How agreeable are you?
Generally, I’d say I’m quite agreeable, especially in group settings where consensus matters. That said, I have my own opinions, and I’ve never been afraid to voice them, which is something that was ingrained in me when I was growing up. I try to be understanding, although I can have a hot head at times, so listening in the moment isn’t always my first instinct. Ultimately, some people might find me very agreeable, while others might find me a bit challenging. I suppose it depends on the situation.
What is your middle name and what do you think of it?
My middle name is William, and I was named that after my grandad. I didn’t get to know him, but he meant a lot to my mum, and having his name gives me a lovely connection to him.
Where is your favourite place in Ireland?
Although I’ve travelled a lot for work, one place in Ireland always feels like home, and that’s Killiney, Co Dublin. It brings back brilliant memories of my dad taking us there as kids, exploring the forests. I’ve always loved nature, and standing on Killiney Hill looking out at the Dalkey Quarry or the Witch’s Hat towards Bray Head reminds me how lucky I was to grow up somewhere so beautiful.
Describe yourself in three words.
Uplifting, compassionate, delicate. Uplifting because wherever and whenever I can, I love helping people feel good about themselves, whether that’s through make-up, a chat, or just my energy. Compassion – not judging, being there for people, and caring deeply – is a trait I’ve definitely inherited from my mum, who is one of the most compassionate people I know. As for delicate, I have a sensitive soul, and I feel things deeply. I check in with myself, depending on what life throws at me. I can take a punch and throw one, too, but I always keep a close watch on myself.
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When did you last get angry?
I haven’t been angry recently, but the last time I really felt it was when my 12-year relationship ended. There was anger mixed with a lot of other emotions, and it was a difficult time. I’m still making sense of parts of it, but I’m in a much better place now and moving forward.
What would you have lost that you’d like to have back?
What I really miss is the feeling I had when I was a dancer and a dance teacher. There was so much passion and purpose; I lived and breathed it. Standing in the studio, whether alone or with my students, I felt completely alive. I’d love to have that feeling back.
What is your strongest childhood memory?
I have loads, but one that stands out is my love for my toys. I spent hours disappearing into my imagination, and with everything going on in my family at the time, my toys were my escape. I also loved being outdoors. I’d leave the house at nine in the morning and not come back until nine at night, just exploring with my friends.
Where do you come in the birth order, and does it define you?
I’m the middle child, and it has certainly shaped me. I’m as driven as my siblings, but more of a free spirit. I don’t stress the way they do – we just worry differently. I’m probably the most sensitive of the three of us. Being in the middle taught me to trust my own perspective; it might not always be right, but it matters. I learned a lot from my brother, and my sister learned a lot from me. It gave me the best of both worlds.
What do you expect to happen when you die?
I won’t lie, I’m scared of the idea of just stopping one day, but I’ve always believed we’re energy in temporary bodies. I’m a huge believer in the universe, the stars, all of that. I think when the body no longer serves us, our energy goes somewhere else. Maybe it’s reincarnation, who knows? Hopefully, in the next life I’ll come back as a stunning butterfly.
When were you happiest?
When I got engaged. That was one of the happiest moments of my life.
Which actor would play you in a biopic about your life?
Johnny Depp, specifically 1990s Johnny Depp. The fashion, the quirkiness, that slightly chaotic energy ... So iconic. He looks nothing like me, of course, but that era was stunning, so if anyone’s playing me, it’s ’90s Depp.
What’s your biggest career/personal regret?
I wouldn’t call it a regret, but if I could change something, I would’ve gotten more support in school. Those years were tough as I was being bullied and had undiagnosed dyslexia. I kept myself compact, capable and curious, but I was also too afraid to speak up, the forgotten boy at the back of the classroom. The situation itself was out of my control, but what I wish now is that I had stood up for myself more. I wasn’t as strong or as vocal then as I am now. I didn’t point out that I was struggling or that I wasn’t being treated right. I just kept my head down. What saved me was dance, which gave me confidence, structure, and a place where I finally felt seen. It took me into a career until I was 28 years of age, before I moved into make-up. Everything I learned, the discipline, creativity, and resilience, has shaped every challenge since. I don’t regret where I’ve ended up, and I’m proud of my path, but I know that a little understanding and a bit more courage from me at that age could have made a difference.
Have you any psychological quirks?
I get fixated on songs – once I hear one I like, I’ll put it on repeat for ages until I find another. The song I’m obsessed with at the moment is Dallas Major by Lily Allen. I think it’s because I always latch on to a particular sound, and she has such an unusual, instantly recognisable tone. The song itself is full of turmoil and messy emotion, with this whole dating-app persona running through the song, and she tells the story with that untidy honesty she’s so good at. Her new album, West End Girl, is wild and a masterpiece in storytelling. I also have a fixation with my clothes and wardrobe, and if things feel out of place, my brain just won’t let it go until everything’s realigned. My favourite pieces are usually the ones that feel oversized and lived-in, anything relaxed, slouchy or slightly too big instantly makes me feel like myself. Something is grounding about clothes that don’t cling or demand attention; they just let you exhale. Most of my wardrobe follows that same language, whether I’m dressing casually or formally. Another quirk is that I talk to myself a lot. Usually, they’re just little mutterings or random comments, and sometimes I even make myself laugh.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
