From 12-hour hospital night shifts to New York Fashion Week

From 12-hour night shifts at the hospital to painting models' faces at New York Fashion Week, Georgia Sullivan has come a long way.

The 24-year-old healthcare assistant from Merthyr Tydfil started doing make-up in her grandparents' conservatory seven years ago, never imagining she would fly across the world to showcase her talent.

Despite many challenges and self-doubt, she has painted celebrities, worked across Europe for weddings, and now owns her own salon.

She said she felt "very grateful" and "worthy" when selected for the team, adding: "I was so excited because it's just not one of the things that you expect a Merthyr girl to be doing."

Georgia got her first make-up job at 17, working with a local artist for six months before being made redundant due to the Covid pandemic.

She began working on the frailty ward at Prince Charles Hospital and then, after the pandemic, rebuilt her brand from home and later rented a salon space, where her business quickly took off.

In September 2025, she opened her own salon and now, five months in, has a team of six and a "booming" client base, including reality TV stars from Made in Chelsea, Selling Sunset, and Love Island.

"It's just one of those things I've grafted really hard for," Georgia said.

"I think if you're prepared to work hard, things will pay off."

Georgia was scrolling through Instagram when she saw a post from a make-up artist looking for a team for New York Fashion Week.

She messaged her, three years after previously reaching out about London Fashion Week with no reply, and within minutes received a response.

The artist explained the role, said she loved Georgia's work, but noted she would need to cover her own flight.

"I think most people would see it as too expensive and hesitate, but I thought this is the type of opportunity that doesn't come around twice," she said.

After a week of suspense, she was offered a place on the team.

With just 13 days notice, Georgia said she booked her flights to New York, adding: "It was crazy.

"I really didn't expect the email to say they wanted me on the team.

"I was actually outside my nan's house and I ran into the house so excited.

"It was definitely waves of emotion, like I'd actually been recognised for my work.

"You do doubt yourself, especially as a young woman running your own business. It's hard not to get in your own head when there are so many others doing the same thing," she added.

Georgia described her week in New York as "just incredible", calling it fast-paced, full of opportunity, and a confirmation of her dream to one day live and work there.

The make-up artist worked three "long" days with different designers, starting at 07:00 and helping prep more than 100 models alongside a large team.

"To be honest, on the first day I barely breathed," she said.

"It was like a conveyor belt."

The experience pushed her out of her "comfort zone", as it was her first time working on male models, diverse skin tones, and a variety of creative briefs.

Georgia explained it gave her a unique insight into the fashion industry - completely different from bridal and salon work.

After a difficult year in which she lost her father, ended a relationship and tried to launch her own shop, Georgia said she felt "very grateful" for the opportunity.

"When I got that email, I just thought - it's a bad day, not a bad life," she said.

"It completely changed my outlook - good things will come when bad things leave."

Offering advice to other women hoping to break into the competitive beauty industry, Georgia urged them to ignore the stereotypes.

"Too many people have opinions about young girls," she said, explaining that those starting out in beauty are often unfairly labelled as "dull", when in reality it is a powerful and highly profitable industry.

"Just keep persisting, it doesn't matter what people say about you because if you want something badly enough, you'll work for it and you will achieve it."