About me...
I'm a freelance makeup artist and hair stylist, graduated from one of Canada's top makeup schools, Blanche Macdonald. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and moved to Vancouver when I was 16. I'm blessed with a loving husband, Ango, and two amazing boys, Akira and Eiji, who keep me busy and entertained everyday :)
What inspired you to go into makeup and hair styling?
I've always enjoyed doing my own hair and makeup, and experimenting with new styles. When I was in Grade 10, I helped my friend do her grad makeup, and several years later that same friend asked me to do her wedding makeup and hair in 2013. I was both excited and nervous when she asked me to do this for her wedding as it was the first wedding I had ever done, but I said yes anyways. I spent many hours watching YouTube videos to learn how to do a 'wedding updo’. On her wedding day, all her guests loved her hair and makeup, and they asked who had done it for her. I was overwhelmed about the feedback and thought maybe I should pursue hair and makeup professionally. Just a couple months later, I registered for Blanche Macdonald's freelance makeup program. It was definitely the right decision because I love this job!
What types of looks have you done?
Bridal, fashion, glam, and looks from the different decades (1920-1990).
What look are you most proud of creating?
I organized a photoshoot with a 20s theme, collaborating with a fashion blogger (www.thestylesaver.ca) and photographer (www.wilsonlau.ca). I'm proud of how the makeup and the photos turned out because they demonstrate my abilities as a hair and makeup artist. I did a lot of research on how to do a ‘faux bob’ and create the perfect ‘cupid's bow’ lips, and they both turned out as I had anticipated on the day of the shoot. Ilove mastering new techniques to create an image that a client has envisioned of themselves. It’s exciting to be such an intergral part of the creative process.
What do you enjoy most about doing hair and makeup?
Seeing how happy my client is with my work. Often they're surprised with how they look and are in disbelief that they can look so different from how they usually appear–in a good way of course!
What events do you specialize in?
Mostly weddings, but I've also done the Vancouver Fashion Week and style photoshoots.
Who is the favourite hair and makeup stylist you most admire?
When I was learning makeup for myself, I really admired Michelle Phan, a self-taught makeup artist, #1 YouTube “Beauty Guru,” and successful entrepreneur. I really enjoy her simple yet creative makeup tutorial videos. Watching her taught me how to perfect smokey eyes, contour and highlight the face, and create different looks for different occasions.
Now I follow a lot of other makeup artists and hair stylists on Instagram and YouTube. There are so many passionate, amazing artists who I’m influenced by. One artisit in particular whom I really look up to is one of my teachers from Blanche Macdonald: Timothy Hung. He has an amazing talent to create ANY look from fantasy, dreamlike creations, to elegant traditional images.
What do you love most about this profession?
I love that I can help people feel confident and empowered, often for some of the most important events of their lives that they’ll remember forever. When you look good, you feel good! I love being an artist, it’s liberating and invigorating. I can create something and make a lasting impression. For brides especially, it's their special day, they want to look their best, and I love to be part of their team that makes that happen. It’s a very special moment for me that I feel privledged to be a part of.
What does CHANTIQUE mean?
Chantique is an Indonesian word that means pretty or beautiful.