40 Years of Empowered Self-Expression
Suzi Dent, an international multi-award-winning freelance film and TV Hair and Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, Author, Inspirational Speaker, Mentor, and Presentation Skills Coach, has woven a tapestry of success over her remarkable 40-year career. Embodying an entrepreneurial spirit, Suzi has navigated various creative streams, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond.
It all began for Suzi Dent when she was only 21 years old and went into freelancing for films and TV as a hair and makeup artist. Always a creative soul, she was comforted by being her own boss, moved by the love of her craft into exploring different parts of the entertainment industry.
Suzi’s decision to become an entrepreneur was based on two things: her love for hair and makeup since she was twelve years old, as well as her strong desire for freedom. The choice to live life on her own terms unleashed Suzi’s imagination in the ever-changing world of movie making, where there are numerous roles available that she found intriguing enough to keep up with for four decades.
There are some major factors that have contributed to Suzi Dent’s success. It is important to believe in ones-self according to Suzi. Discipline has been attributed by Suzi to be part of the reason behind most achievements, whilst the ability to see failure as a learning opportunity has also contributed a lot towards this success. Life balance across mental, emotional spiritual and physical dimensions are amongst those aspects that have brought about this achievement, according to Suzi.
Every step of Suzi’s journey is marked by outstanding achievements that defined the next chapter in her career. In NSW during the 1990s, Suzi established the State of New South Wales’ first Bridal Hair and Makeup Agency, as she felt there was a need for the general public to be able to connect with professional make up artists, a move that has since earned her numerous recognition awards. Additionally, Suzi ventured into Cosmetics with Base Cosmetics and handmade Aromatherapy Body care products thereby showcasing how versatile she is as an entrepreneur.
Apart from her thriving businesses, Suzi Dent’s role as a catalyst for societal change is noteworthy. She did not just keep quiet about workplace sexual harassment in th tv industry, but instead took it upon herself to speak out on it. By sharing her story in a UK court on workplace sexual harassment, she has become a voice for many survivors. Leading to the current trend of acknowledgment and addressing such situations.
According to Suzi Dent, success means reaching a goal or fulfilling one’s purpose which feels great when accomplished. It includes celebrating both the journey and fulfillment one receives by achieving his or her dreams. Success for Suzi is not about the amount of money she earns, it’s about the amount of people she reaches.
The achievement in my life that I am most proud of, happened in 2017 and it changed the trajectory of my life.
-Suzi Dent
In August 2016 at 54 I wasn’t in a great personal space. I did some soul searching and thought about what new horizons I wanted to tackle. There was an element of “sameness” in my life that I needed to change for myself, my career and my marriage. On my daily walks I was being inspired by listening to motivational speakers and learning about the steps I needed to take to change my life.
As a hair and makeup artist I make women look beautiful for a living, which I love and it seems like a glamorous world. However, I spend my life in shorts and runners. Dressing for practicality and comfort has been my normal for decades. I was raised with a very strict moral dress code, where sleeveless clothes were never worn and flashing a bra strap in public was a complete no-no! Whenever I tried on a dress, I felt exposed, insecure and really uncomfortable.
When I checked out the pageant and the charity they support Soles4Souls, I learned that there are people on our planet who don’t have any shoes! Something we often take for granted. They can’t go to work and earn money to support their families and children can’t go to school and get an education. Shoes and fashion are the second biggest cause of pollution on our planet. Soles4Souls collect our new and slightly used shoes to give to those who have none.
Within 10 minutes of learning about this great charity, I had created an idea that involved a national marketing awareness campaign involving Bartercard Australia opening their offices around Australia for people to drop off their donated shoes. I realised I was having my own sliding doors moment like the movie. I could tay where I was and my unhappy life would be unchanged, or I could take a leap of faith and say yes! I felt that life wanted me to get outside of my clothing comfort zone and become a pageant queen, to educate others and spread the word about Soles4Souls.
So, I said yes.
You have to prepare to receive those things you wish for and to give my absolute best to my new endeavours I researched the pageant industry, I learnt how to walk in heels and I practiced every day. I wore dresses and embraced the new world I was in. I spoke at events and was interviewed in newspapers and on television. I had business sponsorship and became a national ambassador for Bartercard.
Raising awareness, collecting shoes, dressing like the queen I was preparing to be, I felt like I was overcoming my fear, one frock at a time. Gaining more self-esteem and confidence I competed in Melbourne as the oldest competitor. Winning and being crowned Mrs Earth Australia 2017, was an amazing experience and 3 months later I found myself in Las Vegas representing Australia in one of the biggest pageant systems in the world.
I came third competing with 36 other beauties from 36 countries, half of whom were young enough to be my daughters, to claim the title of Mrs. Earth Health 2017 – a title awarded to the delegate who best represents a positive image for all women, and a healthy mind, body and spiritual realm, regardless of their size or age.
I received lots of press and publicity and found myself doing tv appearances and interviews. I was labelled by the press as the transformational story of the 55year old tomboy to beauty queen
I proudly represent the over fifties woman. Let’s face it, 55 years young is pretty old to be competing in my first beauty pageant!
I love to inspire other women to stop paying attention to their age number and to be fearless about making changes in their lives! Advertisers should be using the over 50s who look fabulous – and there are lots of them out there! Pre and post menopausal women can often feel invisible and overlooked, coupled with often negative self talk.
We live in an ageist society and it’s time to let women over fifty know that they can change their lives. Age is a state of mind. We can age ourselves out of life with our mental attitude. If you continually say to yourself,” I’m old,” then you will be old!
I feel joyous, young and in the prime of my life; and at 61, I want to help others celebrate and embrace being over 50, too.
My life changed that day I said yes. Through my pageant and philanthropic journey I learnt so much about myself and my capabilities as a business woman. The doors of motivational speaking opened for me, I have authored 2 books. I have spoken around the world and my message has been seen and heard by millions of people. I have been featured in two international documentaries in the UK and I look back in wonder and gratitude at how life has prepared me to achieve and receive.
