Sa’Kazja Wainwright’s career in make-up artistry began with a little curiosity, a YouTube discovery and a trip to the drugstore.

“My journey into make-up artistry actually started with a little curiosity and a lot of being nosy!” says the owner of Saeloise.

After seeing a tweet about beauty influencer Makeup Shayla, she looked her up and became fascinated with her elaborate make-up tutorials.

“Being a college student, I couldn't afford all the high-end products she was using, which led me to discover another beauty creator, Aaliyah Jay. She was achieving equally beautiful results with affordable make-up, so I started visiting Boots and Superdrug, buying some of the products she recommended, and experimenting on myself.”

Although studying Beauty Therapy in England, much of her creative artistry was self-taught.

Her first client came almost by accident, when someone asked her to do their make-up for a New Year's Eve party in Birmingham.

“I was nervous because I'd only ever practised on myself, but with a little encouragement, I agreed.”

After sharing the results on Snapchat, requests began arriving when she returned to Bermuda.

“I never set out with this grand plan to become a make-up artist. I discovered something I loved, kept practising, and continued showing up for it.”

A decade later, Ms Wainwright has worked as a hair and make-up artist for Vogue, collaborated with Burnt House Productions on commercial and editorial projects, and styled the hair of Jamaican dancehall artist Shenseea.

She's also travelled internationally for destination weddings.

“There are so many talented artists around the world, including people already based in those destinations. For someone to choose me, my artistry and my professionalism means more than I can put into words.”

Her approach to make-up is rooted in versatility, from elaborate Carnival looks to barely-there beauty.

“I've never believed in putting myself in a box. When you restrict yourself to one style, you're not only limiting your creative growth, but potentially closing the door on opportunities and clients who want something different.”

While soft glam has become a favourite, she says comfort is just as important as appearance.

“Regardless of the coverage or detail involved, I never want the finished result to feel heavy or look cakey. Beautiful make-up should feel just as good as it looks.”

Over the years, she's watched trends evolve from dramatic cut creases and colourful eyeshadow to softer, more natural finishes.

“What's funny is that trends always seem to come full circle. Even now, in 2026, I'm seeing a renewed interest in bold colours and more creative make-up, just with a modern twist.”

For women looking to improve their everyday make-up, she believes understanding their skin is more important than following every online trend.

“One of the biggest mistakes I see is women treating make-up as though it's one size fits all. You don't need the most expensive make-up or a complicated routine. You need products that suit you, good skin prep and a few techniques that work.”

Building her career in Bermuda has come with challenges, including limited access to professional beauty products.

“In 2026, I still shouldn't have to order online or get on a plane to stock up on products I need to do my job.”

She believes local beauty retailers could do more to reflect the products and brands consumers are increasingly requesting.

“I genuinely believe in supporting local businesses and buying Bermuda, but our beauty retailers need to keep up with the products, brands and trends people are using today.”

Despite the challenges, Ms Wainwright remains ambitious about the future.

Having launched her own cosmetics line, she hopes to expand Saeloise into local retail stores and eventually international markets, while continuing to grow her destination bridal business.

“Ultimately, my vision is to build a brand that isn't defined by its geographical location. I want Saeloise to be recognised for the quality of its artistry, the experience it provides and the standard it represents, whether that's here in Bermuda or anywhere else in the world.”

And after ten years, she believes she's only getting started.

“I'm proud of what I've accomplished in ten years, but I'm even more excited about what's still ahead.”