It all started from humble beginnings when, using Smarties for make-up as a 7 year old, my friend and I could play at being grown-up; daubed in garish colours we thought we looked so good. These days I am a lot more skilled at make-up application, and alas no longer play at being grown-up!

Now as a professional and with my exposure to the current crop of fashion-conscious, 'going places' ethnic girls, it became increasingly obvious that a brand for young stylish women of colour did not exist. And as a make-up artist always seeking the right colour, I am aware of the huge variation of colours AND tones which fall within the ethnic spectrum.

It is important that foundations are built on the right base pigments to brighten tone and prevent a pale hue. The blouse & skirt foundations have a base of honey tones, and red earth tones to register a strong base note of rich colour to enhance and enliven the skin. I've created a palette of colours ranging from a light tan [where most brands stop] to the richest of dark shades, with additional attention to tonal differences, so that the whole range is devoted to, and built on, understanding ethnic colouring.

So, throwing out dull packaging, drab names, and limp images, I started on a mission to create something that would give we ethnic girls greater choice.

I also threw in, as a bit of homage to 'Love Hearts' [my other childhood favourite] some fanciful fun lines, and [Hey Presto] blouse&skirt was created.