Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
I grew up on Culver Lake, NJ, a place that is held near and dear to my heart. I currently live in Sparta, NJ. Newly pregnant with my first baby, my husband and I purchased our home in 2018. We were previously living in Hoboken and one day I woke up deeply missing beginning close to nature.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My daughter Sofia is 3.5 years old and my son Leo is 2 years old.
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
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When did you decide you wanted to become a permanent make up artist?
As long as I can remember, I’ve always been an artist, but for most of my life I was hesitant-dare I say afraid to call myself an artist. Not because I didn’t feel artistic enough, but because I thought being an artist “wasn’t enough.” When I was little my mother said I would color the grass purple giving my older brother such angst as he would cry out “the grass is green, not purple!” Now having two toddlers of my own, I wholeheartedly believe “every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso I graduated Magna Cum Laude from college with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree. In fear of being financially stable, I became a certified massage therapist. Then earned my license as an aesthetician and continued to work in various health care careers as caring for others came easily for me. I then had a successful career in sales for over 10 years and will admit I enjoyed the luxury of buying nice things for myself. Yet for years I always felt half full. I knew I was trying to hide the Artist within me thinking I wouldn’t be able to have a satisfied life by creating. 4 years ago, I finally had the courage to face my fears and embrace the artist I truly have been all along. I couldn’t ignore who I truly was anymore. As the saying goes, “if you can’t beat fear, do it scared.” So, I did it scared! I never thought I would find myself in a career doing permanent makeup, but that’s how these things go. I followed the white rabbit. I’m grateful for my journey and my experiences as each career, like living life, is all cumulative. I never looked at it like this until I overheard someone during an interview describe her journey as “it’s all cumulative.” I loved this outlook so much that I had to adopt it. I always felt like my journey wasn’t a “good enough” because I changed careers along the way and that meant “I didn’t know my way.” But this was far from true. I can finally say, I know my way. It is forward. As me. And this is enough.
Has beauty always been a part of your life?
It’s uncanny at times, having a daughter. I feel as I am looking back at myself as I see so much of myself in her, including her love for beauty and fashion! As long as I can remember, I appreciated all forms of “beauty.” I put the word beauty in quotations because it has many meanings or definitions. It is subjective and perspective. Beauty, to me, means something that makes me feel. It is part of my core being.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
I remember how lonely it felt, so afraid to share my dream, afraid to say it out loud until I realized, this dream is MINE. It’s mine to nurture, mine to protect and so, I did. I did it scared. I did it messy. I did it anyway. In 2023, I invite you to do the same. Keep your dream close to your heart, protect it with everything you’ve got. Ignore the noise. This is YOUR dream. Be kind to yourself when you talk those thoughts in your head. It is easy to doubt, to feel overwhelmed, to feel scared. Now this last part might sound harsh – have a supportive partner or none! Having the support of my husband has been and continues to be the most important and consistent piece of all the pieces that go into this puzzle that creates the whole picture.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I have been engaged three times, married once.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
So these answers are based on being local to my home town. I am new to Berkeley Heights! I’d love to learn about all your local favorites!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Watching them explore/learn something new. The magic of life that unfolds right before my eyes that is unapologetically expressed on their little faces is priceless.
2 – Favorite coffee spot? I will never turn down a coffee! I love Cloveberry in Sparta. It’s my Friday breakfast date spot with my baby boy.
3 – Favorite lunch place? La Vita, Italian deli
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Living in Sussex County, it is a challenge to choose a favorite. I love having my babies grow up visiting local markets and farms. Appreciating where our food comes from and what we eat is important.
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Viaggio’s in Wayne. GO! Oh and it’s BYOB
6 – Favorite boutique? Ahh I haven’t gone shopping in a boutique in over 4 years! I miss vintage finds!
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Our homemade wine cellar! 800 bottles give or take
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Best bagels (and crumb cake) Bagel Bistro
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? My husband’s homemade New York Style pizza baked in our countertop pizza oven
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Anderson Farms and Windy Brow Farms
This interview was done in partnership with ART OF THE ARCH & AESTHETICS. Please be sure to follow Noel on social media below:
