Make-up artist Viki Pienaar is living her dream to make beautiful people more beautiful!

As a Make-up artist with more than 15 years of experience, I interpret make-up to the requirements of my clients so that I can produce both a creative and technically representation of themselves. By doing this I create the best look that will suit my client’s personality and appearance by communicating with them all the requirements they are looking for!

I truly believe that everybody has a unique quality about themselves. Therefore, I strive to bring that quality out in each person to make them feel and look Gorgeous. It’s my belief that makeup should never be used to hide oneself. It should be used to enhance your natural beauty! The beauty that’s already there! I work quickly and accurately in time-pressured conditions by taking detailed notes and photographs of my work and maintaining an up-to-date portfolio of each client that I make up. When my clients are happy then I am happy. I strive to please and bring happiness.

From my experience, I know that when you look beautiful, you feel beautiful.

By providing a mobile service throughout. I can bring my service to my clients anywhere. The experience is more enjoyable, relaxing, and comfortable but still very professional.

One of my most enjoyable experiences was when I was the lead makeup artist in the Theatrical Opera Production Puccini’s Tosca and FAUST. It was held at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria. This was a wonderful experience for me, and I found myself enjoying theatre life as I never thought I would. I am always learning as I go along and meeting wonderful people.

Fotograaf is Rina Coetzee. https://www.facebook.com/BYouWeddingPhotography/

http://www.b-you.co.za/

Make-up for me is a vast industry in all areas and therefore is never boring. It will always bring challenges, but I always walk out knowing, that I did my best and that my clients are happy with my work.

Olka Bolka visit Viki and asked her about life and how she started. It was such an amazing experience to talk to this lovely woman who lives life to the fullest. Herewith is our interview.

Where were you born and raised, and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Rustenburg, Northwest. After I finished school, I moved to live with my mother in Pretoria. Since then, I have been working and living here in Pretoria.

Fotograaf is Deon Coetzee – https://www.facebook.com/deoncoetzeephoto/ http://www.deoncoetzee.co.za/

When did you decide or realize that you want to pursue a career in make-up?

I was working as a Software Support Engineer when I told my husband I wanted to be more creative. I always loved to draw, paint, and do stuff with my hands. So, one day my husband came home with a pamphlet on Makeup Artistry. He said to me: why don’t you do something like this? Personally, I knew nothing about Makeup because I didn’t really wear makeup. But I thought why not. Makeup Artistry is also a creative outlet, but I must say, I had a rude awakening when I started my classes. Everyone was already in that field and good at it. I was the only one who knew nothing about it. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. At the end of my studies, Ria de Villiers the owner of the Irresistible Academy for Makeup Artistry took me under her wing, and I worked for her until I went on my own. Since then, I have been working for myself as a Freelance Makeup Artist. I love every minute of it and not once have I regretted my decision to make a career change.

What courses did you do?

I also did a Professional Makeup course through New Skills Academy that is certified through the CPD Certification Services. CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities. … Accompanied by such growth is the acceptance that academic qualifications must offer more vocational and skills-based or ‘practical’ learning.

Fotograaf is Deon Coetze. https://www.facebook.com/deoncoetzeephoto/ – http://www.deoncoetzee.co.za/

Headpieces – Samantha Els from Scorching Mane

Do you have any hobbies?

I love working with my hands, so if I can be creative that is my way of giving myself time. It relaxes me. From macrame wall hangings, restoring old furniture, making dream catchers out of thread and wire, to walks in nature. Whenever I can I love to go for walks where it is just me, the trees, and silence. Because I grew up on farms the city can sometimes be too loud for me.

Tell us about yourself in a nutshell?

I really am who you see. I am caring honest and considerate to everyone I meet and who’s in my life. I don’t like fake things so being real is very important to me. I love to make people happy, and I think that is why I love my work as a Makeup Artist. Showing other women how gorgeous they really are is a success in my book. I give with my whole heart to anyone, known or unknown.

Tell us something no one knows about you?

Normally I’m an open book! But when I get quiet it’s my way of retreating into myself. I’m an Introvert, but when I work, well my personality feels like it’s on Red Bull and I can’t stop talking and as soon as I get home, I am that quiet person again. Luckily, I have a wonderful husband that understands me, and we don’t need words to communicate with each other.

