An Interview With: Anne-Marie From Things Of Beauty!

Anne-Marie is a fellow NZ beauty and makeup lover, who has started a business named Things Of Beauty. She kindly sent me a few of the products she was selling (Anne-Marie is now focusing more on indie makeup, as you will hear about more below!) to try out. I thought it would be a fun idea to interview her and find out more about her and Things of Beauty!

Hi Anne-Marie! Could you tell us a bit about yourself and Things of Beauty New Zealand? 

Hi Sarah! I'm Anne-Marie, although I sometimes use the name 'Artemis' for my creative work. I'm passionate about just about every creative field, makeup being very high up on that list! A few years back, I was creating my own makeup and received heaps of very positive feedback on it, and was keen to start my own brand. I gave it some serious thought, but ended up not proceeding with the idea. Eventually though, some of that work turned into Things of Beauty. I wanted to provide brands that aren't easily accessible here and at good prices, along with a high standard of customer service, with a personal, friendly touch.

Now, straight off the bat I want to explain where I'm at this year in terms of TOB. I gave myself a holiday in December and I am easing back into it. Over the next few months, I am keeping things on a very small scale, TradeMe only right now, as I evaluate where I want to go with TOB and work on a few other projects too. Unfortunately, I don't have the time or money to operate on the scale I would like to, so I need to work out what to focus on. I started the business with a mix of jewellery/accessories, American makeup and Korean makeup/skincare, but I will be focusing more on indie makeup, and will no longer be ordering Korean products as I want to make the store entirely cruelty-free, so once I sell out of them, that's it. 

A little more about me - I'm a mum of a very active toddler, and live in Christchurch, New Zealand. Outside of looking after him, and working on TOB, I do a lot of art and craft projects, I always have so much on the go! I was hoping to finish my first illustrated e-picturebook for toddlers last year but got too busy so will have to pick it up again this year. During 2017, I hope to make some of my own products available for sale on TOB, as I am looking at also launching some into stores later in the year too. So hopefully this is an exciting and fulfilling year ahead!

What does the average day look like for you? 

Ooh, that's a tricky question. I'm not a fan of routine at all, I like every day in my life to be varied and I hate schedule. At the peak of TOB, I was sending parcels out every day, so I would always start my day with a hot drink and get the mail sent (I use the Pass the Parcel service online, as it is difficult for me to get to the post office, and I love its cheap, efficient service). Right now I work my days around my son, sometimes we have activities to go to, a few hours a week he goes to preschool, and that's my creative time.

What are your top 5 favourite beauty products that you cannot live without? 

Black eyeliner, first and foremost! No particular brand, although I currently love Essence pen liner. Loose, pigmented, indie eyeshadows - don't make me choose one favourite. TonyMoly Banana Sleeping Pack, the most moisturising cream I have ever used, just perfect for my super-dry skin, and smells like flavoured milk. Makeup removing wipes, I haven't found my perfect brand yet. And finally, the Argan Oil hair treatment masks from Kmart, the ones in the big bags for $2 (the Keratin ones are good too).

If you could be anyone at all, alive or dead, for one day, who would it be and why?

This would definitely have to be my son! I'm so fascinated at the way he thinks, and the things he does. I'd love to get some understanding as to why he is who he is. It's hard to imagine that 28 years ago, I was the same age yet have absolutely no memory of what it was like. Also, it would be fun to get away with the level of mischief that only a toddler can get away with...I've always wanted to draw on a wall.

Thanks so much for the interview Anne-Marie! I can't wait to see what other products you come up with, that is so creative! 

You can find Things of Beauty on Instagram, @thingsofbeautynewzealand and shop here.