A few years ago I was working with a designer here in Toronto, creating looks for her clients. It was through this collaboration I met Laurie Few. I created a special look for her; something outlandish while still being extremely sophisticated. To say Laurie's style is unique is to completely miss the point of her fashion sense. Laurie simply cannot be defined.
One of my favourite things about my job is working with super talented women. Sharron Matthews is one of the most fun people I have ever collaborated with. It's a little odd to me that I actually know her, because, while she never actually knew it, she was an inspirational part of my love of theatre, which in turn led me to makeup, which in turn led me to becoming DTB/Beauty: BUSTED!
Anyone who knows me knows I love music. I am surrounded by musicians. The majority of my close friends are musicians, most of my clients are musicians and I make no distinctions between genres.
All of my inspiration comes from the women for whom I personally create looks—sometimes that is for a mother at a department store, sometimes it is for a young woman just learning how to wear make up, sometimes it is for a private client for a photo shoot, and sometimes it is for an amazing artist.
In 2003, I decided to retire from service. I gave up my make up artistry and aesthetics practices, resigned from my position as Director of the largest spa group in Western Canada, and headed to Toronto to start a new chapter in my career. I wanted to become a true artist, using my skill to create looks for women that were not just for commercial purposes. I wanted my artistry to transcend just the business of cosmetics. When I arrived in Toronto, I almost immediately found myself surrounded by amazing performers who inspired me to find my inner artist.
A few years, ago I met Lousie Pitre on a photo shoot called Iconic Beauty II. I was asked to create a series of film noire-inspired portraits which would be auctioned off for charity. Louise was one of the six women for whom I created looks, and I had such a blast working with her. I have worked on many photo shoots over the decades, and I know that often the days are long and very tedious. Louise made this shoot so much fun.
Whenever anyone calls the Daniel Thompson Beauty offices our automated system kicks in with the lyrical sound of The Voice of Daniel Thompson Beauty. I was asked, once, how we programmed such a realistic voice into our phone system. What most people don't know is The Voice is a real person. Years ago we enlisted the talents of a professional voice actor who perfectly personified everything we represent, as a company, in an auditory fashion. She is, however, much more than just The Voice on our phones.
As a make-up artist I am very fortunate to work with a great many beautiful women. Over the last two decades I have met and provided make up services for some of the most talented and accomplished women in Canadian entertainment. My work has been seen on Louise Pitre, Anne-Marie MacDonald, Sarah Slean, Dawn Langstroth, Alyssa Palmer, Dione Taylor, Kimberly Seldon, Jean Stilwell, and Erica Ehm just to name a few.
