Independents’ Day - with Honiton make-up artist Debbie Wright

Debbie Wright. Ref edr 10 18TI 8974. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Please introduce yourself...

My name is Debbie Wright, I have lived in Honiton for most of my life attending Honiton Primary School and then on to Honiton Community College.

After leaving school I worked for Lloyds bank in the high street before leaving Devon to start my married life as an army wife in Germany, we moved around a lot!!

After having our two sons, we returned to settle in Honiton where the boys attended my old schools.

Debbie Wright. Ref edr 10 18TI 8972. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

It was at this time that I decided to pursue my long time dream of becoming a hairdresser, I took myself off to night school in Tiverton to gain my qualification. My friends were amazing and let me practise my new skill set on them regularly! This new passion soon led me to become very busy!

What made you decide to set up shop as an independent trader in Honiton?

I noticed a small shop in New Street up for rent and thought to myself ‘I could do that’. That was truly all the thought I had about opening my own salon, but with a lot of hard work and determination No22 hair boutique was born on July 5, 2010. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support from my amazing family and great friends.

Debbie Wright. Ref edr 10 18TI 8964. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

How did you get to where you are now?

Last year I decided to pursue my other dream and passion to work with brides on their wedding day, I think this originally stems back from a Saturday job I had in Truro working in a bridal shop, I loved it, I wanted to help them get ready for their big day

I am now a freelance bridal hair and makeup specialist and travel all over Devon and the South West meeting amazing brides

Debbie Wright. Ref edr 10 18TI 8950 Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

I particularly love using Airbrush makeup, which is an amazing product as it gives a totally natural and flawless finish for my brides. My ‘look’ is based on achieving a natural finish to enhance my bride’s beauty, it is also a very relaxing experience having your makeup done this way

The airbrush creates a smudge and is sweat-proof, so it provides a long lasting finish perfect for bridal and special occasion makeup.

I am available for weddings and special occasion hair and makeup at your convenience.

Debbie Wright. Ref edr 10 18TI 8908. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

What advice would you give to anybody considering setting up an independent shop?

My advice to anyone who has a dream is to be passionate about your work. If you love what you do, it makes your life enjoyable and the job satisfaction is such an awesome feeling, there will always be that one person who will try to dissuade you, that’s human nature, so do your research, find your market and go for it

If you don’t try you will never know and if it doesn’t succeed at least you can say you tried...