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wisdom
Laura Mercier , 40, make-up artist
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My career originally started with art, but after attending a painting school in Paris in my early 20s, I realised my passion had shifted from canvas to the face. I left my native France for New York in 1985 to be part of the launch team of American Elle magazine. It was not only a big break, but a chance to prove myself as an artist. Moving, starting a new career and finding my way in a different country was a lot to balance! Every turning point in life can be harsh because you’re forced to leap and land where you may.
When I decided to be part of the fashion world, it was one of the most trying times and I was forced to grow. After a bad experience working with a celebrity in France, I never wanted to work with a famous face again. But then in the late ’90s, I started working with Madonna – a collaboration which lasted eight years. At the beginning, the idea of being with her every minute of the day for everything she was doing was exciting, but I also knew I had to be perfect all the time. She must have felt my anxieties because she did everything she could to make me feel relaxed and encouraged me to be creative. It gave me a lot of respect for Madonna – she is a hard worker and a smart woman. It was during this time I also learned how to balance my personal life and career. Madonna was facing the same thing and I was there to see her work through this very challenging balancing act. I will always look back on my experience with her and know anything is possible when you believe in yourself.
Article published July 2008
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 Every turning point forces you to leap and land where you may |
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