She has collaborated with many great people including amazing photographers like Amri G, Aliaskhal, Bibo Aswan and famous models and celebrities like Tengku Azura, Anita Aziz, Amber Chia, Atilia Haron, Dato Yasmin Yusoff, Hans Isaac, Harith Iskandar as well as exciting designers like Calvin Thoo and Nila Palacios.
Rachel Wonghy, better known as Rachel W, is a professional make up artist who aspires to bring out the colors in every women's life with a touch of make up!
Rachel: Like a lot of girls. I knew how to do simple make up. That was long before I decided to go professional. I spent a year at a make up school and later joined a company, first Stila then Mac Cosmetics where I began developing my skills. That's only part of it though. The internet is the key to connecting with other professionals all over the world. I still spend some time picking up ideas, trends and techniques.
WoM: Who (or what) inspired you to become a make up artist?
Rachel: I've always been fascinated by the make up work I've seen at the fashion shows. I guess that got me started while I was working for MAC Cosmetics. I got fresh inspiration during a visit to Hokkaido in Japan. On the street, everyone seemed to look so nice. They really take good care of their appearance. Whether they're old or young, walking in the park or going out for dinner, Japanese women all seemed to be putting a little make up on. I love that experience. On my business card, it says "making your world more stylish and beautiful". Thats my vision for our wonderful city. I'd like to see more people paying attention to how they look.
WoM: Was it hard for you to start this line of business, especially in Malaysia?
Rachel: The fashion industry in Malaysia is still in its infancy. We manufacture a lot of clothing and we have a few fabulous designers but it looks like it will take years for KL to establish itself in the international scene. Demands for professional make up artists are patchy. Some weeks I'll be so busy that there aren't enough hours in the day. On other days, I'll be resting or collaborating with my favourite photographers or models - building and working relationships and networking. The industry isn't mature enough to keep a significant community of models, photographers, make up artists and stylists in steady work. On the other hand, people have been incredibly welcoming. In the early days, I wasn't sure whether I was a wanna-be freelance make up artist or an up-and-coming pro, I was invited to work with amazing photographers, famous models and celebrities as well as designers. I was so thrilled! Working with them helped me build my own career. They were all amazingly cool. Malaysians in the fashion scene really do help each other. We need to. I hope that answers your question. It has been easy because established professions are so great about welcoming new talent. But it has also been frustrating because the industry is small, there are many ad agencies who are willing to accept mediocre work.
WoM: Have you ever received a negative critique or complaint throughout your years being a make up artist? If so, how did you deal with it?
Rachel: Yes, of course. There are always those moments when someone doesn't like your work. At this stage in my career, I don't do much bad make up. But when you are a professional, that isn't the point. It's all about doing the right make up for the right people suitable for that particular place and time. Is this the look that the photographer is looking for? Is it right for that person's face shape and skin colour? Does it compliment the garment you are using? Sometimes, the look I put together isn't quite what the photographer had in mind, or a model feels she has 'flaws' that I didn't compensate for. When that happens, it's usually best to smile and change the look. I want to be true to my own creative vision but I also want to delight my client and my collaborators. Make up changes all the time and as a professional, I naturally know the latest trends. You often have to make a guess about whether someone wants the latest look or wants something old school - a more classic look. If you misjudge that, people usually let you know and you can easily change things to make everyone happy.
WoM: Lastly, is there any personal message or advice that you would like to share with all the young women out there in Malaysia?
Rachel: If you have a vision of what you want to do in the future, follow it. Don't be afraid to ask for help from people who have already been successful in that line of work. If you encounter haters, forget them. Stay positive!
You can check out her incredible work at her
Facebook page: Rachel W, The Makeup Artist
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