Makeup Female Boss: Mimi Choi

What do many Canadian female fashion and beauty entrepreneurs have in common? The fact that they graduated from programs at Blanche Macdonald school in Vancouver! We chatted with four alum, including million-followers makeup artist Mimi Choi, about their businesses, and what it takes to be an awesome, trailblazing boss! —Vita Daily

Hi Mimi! What makes your mandate/perspective, as a female MUA/entrepreneur, unique?

I aim to stay as authentic and true to myself as possible. I’m driven by passion and try to step outside of my comfort zone. I feel that in order to grow as a person and artist, it is important to be fearless, take risks, and avoid feeling safe in what I do.

How do you/does your business empower other women?

I encourage my students to embrace their unique qualities and to develop their own styles. I also like to share my journey to becoming a professional makeup artist, which shows that it is never too late to discover a passion and to start a new career.

The relationship between feminism and beauty can be, well, complicated; how do you reconcile the two, personally?

To me, beauty comes from being authentic and true to oneself regardless of trends or how it is portrayed in society. It is a subjective and highly personal concept. Everybody has their own definition of beauty but, when you truly feel it within, it can be the most empowering feeling. Nobody but yourself should be able to dictate what makes you beautiful.

How did Blanche Macdonald figure in your education/career?

My time at Blanche MacDonald was and still is pivotal in shaping me as an artist and person. As a student, it gave me a solid foundation and the confidence to pursue my own style and path. As a graduate, it still provides me with a strong support system and incredible mentors that I will continue to rely on for years to come.

Final, personal question: what’s your fave beauty/makeup trend going into spring/summer?

My favourite looks for spring and summer involve colours. Colourful eyeliner looks, coloured mascara, pops of neon on the eyes and pastel lip colours are my favourites!