Women's History Month - featuring Shira Ben (Makeup Artist, Beauty Expert, Self-Care Advocate and Owner of The Blush Parlour)

Excited to have Shira Ben featured for International Women’s History Month. We actually met in real life at an event this week, the week that I had set for her blog post to go live! I’m telling you the stars aligned. Prior to meeting IRL, we connected on IG and I was drawn to her energy when she gave us the goodes on skin and makeup products. She does her research, provides luxe and budget friendly products and she answers questions honestly and thoughtfully. I am NOT a makeup person and I’m more than happy to admit that I am a creature of habit and have worn the same foundation for years and years and years. Shira has got me outside my comfort zone and upping my skin care routine. So, let’s get to finding more about Shira.

Tell us a little bit about yourself – I am a Makeup Artist, Beauty Expert and Mama. I have a passion for all things beauty and it started when I was a child growing up in South Africa. This passion never wavered, and I then pursued a career in makeup artistry. I combined my love for the beauty industry with my entrepreneurial spirit and keen marketing skills to start my business: The Blush Parlour. I currently have a team of 15+ beauty professionals who provide hair and makeup services across the GTA. I have an influential reach through Instagram, TikTok and my Personal Blog where I share expert beauty advice with moms and makeup lovers alike. I am a recurring beauty expert for CHCH Hamilton and have been a monthly contributor to the network for over 5 years. I’ve also made appearances on CTV Atlantic, Global TV, Bell Media’s Your Morning, Breakfast Television, CP24, CTV Toronto and other networks across the country.

What does the 2024 international Women’s Day theme #InspireInclusion mean to you? – I honestly hadn’t given it much thought until now but on a daily basis I see women struggling with the aging process. I have been in the beauty business in a wide variety of roles for over 15 years and not a day goes by that I don’t get someone telling me that they wish they looked younger and fresher.

It almost feels like women aren’t allowed to age anymore or if you haven’t found the secret to eternal youth you’re not winning in life. This is a constant in my line of work across ethnicities, cultures, income brackets. Women want to be able to age and not feel guilty about it. So, to me #inspireinclusion means working with women who are more mature and letting them know that they are beautiful and that there is space for them when it comes to doing their makeup and skincare.

What do you think we can do to promote this thinking to the next generation? – I think showing real women in the media. There is so much filler, plastic surgery and filters on everything these days it’s impossible to know what people are supposed to look like.

I admit, I do love my botox but it’s where I have decided to draw the line for myself (at least for now). In my line of work it’s so easy to get caught up wanting the latest procedure etc but I am trying to set an example for my community that the natural aging process is normal. Having said that, if getting procedures makes you feel fabulous go for it. I am just talking about myself personally .

What’s your best advice for female entrepreneurs who are considering launching a business? Ha, where do I begin? Seriously my best advice is: You will get rejected a lot – don’t take it personally. Try to grow from these experiences and don’t let them get you down. Brush it off and carry on going! Also, don’t spend your hard-earned money on ridiculous things. I have been there. Get a good bookkeeper, save, invest.

As a mom to two girls, how will you and your family celebrate International Women’s Day? We celebrated by my hubby getting us flowers and ordering in dinner. I think that because I am a mom and entrepreneur every day is women’s day in my house. My kids are very invested in my work and my wins are theirs.

I started my business the same year I got pregnant with my first daughter ( I didn’t plan it like this, it just happened this way). She has literally been by my side every step of the way while building my business. She’s seen me cry, celebrate, grow, wake up at the crack of dawn, stay up till all hours answering emails. It was hard in the beginning but now she talks about business and being a boss as if she’s running things. It’s really amazing to witness.

So, where can readers get more information and find more about you? – Readers can find me on Instagram @simply_shira or TikTok @simply.shira

Thank you Shira for being a guest! And I’m looking forward to grabbing a cup of coffee and/or catching up over lunch! Stars have aligned and it only gets brighter from here!

Until the next feature, keep shining!

Shine Lily XO