Fotograaf is Deon Coetze. https://www.facebook.com/deoncoetzeephoto/ – http://www.deoncoetzee.co.za/

Venue: Vista De Monte Wedding Venue – http://vistadelmonte.co.za/

Fotograaf is Rina Coetzee. https://www.facebook.com/BYouWeddingPhotography/

http://www.b-you.co.za/

Venue: Vista De Monte Wedding Venue – http://vistadelmonte.co.za/

What’s next for you, and how do you see your future?

We never know what the future hold. That is why I try and focus on the now. I live every day for that day. If it’s God’s will, I want to open my own studio. Teaching normal women how to do their own makeup. For now, I go out to them and teach them in the comfort of their own homes. I love these workshops. For me, it is so rewarding when someone else can do what I do.

What inspires you?

There are so many things that inspire me. I love to look at other artists’ work. It amazes me how many talented people are out there. I don’t like to be competitive. I think that is why I don’t enter myself into makeup artist competitions. Instead, they inspire me to be better than I was before. Each of us is unique in our own way.

Then as someone creative everything arty inspires me.

Fotograaf is Yolandi Robinson van Yotography – https://www.facebook.com/Yotography.YR

Venue: Cullinan Premier Hotel – https://www.facebook.com/cullinanpremierhotel/

What is beauty according to you?

Beauty for me is that which comes from the inside, and it makes the outer beauty stand out. Everything in this world has its own unique signature that is beautiful.

What beauty advice would you give another woman? Just be yourself. When you accept who you are and do what makes you happy. Look after your appearance with a good skincare routine that works with your skin type. Drink a lot of water and eat healthily. When you feel good you look good. Do not sleep with your makeup on and always wash it off before bed.

https://www.facebook.com/elizemareweddings – Fotograaf – Elize Maré

Is there someone you would love to make up?

I must confess that I get nervous every time I do makeup. It doesn’t matter if it’s a normal person. Not to mention someone famous. I only want people to love my work. I don’t really have a certain person I wish to make up. To me, every person I make up is special in their own way.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in growing your business?

My Husband because he stood with me with every step I took and encouraged me to become a Makeup Artist.

What role does social media marketing play in your business?

It plays a big role for me as a Makeup Artist. All my followers help to share my work and most of my clientele comes from social media.

What’s your number one tip for anyone struggling to overcome entrepreneurial overwhelm and keep going?

Just focus on today. Do every day what you need to do and repeat it every day. One day you will wake up and be the success you strived to be. Just keep going.

Fotograaf is Francois Cloete –http://www.francoiscloete.co.za/ https://www.facebook.com/FrancoisCloetePhotography/

Headpieces – Samantha Els from Scorching Mane

If you were to start your business again today, what would you do differently?

I won’t try and do it alone. I will accept help and put myself out there for everyone to see.

What’s been the most significant thing you’ve done to grow your business?

I started to collaborate with great photographers, models, and suppliers. That helped my business a lot. With collaborations, you not only help yourself, but you help the other person collaborating with you. That way we help each other.

What do you love most about having your own business?

I like to do what I want, and it gives me the flexibility to be there for my children as well.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

For me, every makeup I have done was an accomplishment for me. I just love what I do and making people happy by showing them how gorgeous they are is an accomplishment for me.

Fotograaf is Deon Coetze. https://www.facebook.com/deoncoetzeephoto/ – http://www.deoncoetzee.co.za/

Please tell us about your future plans.

I want to open my own studio where everyone can come and learn how to do what I do on themselves.

If any, what challenges have you experienced as a woman in business during your overall career?

I think that Covid has brought challenges to anyone in this business. It was a difficult few years but I just kept focusing on the day at hand. It helped to get through it. I try not to focus too hard on the future. I live every day as it comes my way.

Why do you value women’s empowerment?

Every woman has the right to be who she is meant to be. Women are strong and yet soft at the same time.

2020 until now was a very difficult year for everyone in the entertainment industry with Covid19. How did you experience it?

