Ivana Portelli

Beauty does come from within but who doesn’t like to feel better and look better? Art is subjective and it takes skill, technique and dedication to achieve the desired result. It is even more so when the canvas in question is not a static one but specific to one’s own facial features and persona. Indeed looks are not everything but everyone needs some pampering and glamming up at times to uplift the spirit. The experience becomes even more soothing when the makeup artist can, not only bring out the best in you but also happens to be a charming soul who treats you like the special person you are. We reached out to Ivana Portelli who’s stepping in the makeup and beauty industry and already has an impressive portfolio contributing to some of Malta’s prominent events such as X Factor Malta.

Tell us about your idea, your vision and your dream. What inspired you to develop your idea?

When I was a kid I remember I got fascinated by observing my mother and grandma apply makeup before going out. Growing older, I tried giving it a go myself and I simply loved it. Wearing makeup boosted my self-esteem and I would be looking forward to apply it before going out and experimenting with new looks and ideas. I have never thought of pursuing this line of work and instead I followed the academic path in which in 2012, I graduated as a diagnostic radiographer and started working at Mater Dei Hospital. The desire to learn more was still there and come 2013, I decided to take a short course in makeup techniques at MCAST. The latter offered the possibility to apply makeup on others and made me realise even more the love and passion I have for this line of work. Since then, I’ve always wanted to take a professional course but life happens. In 2021, a year after the most challenging year in my life, I decided that life is too short to ponder so - I started the professional course at Diane Nikolic’s Academy. At the end of the same year, after much hours of practice, I was offered a job at a salon while shifting to some freelance work – some thinking was made but the decision was very clear deep in my heart... it was time to bid hospital goodbye!

How does the start-up help you accomplish your life’s goals?

The only constant thing in life and nature is change – some changes we can control, while others we can’t. It is very easy to get absorbed in the norms of society and the routine of life that all we end up doing is fuelling a cycle of “what-if” and anxiety. This was especially real when COVID hit and as a front liner, the constant reminder and risk takes a toll on your mind. After passing through a very challenging year this anxiety grew and perspectives changed – what’s the use to not explore a dream and only presume as to where it might have led? Not saying it was easy, it took a lot of evaluation and support but finally that is why I decided to change my path. Being a makeup artist helps me be creative, frees my mind from any thoughts and I am able to share positivity through my work. Making other people feel happier and confident is the best feeling in the world as the clients are entrusting you to enhance their beauty. Also, I’m very lucky to be surrounded by super talented people who encourage me to always do better and inspire me through their work.

How much time do you spend working on your business each day?

I work on a full-time basis at a beauty salon and also work on Sundays, Mondays and Public Holidays according to my clients’ requests. Every makeup service usually takes around an hour. Moreover, I also dedicate some hours during the week to schedule my daily social media posts with makeup looks and tips for my page followers. Finally, add some hours on thorough brush cleaning, bag organisation and we can call it a week.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business so far?

Honestly, every booking and client I do is what makes me happy. I feel satisfied as it shows that they appreciate my work and entrust my capabilities. As cheesy as it might seem, starting up imposed the biggest challenge, as you develop your presence and gain self- confidence. However, if I had to choose the most satisfying moment to date, that would be experiencing X Factor Malta backstage with my mentor Diane Nikolic, my fellow course mates and other makeup artists. It was one crazy but engaging month but definitely an unforgettable experience offering a trove of exposure and opportunities to go a little artistic on some of the looks that would not be requested for personal occasions.

What does success mean to you?

I believe success is when you find something you are absolutely happy doing, stay humble and have satisfied clients that are happy to become your regulars. Again with the cheese, however one needs to stay true to themselves and their passion as the business matures and grows. What made you pursuit the carrier in the first place? What work-life balance do you strive for? One cannot be successful if radiating stress to your clients. Thus, for me success is to inspire yourself by others, envision where you want to be and working hard towards those milestones and feeling happy about them – for yourself.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear and insecurity will always be that my work won’t be liked, approved or perfect enough. Art is subjective and the canvases are all unique with their own facial feature – thus I need to be able to receive criticism and try my best to deliver what my client wants. Managing fear is not easy but we tend to overthink it – do not live in the future or past – live the present and do your best.

What would you consider to be the biggest challenges for aspiring entrepreneurs in your industry?

I wouldn’t define myself as an entrepreneur, let alone someone who is in a position to give advice on the matter. Nonetheless one thing I would humbly suggest is to not be defined by your downfalls along the way – they are inevitable. Failure is not the downfalls but the missed opportunities to learn from them.

Each niche or idea requires commitment – nothing comes easy! Sometimes it is easy to look at successful people and all we see is their success not the amount of times they risked and fell. Long hours and some gratuitous sessions get you going and fuel your energy. Do not be intimidated by the ‘No, you can’t or should not’ however remain objective and self-critique your method and work. Ultimately the biggest challenge is the idea, pursue it and take calculated risk to completion.

How do you see yourself in two years time? How do you foresee your growth path?

In two years I will continue to develop myself as a professional make up artist – grow a stable clientele, participate in more events and broaden my portfolio with new techniques. Under the supportive wing of Diane Nikolic I aspire to organise seminars and inspire people to enhance their beauty within, to feel confident and happy.