Celebrating the Bold with… is all about shining a spotlight on inspiring women. This time, we spoke with Norien Voskuilen, a talented MUAH — someone we absolutely love working with and always enjoy having on set.
She
shares how her intuition and instincts guide her every step of the way, how bold choices have shaped both her career and her personal growth, and the valuable experiences she’s gained along the way — both in the studio and on creative projects abroad.
What does “being bold” mean to you personally?
When I think of bold, I think of power and courage. I think that word suits me well. Last November, my company celebrated its 12.5th anniversary, and it was precisely during that time that I made a new, courageous decision: I went to Australia for eight weeks. As I reflected on those past 12.5 years on a beautiful white beach, I clearly felt how many powerful and courageous choices I had to make to be here.
How do you stay true to yourself in a world full of expectations?
By staying true to my authentic self. I see social media as a platform where you can achieve a lot as a creative, but I also take it with a grain of salt.
When did you realize that makeup and hair could be more than a hobby, and that you could truly make it your own path?
From a young age, I knew I wanted a creative and social career, though I had no idea what it would be. During my creative arts program, I took various courses, which allowed me to better understand every aspect of fashion and beauty and gain extensive practical experience. I gained a better understanding of the direction I was truly drawn to and what energized me. At that time, I could never have imagined becoming a hair and makeup artist. But all the steps leading up to it led me there.
You built your career entirely on your own. What was the first bold decision or step that set everything in motion?
After high school, I made my first truly bold choice: I wanted to pursue a different, non-traditional education, and I even needed the approval of my education officer. I felt strongly that I didn't want to continue studying, but wanted to work with my hands, create, and be an entrepreneur. I didn't yet know exactly what that would entail.
At sixteen, I started that training program, outside of the recognized institutions. From the very first day of school, I felt I'd made the right choice and that it wasn't necessary to always follow the standard path. It was hard work, a lot of sacrifice, and persevering without knowing exactly what I was getting into. I come from a small village, and this world was completely new. But I didn't think about it too much; I just did it. And that proved to me: if you really want something, you can achieve it. At eighteen, I registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), got my driver's license, and by working hard, my first assignments soon came my way.
You work with a variety of brands and clients. How do you ensure you understand exactly what they want and translate that into the final result?
This is mainly due to experience and good communication. I work without an agency, which means I have direct contact with the client, which works well for me. Mood boards are often used, which provide guidance and ensure all the creative elements come together on the day itself.
When do you feel most powerful in your work? During a shoot, or perhaps connecting with the person in your chair?
Both moments are important to me. When the day starts with the model in my chair, I value the connection that's formed. As a makeup artist and hairstylist, you're the only one on the team who's so close to someone's aura. I enjoy those conversations and creating a safe, comfortable atmosphere.
On set, the dynamic changes: you work as a team to achieve the final result. I'm always very involved, watching from every angle, paying attention to every lock of hair. I love that creative process. The only thing that's less challenging for me is doing someone's makeup for a party. That's why I've been focusing on shoots and sometimes commercials for years.
Can you share a moment that was challenging or exciting in your career, and how you moved through it to grow further?
The coronavirus period, like it did for many entrepreneurs, was a period in which I had the most projects in 2019, with financial growth, regular clients, and I bought a house. In 2020, everything suddenly ground to a halt. For a few months, I wondered if things would ever be the same again. Fortunately, I was able to resume my work sooner than expected, but it was certainly intense. Looking back, that period also gave me a lot: the realization that life isn't all about work.
Your work regularly takes you abroad. How do you experience constant travel—is it energizing, or does it also take a toll on you?
Traveling has become a great passion. Not because I grew up with it, but because I simply started doing it. Exploring the world is so educational. You start thinking bigger, your world expands.
For a while, I traveled almost monthly for campaigns; it was wonderful, but also intense. These were often short trips, long workdays, and a lot of travel time. Plus, as a makeup artist, you always have to prepare a lot to put together a travel kit. So it demands much more from you than working in the Netherlands and returning home to your own bed in the evening. Yet, I remain grateful for every opportunity. In 2023, I went to Cape Town alone for six weeks, without a plan, but with a dream: working for European clients there during the campaign season. That moment, just going, despite the fear or unfamiliarity, changed both my career and my personal life enormously. Meanwhile, I'll be returning this coming January for the fourth year. It has given me regular clients, lifelong friends, and valuable experiences.
New places energize me, but I also find that familiar places actually bring peace. And now that I'm in a different phase, I'm enjoying the moments at home more and more. Sometimes I long for a break from my irregular life.
Looking to the future: what's a dream or next step that you're already secretly thinking about or working on?
I think about the future a lot. Honestly, I'm even curious to see what the world will look like in another 12.5 years, with all the developments and technologies we have today.
Right now, I'm primarily focused on finding a healthy work-life balance and want to continue focusing on the assignments that truly suit me, both personally and professionally.
A dream I've secretly been working on is to spend part of the year, especially during the Dutch winter, in a sunny location around the world. I'd love to organize my work and network so I can continue working from multiple locations worldwide.
Who is a woman you admire for her courage – and why?
To be honest, I don't really look at others. I've never had idols. I prefer to focus on myself and the people in my family and circle of friends. They can also inspire me in some way. I find discussing choices with them more valuable. Maybe that's that "staying true to my authentic self" part again.
What would you like to say to women who dream of more, but are unsure?
It's cliché, but true: you're more likely to regret what you didn't do than what you did. Do it. Try it. Go for it. Sure, it's scary, but we live in a time where so much is possible. It'll ultimately take you further than you ever imagined. I wish everyone a life created entirely according to their own wishes.
Sometimes being bold is in the little things. What's a small but courageous choice you've made recently?
I'm writing this interview from Sydney, where I've been living for eight weeks. A bold decision that my boyfriend and I made at the last minute. I'd long wanted to work here, just like in Cape Town, and expand my network. But shortly before my departure, things took a turn.
Due to uncertainty about the rules for bringing and importing my makeup kit, and the risk of my belongings being confiscated at customs, I didn't dare bring my kit. The day before my departure, I made a decision: instead of working in Sydney, I decided to take an eight-week sabbatical.
Completely unexpected, but in retrospect, exactly what I needed. Of course, I made some creative connections, but more importantly, for the first time in twelve years of non-stop work, I gave myself the space to truly pause. And that very choice—to take a break instead of pushing through—felt perhaps even bolder than anything I'd done so far.
Finally: What's your favorite piece of Eline Rosina jewelry? (And why?)
The Diamond Gloom Piercing! It immediately stood out during the shoot for the new collection. I love the combination of gold and diamonds the most, especially next to my timeless base of just gold. Because of my voluminous hair, a bold piece is perfectly fine to have visible in my ear.
