She is a pilot with a degree from Delta Qualiflight Aviation Academy in the United States. But Bipashi Tuladhar is well known as a make-up artist whose works appear on the covers of magazines and advertisement campaigns in Nepal.
A self-taught make-up artist, Tuladhar only took it up professionally in 2013. In a short time, she has gathered a good clientele and a reputation to boot. Besides working on bridal makeovers, cover shoots and advertisement campaigns, she is a member of a youth club and is also actively working to empower women through ‘Zonta International’.
Here, Tuladhar talks about her hopes, aspirations, and the need to break
barriers.
The great exodus
How do you see yourself: As a pilot or a make-up artist?
A little bit of both, actually, but maybe I’m tilting a little more towards being a make-up artist in the recent times given the kind of work I’m doing. I think I’m lucky to get so many good opportunities to work as a make-up artist because I love the work and, despite all the competition, I think I might have finally carved out a place for myself in this industry. However, I have worked hard for both the identities and I’m proud of who and what I am today.
What inspired you to become a make-up artist?
My mother is my primary inspiration. She is a make-up artist and it’s safe to say that I just followed her footsteps. But it actually all started with me being forced to do my cousin’s bridal make-up. Many people appreciated my work then and you could say that was my first big break. Then came YouTube and, as I was already getting many requests for tutorials, I made some videos. There has been no looking back since then and I think I’m getting better with every new assignment that comes my way.
What is the biggest challenge in your line of work?
Every job comes with its fair share of challenges and mine is no different, especially since the concept make-up and styling for professional purposes is relatively new in Nepal. Also, for me, every client poses a fresh new challenge because people have different facial structures and you can’t apply the same method on everyone. You have to know how to modify and better your technique and skills on the job. There is no room for error. It’s challenging, yes, but there is also so much to learn from it all.
How important is make-up in day-to-day life?
Make-up is an art. I believe make-up has the power to empower if you do it right. The most important thing you need to get right before applying any make-up is to know your skin tone and type. Don’t do too much. Some people have the tendency to apply everything at once and that doesn’t always work in your favor. Keep it simple and basic and just stick to highlighting your best feature. The rest will just fall into place.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
For starters, I expect to be a lot wiser five years from now. Experience teaches you a lot of things, personally and professionally both and I expect to have learnt quite a few life lessons by then. I also, fingers crossed, see myself in the pilot’s seat. Besides that, I have plans to start a business in make-up in Nepal. It’s very hard to find good make-up as well as distinguish between good quality products and their high copies. So I would like to join the make-up business and make good stuff available in the market.
What’s the one important lesson you’ve learnt till now?
Of the many life lessons that I’ve learnt the most important one is that you are never too old to follow your dreams. If your mind is set on something and you are ready to put in the hard work required to accomplish it, there isn’t anything you can’t achieve.
