{Interview} I'm "Smit-ten" for this lady's work...Clarita Smit!

Today I have a little treat in store for you guys, especially for my Journeyers who live in Cape Town!!!
I have a very talented friend that has her own business there and I decided to ask her a few questions and this way we get to know the face behind the business.

Her name is Clarita Smit (get where I got the Title from? how clever am I? Joking) and she's born and bred in Mossel Bay and received her Diploma at Isa Carstens in 2008. But please go read more about her and what her passions are on her blog = CLARITA SMIT

Let's get this "interview" on the way...
(I will be referring to myself (The Interviewer) as JS and to Clarita (The Interviewee) as CS.)

JS: So Clarita, where and when did your passion for make-up and beauty start?
CS: I Cannot remember the exact date/year. But as a young girl, I always loved playing with my Mothers make-up. I remember I had so much make-up of my own for a young girl, I used to have all the “tinkerbell” make-up sets. I still have these files, where I collected pictures and beauty tips while I was in primary school! In High school I was always the one that had to make-up the girls with a night out. I think I was 13 when I said to my Mother that I am going to Study Health and Skin Care – which includes make-up. I didn't change my mind at all, so I Studied at Isa Carstens Health and Skin Care Academy 2006-2007. Make-up/Beauty industry is just the love of my life…

JS: Wow so this passion has been coming a long way, tell me, what is your best tip for a girl with oily skin? (Like me) 
CS: Its easy to cover imperfections with make-up, but great/amazing make-up application comes with a great skincare routine... I believe in Professional Skin Care Products, that is suited for your skin type. 2 Examples of Professional Skin Care Products that do wonders for Oily skin is Nimue and Regim A. And to go for regular treatments / Facial peels. When it comes to Make-up, Use primer “ Photo finish: from Smachbox – it’s amazing, it controls the shine but still gives you healthy looking skin, and your make-up/foundation will last so much longer. Foundation, I’ll say use Mac Studio Fix.

JS: Thanks for the tip, ;) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
CS: A dream come true will be to be part of fashion shows and magazines (to work as a make-up artist) – So I dream big!! But actually I don’t have a 5 year plan, which is so weird, cause I am such a perfectionist, but I live/work for the day, and just keep trying to do my best in my industry. (But my name will be known in 5 years wink wink)

JS: Nothing wrong with dreaming big! What triggered you to make the beautiful Mother City (Cape Town) "your" place?
CS: Being a “small-town” girl till the age of 18, I just knew my dreams are too big for a small town… I love Cape Town, I think it’s one of the best places in the world! AND then, I met my husband when we were still in school, and he lived in Cape Town, South Africa, so I knew, I had to come and live here. <3

JS: Can't argue with that answer. And as a business woman, you do you intend on keeping your clients happy?
CS: I LOVE all my clients, I am truly blessed with every single one. I think, why it works so well for me – I have a very special/personal bond with everyone, but still professional – they feel they can tell me anything (friendship level), and it will stay with me – and it truly does, but at the same time, if I do something – work wise- that they don’t approve off, they can tell me without hurting my feelings, and I’ll do my best to live up to their expectations. I strive to give them the BEST!!

JS: So you truly do go the extra mile, and with that you must have a at least one favorite make-up memory moment?
CS: Jeeezzz, I have more than one! Every bride / Matric Farewell is so much fun for me to do. Being so close with the client is amazing. I also met Rae Morris (famous Make-up artist) this year. I was completely starstruck.

JS: Rae Morris, that's rather impressive. Do you have any suggestions and tips for woman "getting started" on beauty?
CS: Don’t let it be “work/business” for you, it’s supposed to be fun. I think that is why I love my what I do so much, it never feels like work, when I am at a client, I can spend hours and hours beautifying her, my husband usually calls me and asks when I will be coming home. And try to see a client as a individual.

JS: Haha sounds like your husband is very proud of you too though. How will you describe your personality best suited to your business venture in 10 words?
CS: Vintage, Fun, MAC, Caring, Professional, Daring, loyal, Passionate, loving, Positive 

JS: I am a Vintage fan myself, and that's why I loved Paris so much. I see you have been there too. What is your fondest holiday memory?
CS: Oh, that’s easy – PARIS, France with my Husband (best place in the whole world)

JS: Amen to that. And last but not least, do you mind sharing 5 of your happiest memories with us in photo's?
CS: These pictures are all recent. Memories that are close to my heart.

Hubby and I in Paris

Madame Sigara with the family, I loved the face painting

Hubby and I celebrating our birthdays in Cape Town, it is only one day apart. We stayed at the Fire and Ice hotel for the night, pub crawled and painted the town red. It was so much fun!

Most amazing animal.

Again from Paris, Disney Land.

And there you have it my lovely Journeyers. A look inside the life of the lovely Clarita Smit.
If you want to find out more please feel free to go visit her at the following spots:

FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/#!/Clarita.Smit.MakeupArtist
TWITTER - @clarita_smit1
BLOG - http://clarita-smit.blogspot.com/

Hope you had as much fun as I had reading and getting to know her a little bit better!
Looking forward to seeing your name in magazines one day Clarita!
Till next time!