nourishment to skin with quick, easy application, and was cleverly crafted to meet her own needs and those of countless other make-up artists and consumers.
When I asked Ciara what she’d do differently, she told me it stuck with her as an interesting question. It’s one that I often reflect on myself, which is why I’m intrigued to ask others. I liked her reply about celebrating achievements, especially since, as women, we can fall into the trap of imposter syndrome and struggle with self-promotion. Ciara shared:
If I was starting my career again, I wouldn’t ever compromise on what I wanted - not even in the slightest - to get there. I think there are so many experts giving advice that it is easy to lose track or try find a way around, but it’s all just a distraction. I would focus only on making the kind of work I wanted to make and be unapologetic about it. I’d try to not be so shy or to feel intimated and I’d be unashamed of singing my wins from the rooftops (but that last bit might involve a personality transplant).
Inspired by Ciara, I’m celebrating a small win – 4K views. That's how many people read my Substack in the last month. That might not sound like a lot to some, but to me, that feels like a big achievement. If you’re newer around here, then here are my top five most read posts:
As always, thank you for the support of ‘Failings of a female founder’ and please continue to reach out to me with your thoughts and experiences as I love to hear them.
I really like how empowering this advice and message is. Being bold to go our own way and trusting our own guidance rather than being swayed by others.
Congratulations on your 4K milestone too.