Hi Makeup Mavericks! 💋
I recently got the opportunity to interview a friend in the Makeup Artistry industry- Cheryl Chanderpal, the creator and brains behind The Beauty Canvas.
The Makeup Maverick: How long have you been in the industry for?
The Beauty Canvas: As of October 2017, will be the 3rd Anniversary of me being a professional in the industry. It feels much longer though!
TMM: Is this a full-time job or a part-time venture?
TBC: It began as a part-time venture, as I was seeking work after retrenchment, but once I sank my teeth in, I couldn’t see myself sitting at a desk ever again. Happily doing this full time now!
TMM: How did you come up the name “The Beauty Canvas”?
TBC: After much thought, The Beauty Canvas was born with an intention to bring out the best in my clients. The name portrays my business and skill, in a very artistic light, showing that, like an artist to a blank canvas, clients would come to me, and I would apply my artistry to them.
Unique blends of colour, blending and application techniques and overall styling, merge to form a work of art.
TMM: What a fitting name! Where did you study?
TBC: I completed my training in Durban, at Majestic Makeup Training Academy
TMM: What pushed you to become a makeup artist and who was and is your inspiration?
TBC: My inspiration began at home. I recall being very young, and always sneaking into my grandmother’s vanity, to have a go at her floral scented powder puff and rouge – as they’d call it. She was an exceptionally stylish woman, right into her golden years, and lived by the motto “always look good, always be presentable”. My mum was just the same, I’d watch her get ready, brushing her hair into a mass of lovely waves, applying her lipstick precisely, and looking put together any time she left the house. Unfortunately, I was never allowed to wear makeup until Grade 12 (thanks, big bros), and by that time. I was like a kid in a candy store. The inspiration and curiosity never left me 🙂
TMM: Always look good, always be presentable- I love that! Who are your favourite beauty gurus on YouTube?
TBC: I love Nabela Noor and NikkiSecret. I tend to avoid obsessing over Youtubers too much, as they’ve become a tad unrealistic, but these two are real and I can relate to their channels.
TMM: I definitely agree! YouTube fads have really lead to a variety of unrealistic beauty expectations. Where do you see The Beauty Canvas in the next three years?
TBC: The Beauty Canvas has gained a lot of momentum in the last year, thanks to my lovely clients and referrals. My short-term goal is to start offering one on one makeup courses and perhaps video tutorials (if I’m not too shy). 5 years on, I’d like for The Beauty Canvas to become its own brand. A lush studio, collab’s with other stylists or service providers etc. 🙂
TMM: I would die to watch a video tutorial! Any difficulties you face in your specific industry?
TBC: There aren’t too many challenges, however a few that stick out…
1. Unrealistic expectations from clients. I don’t entirely blame them, with YouTube, everyone feels that they could end up looking like Kim K, but in the real world, we need to accept that we are all different and what works for one, may not work for the other. Often times, I also get told what to do, which is mildly insulting, but I work around that to make the best of the situation.
2. The on-going “I found someone cheaper” and bartering for a discount.
Unfortunately, the market has become saturated, and there are tons of cheaper makeup artists out there, using fake makeup, and doing an unprofessional job.
Those have become my biggest contenders, but I’ve started to maintain the belief, that if they want my services badly enough, they will have no trouble paying for it.
TMM: In this day and age, finding a bridal makeup artist can be daunting due to the fact that images are constantly being photoshopped and edited. As clients, we go to MUAs with the intention of looking one way but we sometimes get a surprise. What is The Beauty Canvas’ take on this?
“Always look good, always be presentable.”
TBC: The whole industry is about aesthetics, so I have no qualms with images being processed. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some well-renowned photographers and editing is a norm!
I love a well-lit image that shows off the makeup in its true colour and depth.
Unfortunately, though, there are a number of artists who overdo it with Photoshop and create unrealistic images, but I don’t delve into the unknown. A few enhancements work well enough. My advice to clients is to peruse the artist’s websites and social media feeds. Get a feel for their work and keep a sharp eye on images that could be taken off Google. Sadly it does happen.
TMM: Wow! There’s definitely a lot to consider before choosing a makeup artist. Your most favourite thing about working with clients…
TBC: It’s a lovely break from being a mild introvert. The laughter, surprise and sheer happiness that my clients show. That makes it all worth it. I’ve worked on many, many faces, a fond memory is that of an 80 something, she was so excited to have makeup on! It was a delight.
I’ve also been a makeup artist at Cosmopolitan magazine’s annual CoverGirl event and have been part of the makeup team on the locally produced movie, Keeping Up With The Kandasamys. What an experience!
TMM: That is incredible! Your favourite brand of products to use on clients…
TBC: I love Kryolan, Inglot, Sleek Cosmetics and recently Morphe has become a go-to in my kit as well.
TMM: One thing you wish clients would know before coming to you or one thing you wish clients did…
TBC: Hmm, I think that one thing clients need to know and most of all, accept, is that we are all different. What works on almond-shaped eyes, will not work on hooded eyes for example.
My greatest wish is that everyone, not just clients, would look after their skin. Moisturise, avoid harmful products, and stop popping those pimples!
TMM: What do you love most about running The Beauty Canvas?
TBC: Since starting this business, I have an incredible sense of purpose. The feeling of being your own boss is unmatched. It’s also been a massive learning curve and teaches you to handle pressure, with grace. Like when you’re responsible for making a woman look amazing on her wedding day and you face a few hurdles, but you come out on top! That feeling is pure bliss (coupled with some anxiety, haha!).
TMM: Besides being an amazing makeup artist, what are your hobbies or part-time interests?
TBC: Thank you! I’m an avid reader, I cross stitch, I spend a lot of time with my lovely Labradors, and on the rare occasion that we have some time off, my fiancé and I love being in nature with our camera!
Thank you so much to my dear friend Cheryl for allowing me to interview her and her amazing brand, The Beauty Canvas. Cheryl’s radiant and strong-willed personality radiates throughout all her masterpieces created. I wish The Beauty Canvas all the best for the future! ♥️
The Beauty Canvas Details:
The Beauty Canvas is fully mobile in Durban and surrounding areas (Stanger, Toti, Balito)
Disclaimer: All images are property of The Beauty Canvas ***The Beauty Canvas Disclaimer*** 1. Bridal Trials are compulsory 2. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure all bookings.
Just Kamini 
I love this feature!
Cheryl is super talented.. her work is beautiful and so is she!
LikeLike
This is great, You are absolutely Talented Chery and will continue to prosper
LikeLike
Amazing article. So nice to read about one of my clients. Yay Cheryl. Great job Kamini.
LikeLike
Thank you for reading, as always, Janet xx
LikeLike