It was hard and I must confess it still is. Everyone has been affected in some way or another. For that first year when covid struck it was hard. Prices went up and everything became more expensive. I could not work and as a result, I had no income. Not being able to work and do what I love was hard. Luckily, I work with so many great people in the industry. They helped me through collaborations and slowly but surely work started to pick up again as soon as we were permitted to work again. I must confess that work is still slower than it used to be before Covid, but everyone’s lifestyle has changed due to everything being so expensive these days.

Fotograaf is Deon Coetze. https://www.facebook.com/deoncoetzeephoto/ – http://www.deoncoetzee.co.za/

When is your birthday?

I am an 80s baby. It’s the 4^th of March 1980.

What is on your bucket list?

I want to travel the world and visit Greece, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. I am a very romantic person by nature so all these places are so majestic to me with all the history and architecture.

What is your favorite:

Music – I think because I grew up in a household where my dad loved his music. I listen to all kinds of music. It all depends on my mood. I can listen to the oldie’s 50s, 60s, and 70s, and through to modern music. Anything from classical to rock. When a song speaks to me then I am hooked. My dad used to say that every song tells a story. I listen to the words.

Singer: Richard Marx and John Bon Jovi are one of my favorite singers. I have been in love with them since I was 6. They still are very sexy to me 😊

Band: Journey is one of my favorite bands. The lead singer is just amazing.

Favorite song: Any song that speaks to my heart. I have too many favorite songs. Whenever I am sad, or life is too hard my music pics me up.

Fotograaf is Tristan Winslow – https://www.facebook.com/TristwinPhotography/

https://instagram.com/tristwin

The model and Headpiece are by Samantha Els from Scorching Mane, The outfit is Liezl Nortje from https://www.facebook.com/designer.liezlnortje

The wig is from Karen Nieuwoudt – https://www.facebook.com/EccentricBeautyStore/

What is your favorite Film:

Bram Stokers Dracula. It is the most romantic movie to me. Dracula was my favorite character.

Actor & Actress: Korean Actor Vengo Gao is one of my favorite actors because I love Korean dramas. An actress that is my favorite is Anna Kendricks. She is so talented and witty.

Series: Three lives, Tree Wolds: The Pillow Book (2020)

The portrayal of romance, fantasy, and historical depicture make Korean dramas irresistible to me.

Food and drink: I love anything from the sea. Seafood is my favorite with a lot of veggies. To drink anything lemony.
Relaxation: Working in my gardening, walking in nature, or watching my Korean dramas.

Book: Anything Romantic will do that has a vampire, werewolf, or plays in history.

Holiday destination: I would love to visit Greece one day.

Color: Olive green is my favorite color. It’s very calming to me.

Clothes: I like to wear clothes that are comfortable especially since I stand for hours on my legs when working. But I love to dress up as well. So, you can say I am a bit of both worlds when I can be.

Fotograaf is Francois Cloete –http://www.francoiscloete.co.za/ https://www.facebook.com/FrancoisCloetePhotography/

Headpieces – Samantha Els from Scorching Mane

What do you dislike – name 4 things?

I don’t like the dark. I always sleep with the bathroom light on.
I don’t like Pizza; it is just not tasteful to me.
I hate it when a person is fake and doesn’t keep a promise.
I hate it when it’s too hot. I love cold and rainy days.

Do you specialise in a certain type of make-up?

I NOT ONLY SPECIALISE IN BRIDAL, BUT I LOVE ANY TYPE OF MAKEUP. I DO STAGE, PHOTOGRAPHICAL, TV, FX HALLOWEEN/FANTASY, ANY SPECIAL OCCASION AND I GIVE ONE ON ONE MAKEUP WORKSHOP THAT IS A 3 HOUR COURSE (I provide everything and come to the comfort of your own home).

Where can people find out more about your business?

On my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vikipienaarmakeupartist, Instagram: www.instagram.com/viki_pienaar_makeup_artist or my website: www.vikipienaar.co.za

WhatsApp: +27-766727430

Fotograaf is Deon Coetze. https://www.facebook.com/deoncoetzeephoto/ – http://www.deoncoetzee.co.za/

Below every photo are multiple links with my photos of my work. You will see each link is our photos that are linked to a specific photographer and persons involved with the photos.