My West London Life

Dominic Paul

March
9

Dominic Paul on what it's like setting up your own cosmetics brand with your adopted mother...

What do you love about west London?

I love how west London feels like you live in a small community even though you’re close to the hustle and bustle of London. I also love how relaxed and chilled everyone is.

What piqued your interest in makeup and cosmetics? Where did it all begin?

As a young child, I was always fascinated by the instant glamour and confidence that makeup gives you. I was always was in awe when watching Hollywood films or stage productions. So, as I got older, I began to learn more about cosmetics and realised that there was a whole world of knowledge that I wanted to be a part of. Being very creative since I was a young child, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue as a career when I got older.

Can you tell us a bit about your unique background and upbringing, and how it has contributed to where you are today?

I’m originally from Bangkok Thailand. However, I was adopted by a wonderful British couple who gave me a second chance in life. I was brought up very close with my mother and she was a massive source of support for my dreams and aspirations; anything I dreamt of doing she fully supported me. So, when I became a makeup artist after studying at Brushstrokes in Shepperton Studios my mother and I began to work together. I struggle with mild dyslexia and we thought it would be wise if mum was the brains behind my makeup career, so she managed me.

During this time, we used to brainstorm and talk about future goals and one of them was to eventually have a brand of my own. Over the years of us working together, she installed a work ethic in me that I believe has lead to the success and achievements that we have already had with Dominic Paul Cosmetics.

You tragically lost your mother to breast cancer three years ago, can you tell us about what her vision for the brand was?

My mother’s vision was to have a brand that wasn’t intimidating. She felt that there was a gap in the market for a brand that had a story but also was approachable. She also said that as I was from Thailand, I should create a recognisable signature that represented my heritage but also had an element of my British upbringing as well.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best bit of advice I have been given is to never give up and to keep going. Anything is possible as long as you are determined! That’s a bit of advice I always live by.

And the worst?

To be honest I haven’t had any. The only thing I can say is: surround yourself with people who have good intentions and want to see you make a success of yourself.

Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?

It might sound cliché, but my biggest source of inspiration would be my mother. Her 10-year battle with cancer gave me the strength to know that you should always fight and keep going in life as you only get one to remember you are responsible for your own dreams.

Who wears Dominic Paul, and do you have a favourite product?

Wow, we have been blessed to have had a lot of familiar faces wearing Dominic Paul Cosmetics. Just to list a few – celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Kim Basinger, Katie Piper and Helen Flanagan have worn our products on the red carpet and in numerous fashion editorials. My favourite product has to be my Contour Palette. It’s versatile, perfect to create any look and can be customised to the buyer’s specification with our New Highlighter edition.

What’s next for Dominic Paul?

World domination. I would love to have my cosmetic line in stores throughout the world and to be travelling from country to country doing masterclasses and telling everyone about the brand story and how we began.

www.dominicpaulcosmetics.com

Sarah Campus, founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS

March
19

We chat sleeping, eating, hydrating and moving with pre and post-natal fitness expert, Sarah Campus

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women’s personal trainer, a nutrition coach, wellness expert and a busy mum of three. In 2016 she founded LDN MUMS FITNESS. She is a fitness and wellbeing panellist for Women’s Fitness Magazine and often appears on television as a holistic health specialist.… Read more →

Amy Nairn, Personal Chef

January
5

Personal Chef Amy Nairn on her favourite restaurants, high-profile clients, & cooking to impress!

Where do you live and why?

Having grown up between Islington and Scotland, I’ve lived in Parson’s Green most of my adult life. I love village atmosphere, the mix of ‘country’ pubs, young families, and its proximity to the King’s Road.

How did you get into cooking, is

Read more →