The Inspiring Journey of Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur, Cynthia Oh!
Mar 8, 2023
Cynthia Oh is an extraordinary woman who has defied the odds and emerged as a successful entrepreneur, makeup artist, and proud mother of three. Along with being a passionate advocate for supporting women with cancer, she is also part of a programme that empowers them through makeup and how it can be used to look as well as feel good.
Cynthia’s journey into the world of makeup and beauty began with a degree in business. After helping her father manage his development company for close to nine years, she decided to pursue her true passion in life and set up her business, Cynderella Makeup and Hair. Taking a bold leap from her comfort zone to set her sights on her goals, she is truly an inspiration to us all!
The first step of her venture into the industry was marked by an eight-page spread in the now-defunct TODAY newspaper showcasing her works. Cynthia was also an early adopter of social media, where she shared her works on various platforms and gained recognition for her unique makeup style. This has led to her being featured in magazines across Asia, along with winning awards and receiving mentions from different media outlets. When asked what was her most memorable moment, she mentioned being interviewed along with featured in a Japanese magazine as the highlight and described it as “an amazing experience.”
The journey, however, was not without its challenges. As a mother of three, two of whom have special needs, Cynthia has had to juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing her business to raising her children. Despite the challenges, she remains a resilient and determined individual who never gives up on her dreams.
When it comes to drawing inspiration while creating her client’s look, Cynthia compares her work to “creating a piece of art,” emphasizing the importance of communication to ensure that their vision is brought to life. She stays updated on trends and constantly upgrades her skills to deliver the best results. Whether it’s doing their makeup or hairdo, she doesn’t consider herself the sole artist but considers it an artwork that is done by both her and the client.
Over the years, Cynthia has worked with many celebrities from all over the world, but the most memorable one for her was Miss Bernice Liu from Hong Kong, who inspired her with her tenacity and drive to achieve her goals despite the odds. When we asked how she keeps herself motivated, her answer was incredibly heartwarming:
“My family are my biggest motivation, especially my mother and children. I almost lost my mother to cancer, but her strong willpower and happy-go-lucky spirit motivated me. She survived cancer and told me to never give up on anything. Although my children are a bit different from others, I want them to know that it’s okay to be different!”
When presented with the three collections of Ava, Bliss, and Victoria, Cynthia was torn between them! However, she felt the strongest connection to the Victoria set, with its symbolic butterflies, pearls, and jade, as they are loved by her daughter, mother, and herself, respectively. She believes it would make a beautiful heirloom to be passed down for generations to come.
We hope Cynthia’s journey has inspired you to pursue your passion and strive towards your goals with courage! From us to you, we at Gen.K wish you a Happy International Women’s Day!