A career in beauty

Paulla De Souza has become a name synonymous with beauty – a true connoisseur of makeup artistry. Her interest in the beauty industry began very early in life. It was therefore no surprise that she pursued a career in fashion and beauty.

Born in Georgetown, Guyana, Paulla grew up on the East Bank of Demerara and attended Central Primary School and North Ruimveldt Multilateral before finishing at St John’s College. Years later she travelled to Trinidad to obtain formal training and was schooled at Suzan’s Unisex Salon & Beauty School and New Beginnings Salon & Beauty School.

Paulla believes she was born with a passion for fashion and beauty. In her early years, she was pursuing a career as a cosmetologist and out of curiosity took a few personal makeup classes. This passion led her to the House of Jackie Modelling School where she became part of the school’s agency. It was there that she was encouraged to pursue a course in learning the art of makeup application.

She met her mentor, Jean Inniss, who noticed that she had a natural talent for makeup artistry and voiced that in the first class. Paulla was guided by this “angel” whom she thought gave wings to her dream of being one of the best and most sought after artists in the Caribbean and South America. Though she is more or less self-taught, along the way she was inspired by the work of others, including the late Kevin Aucoin and the great Sam Fine.

Almost immediately, Paulla was embraced by the local industry in Trinidad where, to date, she is based as a freelance makeup artist for several top advertising agencies. She has worked with Trinidadian comediennes Rachel Price, Nicky Crosby, Trinidadian artistes 2Ntrigue and Alison Hinds of Square One, actress, radio and television personality Natacha Jones, who has been her number one supporter.

Paulla’s 18 years of experience as a freelance makeup artist spans across almost every aspect of the makeup industry to include film, television, fashion, editorial, music videos, press and television ads, theatre, product promotions, corporate, bridal parties. Some of her prominent and notable achievements as a makeup artist include the Barbados Fashion Week working alongside Tyra Bank’s MUA (makeup artist) Valente Fraizer.

In addition, she has made appearances at the Afro Hair & Beauty Show at the Alexander Palace London, Ghana International Trade show held in Accra, St Kitts Fashion Weekend, Barbados Fashion Week, St Kitts Fashion Weekend, just to name a few.

She has also worked as the key makeup artist on Abstract/Bmobile Future Face reality television filmed in Grenada; Bmobile Dance Off Trinidad & Tobago; one of National Geographic’s hit series “Locked Up Abroad”; “The Cool Boys” – a short feature film shown at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival; “Pan! Our Music Odyssey” – a docu-drama highlighting the history and journey of pan music in Trinidad & Tobago; and one of the longest running television series “Westwood Park” for three seasons; and “Matthews in The Middle”.

The makeup artist’s work is unique and can be immediately identified due to her penchant for not using the masked approach to makeup. Her work is clean, natural, sexy and modern. She believes that makeup, when applied properly, should enhance a woman’s natural beauty.

The make-up artist’s impeccable skills caught the eye of The Caribbean Fashion Award Committee who twice recognised her as a nominee in the category of Best Caribbean Makeup Artist in 2008 and 2009. Her work has also been featured several times in and on the cover of Caribbean Beat; Maco Magazine; Abstract Magazine; and Gem Magazine (Guyana). Black Entertainment Television (BET) in collaboration with Skywriting Magazine (the then Air Jamaica’s in-flight magazine) aired the making of ‘Skywriting Magazine’ and Paulla was the make-up artist on the production.

She also worked on the cover for Ibis Magazine, a Trinidadian publication, featuring Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998.

Paulla has been the principal beauty advisor and makeup artist to Black Up Paris cosmetics sold exclusively at Stechers Fine Gift Stores to the Caribbean since 1945.

She credits her success to her “creator” who blessed her with the talent and a keen eye for detail, and also her years of experience from working in all areas – film, television, weddings, music videos, and fashion. She believes her many years of experience working in front of the camera as a model also played a significant part.

Her personal motto is: “Life without Christ is suicide”. She also believes that whatever you want for yourself, you should be willing to give.

Check out Paulla De Souza on Facebook for makeup tips and trends. (Information from www.guyanesegirlsrock.com)