Makeup Artist Donella K. Dias
Interview with Donella Dias
What is your name?
My name is Donella K. Dias. Most of my friends call me Nella.
As a little girl, what did you want to be when you grow up?
Growing up, I watched any TV show/series that had to do with law or crime because I always loved the way those women looked in their suits and heels and I wanted to be one of them. However, after some serious soul- searching I realised that kind of profession was not for me.
What influenced you to become a makeup artist?
Currently I am in the media field but I do makeup on the weekends. Like any true makeup addict, my interest in makeup artistry began long before my career. As a little girl, I would always wear my mother’s red lipstick, with a little bit of face powder and dark red blushes— of course, especially when she wasn’t at home. Throughout my teenage years, I saved money to buy makeup and practised during my leisure but I was never good at it then.
What age were you when you developed a love for makeup?
I have to say it probably started during my teenage years, but it grew even more during my early 20s.
When did you start taking your passion seriously?
It was not until after I had entered my first pageant that I decided to become a professional makeup artist. That was years ago.
How many years have you been doing this?
I have been doing makeup for over 6 years now
Who taught you?
I took a local beauty and makeup workshop that was held here and after that I would always read up on application techniques and watch a lot of YouTube videos. After that I realised I had to gain more knowledge about this industry, so sought online certification and it really taught me lot.
Do you have any role models in your field?
I do actually. Her name is Jackie Aina. She’s a YouTuber from Los Angeles. I started following her once I discovered YouTube tutorials. She inspires me a lot not only as a black woman, but also because she showed me to always carry that positive light with you and that no matter where you come from it is possible to become anything you want to be especially when there are a lot of persons telling you that you can’t do it.
If you were given the opportunity to do makeup for two individuals from anywhere in the world, who would you choose and why?
Oh wow! Having to cut it down to just two, I would have to say Taraji P. Henson because she’s one of my favourite TV stars and one of the biggest Hollywood actresses out there right now. I just love her face and her skin is just flawless and I feel like I could really add my own touch of magic. My next pick would have to be Fantasia. She’s one of my favourite singers from my era and she has the perfect full lips for applying lipstick.
Who are some of the people that you’ve worked with?
I’ve worked a lot in pageantry and behind the scenes at photo- shoots I’ve worked with at least 4 Miss National Carnival Queens. I’ve also worked with Haynes Smith Caribbean Talented Teen, Miss Culture, Miss Caribbean Culture, Miss Caribbean Tourism and some of the local community pageants throughout the years. I think my best job was when I got the chance to work with up and coming recording artiste Deanna out of Anguilla. It was really exciting working with her. I love her spirit and she’s also a friend.
What are your favourite colours?
My favourite colours are green and red, in that order.
What advice would you give to women?
My biggest tip? Believe in yourself. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t! Plan your future, and then go for it. Everything is possible!
What would you like readers to know about you?
Well the first thing I want everybody to know is that I am a Mama! I have a 7- year-old and she’s the light of my life. I was born and raised in the beautiful Federation of St. Kitts- Nevis. I come from a very large family, my family is just huge. I grew up in a small community. I am from Boyds Village but I currently reside in Sandy Point. I have 7 brothers and 6 sisters, but I am the eldest girl. I am a Freelance Makeup Artist and you can find me on almost every single social media outlet under the handle MUADonellaD. Beyond makeup, I really enjoy reading, relaxing at the beach, politics, history, teaching makeup, learning new things and just being the best mother I can be. I want to be the best role model for my daughter. I love makeup artistry and wouldn’t have chosen another career for myself. Makeup artistry really combines skill, creativity, a certain amount of science and a requirement for emotional intelligence.
At present the services that I provide are on site makeup application including: bridal and wedding parties, airbrush makeup, editorial, print special occasions and photo shoots. My dream is to receive advanced certification in Canada focusing mainly on Special FX Makeup as I am always eager to learn new things. This I believe would afford me the opportunity to realise many of my goals. In the not too distant future, I would love to become a brand ambassador for one my favourite beauty companies. I also have a dream to create my own beauty school right here in my country and eventually own a makeup line. Also on the list is my goal of taking my service to the Hollywood scene and working with celebrities.