Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

I initially started my makeup business in 2007/8 offering my services exclusively to brides but with a passion for all elements of the industry I soon found myself experimenting with new techniques and products. Having demonstrated a flair for airbrushing, I was approached to become the senior makeup artist for a leading airbrush makeup brand where I then found myself working on catwalks and editorials as well as film and television projects. With the emerging trend for high definition, I was frequently being asked to train industry professionals at ITV, Sky and BBC as well as providing training to makeup students around the country. With my makeup CV expanding, I added SFX and costume design/supervision to my repertoire and haven't looked back since!

In 2011, a chance meeting with the designer Wayne Hemingway allowed me to share my passion for all things vintage which led to Wayne asking me to write a series hair, makeup and fashion blogs for the Vintage at South Bank Festival in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of The Festival of Britain. In early 2012 I was commissioned to author and style a vintage hair and makeup guide book - ' The Vintage Beauty Parlour ' by publishers Ryland, Peters and Small.

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Tell us a bit about the book?

Vintage Beauty Parlour is a step by step guide on how to create iconic hair, makeup and fashion looks from yesteryear. I incorporated the 1920's right through to the 1980's whilst covering foundation hair and makeup tips that can be adapted with a little creativity.

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What was the inspiration behind it?

As well as hair and makeup artistry, I also work as a costumer and stylist. Fashion has almost always been on a roundabout and in recent years retro style has moved away from the niche and eccentric and into the mainstream. We are even seeing high street labels relaunching collections like River Island/Chelsea Girl which is reviving vintage and giving consumers a choice. It also means individuals can embrace vintage without trawling second hand suppliers where doing so without vintage sizing and decade specific knowledge can seem daunting.

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Which is your favourite project?

I love them all but based on the decade that suits my body shape and features, I'd have to say the 1950's.

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What is your craft space like?

I used to work from home but recently moved into an office in Avenue House - the former home of ink magnate and philanthropist Henry Charles Stephens in Finchley, North London. I was tentatively looking for somewhere with a good 'energy' and fell in love with the place as soon as I saw it.

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Have you always been creative?

Yes. I'm sure sure if its nature or nurture but my father is an antique dealer and my mother a fantastic portrait artist so I do attribute my passion at least in part to their influence.

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When did you first start crafting?

I have been crafting since I could sit up. My parents were always encouraging me to paint and draw and sew and as an only child, I developed a vivid imagination. I distinctly remember making my parents a Christmas card when I was 4 yrs old, all by myself. It was an A4 piece of yellow card with a tree drawn on the front. I glued the inside area of the tree and filled it with green glitter followed by mini coloured pom pom to act as decorations. I was very proud!

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Who are your crafty heroes?

I love books. I must confess that whilst I can absolutely see the benefits of the digital age we live in, I can't quite bring myself to buy a Kindle! I am a book worm and don't favor a particular genre so my favorite authors include Patrica Cornwell, Mitch Albom, Stieg Larsson and Martina Cole to name but a few. As far as craft heroes - it has to be Tony Hart and Blue Peter. I also loved the TV programs Why Dont You and No 73.

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Where do you find inspiration?

I genuinely think you can find inspiration in anything. Even the darkest moments can inspire you if you have the right attitude. I'm a glass half full kind of girl.

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What's next for you?

Beyond my freelance hair and makeup artistry work, I am building my writing portfolio having become a regular columnist for an industry specific social media platform. I would love to write more books about makeup and fashion, so watch this space!

Ever wanted to know how to re-create beautiful vintage styles? Now you can with this stylish and practical guide to vintage hair and make-up featuring iconic looks from every decade from the 1920s - 1980s. With easy-to-follow step-by-step hair and makeup techniques, as well as beautiful and inspiring photographs, this book will help you find a style for any occasion and become the envy of all your friends. Vintage Beauty Parlor will help you uncover the secret to the finer details of each look from hair, make-up, clothes, and accessories to jewelry and even perfume. Master the stylish flapper-girl curls and cupid's bow lips of the 1920s; the sassy victory rolls of the 1940s; the perfect 1950s quiff, the glamorous glitter of the 1970s, and the edgy punk styles of the 1980s. Vintage Beauty Parlor has everything you need to become a vintage style icon.