Brief encounter: emma docherty

Emma Doherty is a make-up artist and trainer for mineral make-up company Jane Iredale. She uses her skills at in-salon promotional events (for stockists), and for training in advanced techniques. She also does PR work for the brand, and is involved with media events and photo-shoots How did you get into the beauty industry? I trained in beauty therapy in Manchester and did an evening course in media and theatrical make-up, before working in a photo makeover studio. What is your greatest achievement? I learned so much at the Royal Opera House in London and this helped me gain a lot of confidence with the rest of my work. I worked on some very exciting shows and developed both my make-up and wig skills. READ ON TO FIND OUT what has been the most satisfying/rewarding time in Emma's career... What has been the most satisfying/rewarding time in your career? I think that I’ve come on board with Jane Iredale at the right time. Mineral make-up is really taking off and I’m pleased to be involved with an established brand at this stage. What is the best business/career advice you have ever been given? To be versatile, adaptable and multi-skilled. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have got as many jobs as I have in the past. You need to be multi-skilled to be able to pick up anything that is thrown at you. What are the three items you couldn’t do without? Well, apart from make-up, simple things like cotton wool buds, brushes (they’re the tools of the trade – I can’t do anything without them), and self criticism. I can’t be complacent and I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I also need to know when to stop. I always pay attention 100% and have to make sure that I learn from my mistakes. What are the best and worst aspects of your job? The travelling and hours are not conducive to my sociability. However, it can take just one picture of a look I’ve spent all day creating, to give me goose pimples. Future business ambitions? I should like to continue working with the Jane Iredale brand. I love educating, training and teaching and enjoy doing seminars – spreading the word on how make-up ingredients will revolutionise the industry. Imagine you are at the start of your career, what would you change? I would learn hairdressing skills from the start. And furthermore, I would recommend all make-up artists have this behind them, as they are more likely to get jobs if they can offer this additional skill. Would you do it all again? Yes, but differently. Of course there were certain jobs that were more hassle than they were worth and I wished I’d pushed myself harder, sooner, in my career – as well as realising how much competition was out there. As my career has progressed, I have had to learn to be more forceful.