Talkin' Shop with Jilly Ijoe

Photography by Daniela Majic Make-up & Hair by Jilly Ijoe

Turtle Neck: Kitsu Boutique | Rings: Laura Tedesco & KB

Q: Tell us about yourself?

A: I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and was living there until I was 12 years old. Then I studied and lived in Singapore during my teen years, before coming to Canada to continue my tertiary education when I was 17. I have an honours degree in Psychology, but decided to get certified in Makeup Artistry after graduating from McMaster University.

Q: How did you get into make-up artistry?

A: I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduating from University, and I was taught makeup by my cousin back in Jakarta during one of the Summer Holidays. So, I decided to pursue a diploma in makeup artistry after graduating. I wanted to make women feel beautiful & empowered, I want their inner beauty to match their outer beauty, and so I decided to pursue the makeup route. I was also very interested in doing special fx and prosthetics, so that was the other half of the reason why I got into makeup.

Q: What is it about make-up artistry that attracts you?

A: Well the fact that everyone is unique and different, and I think makeup really celebrates that uniqueness and individuality. I mean, I can create a look for a person, and that same person will look completely different if another makeup artist does her makeup. It’s fun, and it’s definitely an outlet to express your creativity and individuality. The best part about it, it’s not permanent, and it’s all removable!

Q: You are definitely a girl boss and an entrepreneur. When did you decide to open your own boutique?

A: I’ve been thinking of opening my own boutique for about 2 years. It took a while for me to actually go for it because at that time I was travelling between Canada and Southeast Asia, not to mention it took me a little bit over a year to get the space that I’m actually happy with. It’s been a long process!

Jilly at her make-up table inside Kitsu Boutique. She wears turtle neck available at Kitsu. Flower crown by Floral & Brick.

Q: What has it been like running your own store?

A: It has been a roller coaster of emotion, that’s for sure. I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished, but at the same time there’s always this nagging fear and all the what if’s at the same time. It can be quite stressful, and there are days where I feel like I can’t do it. However, at the end of the day nothing makes me happier than seeing a happy customer walking out with something that they got from the store!

Q: What future plans do you have for your endeavours?

A: I’m a take-it-one-step-at-a-time kind of girl, so for now I think I’m just focusing on creating a great environment & providing great products for my customers. Possibly creating my own makeup-related line in the future.

Jilly wears turtle neck available at Kitsu Boutique. Flower crown by Floral & Brick

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

Q: Favourite colour?

A: Mint

Q: Favourite food?

A: Fries

Q: Favourite season and why?

A: Fall, for obvious reaons = SWEATER WEATHER!

Q: Best childhood memory?

A: My dad designing & building our current house. It was his dream to build his own home, so it was really cool and very inspiring.

Q: Something you are afraid of?

A: Snakes

Q: Something you secretly love? a guilty pleasure?

A: Binge watching crime tv shows!

A look at some of the products available at Kitsu Boutique

Kitsu Boutique: 195 Locke St S #2, Hamilton, On, Canada

www.kitsu.ca

Follow Kitsu: @shopkitsu

Follow Jilly: @kireimakeup

www.kireimakeup.com