Due to human’s innate nature in constantly striving to attain perfection and discover new methods and techniques to enhance their look, the continuing advent of the cosmetic business has tremendously increased in number that shrewd capitalists instantly found a gold mine in this thriving industry.
Since its discovery thousands of years ago tracing back to ancient Egypt where cosmetic application became part of their religious rituals while simultaneously establishing their enviable social status, cosmetics has unlimitedly evolved and gained full patronage by the emerging civilization.
Unlike the days of yore when make-up was thick and pasty, modern technology has introduced make-up products made up of light ingredients with natural finish and offers a wide variety of shades to match an equally wide array of skin tones suited for multi-racial consumers’ needs.
Make-up, when faultlessly applied, could defy age, conceal blemishes and flaws, enhance physical appearance while boosting self-confidence and morale. Admittedly, make-up has been a part of the daily grind that no woman could seemingly live without, be it merely a light dab of blusher, lip color applicator, eye- enhancing tools, or at the most, a complete set of make-up kit.
Women of all creed and color have totally embraced and condescendingly patronized the use of make-up, not only for the personal benefits they derive from it but simply for the essential feeling of confidence and zest they gain knowing that they could go out sans apprehension and face the world looking great.
The emergence of internationally acclaimed make-up artists and beauty-enhancing experts more than inspired Carmelita Marfe, a coy but august aspirant from the far-flung barrio of Calinginan Norte in Sevilla, Bohol, a fifth class municipality in the Visayan Region in the Philippines, named after the Andalucian city of Seville.
The youngest among the seven children of Damian Marfe and Victoria Marfe nee Angoy, young Carmelita, fondly addressed as Mileth, despite being happily raised amid the verdant hills and bountiful fishing village of her hometown, was unrelentingly enveloped with high aspirations and lofty dreams to better her life.
“We were poor but we survived… call me ambitious but I have high hopes in life. I couldn’t just live with what I was born with. There ought to have a change…for the better!” Mileth poignantly reminisced and openly shared her youthful thoughts.
“Actually I wanted to be a nurse since I saw how my town mates in that profession could instantly live affluently. But financial constraints funding my education hindered my initial plan. I decided to go to Manila, instead, and tried my luck,” she added.
Lady Luck was with Mileth at that time when she attempted to seek for a new adventure in the asphalt jungle. Her elder sister’s thriving business enabled her for employment as a sales clerk that sufficiently got her into college.
Her daily grind could be monotonous and tiresome but complaining was never an option. Diligence and perseverance were two guiding traits that gainfully sustained her earnest desire to finish school and have a new life. Her expedient sacrifice and resolute drive rewardingly made her an intrepid survivor after having been triumphant over enormous trials and successfully conquered indomitable doubts and fears.
On March of 2002, Mileth received her Computer Management diploma from the Philippine School of Business Administration (PSBA) that all the more re-fuelled her hopes, gave her renewed strength and rekindled the fervor in her to strive further.
And fate had it that when a friend persuaded her to join an online dating site, Heart of Asia, she had neither qualms nor second thoughts. She merely obliged just for the heck and later forgot all about it. She was occupied with her studies and work, and getting involved with extracurricular “business” would only jeopardize her already hectic schedule that might dislodge her from being focused.
Unexpectedly, she received a mail from an interested party and that started to reshape the vague dream she had been trying to piece together on her mind. Their constant communication generously provided that much needed inspiration to keep her on the right track in both her studies and future plans.
A distant marriage proposal came as expected that inevitably left Mileth in a quandary. She certainly had fears…but her strong determination to change her life overwhelmingly defeated her initial apprehension. That was the most opportune time she had prayed for and there’s no way ignoring it. She voluntarily subjected herself to some unforeseen events and she couldn’t care less.
She went to the USA on May 2002 as a fiancée… a hopeful blushing fiancée.
Kind-hearted people deserve equally good fortune and Mileth, being one with good intention, became Mrs. Scott Marienski in a simple wedding ceremony that completely expunged her fears and even the slightest reservation within. She started to live a new life and began to build new dreams.
For a little more than three years, she worked at the Consumer Value Stores (CVS) as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) and another two years at Walgreens with the same job position.
If there could be one propitious in being the object of solicitation that would be Mileth. Out of the blue, a Chinese lady lured her into venturing in cosmetics which she acknowledged unwaveringly. She underwent training in NYC as a distributor of a progressing make-up cosmetic brand, Motives, which led her to seriously consider make-up artistry after rewardingly doing store and private demonstrations.
“Actually, I have been into doing make-up earlier. I have trained under Ricky Reyes, one of the Philippines’ most influential beauty experts and salon owners, before I came to America. It was intended for my own personal advantage since I knew beauty maintenance here is a bit expensive. But I since learned to love the craft especially when I received encouraging compliments from satisfied friends and clients,” she shared.
Mileth’s foray into the mainstream make-up scene keeps her more driven to hone and perfect her craft. Having serviced a huge number of Filipino celebrities like comedienne Pokwang, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, TV dancer Jenny Quizon, TV host Pia Guanio, Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, and a lot more that included professional ramp models and pageant participants in different Filipino-American community events readily assured her of a great opportunity to be at par with the Glam Squad Gurus in the industry like Pat McGrath of Dior and Max Factor, Gucci Westman of Revlon, Master Colorist Sam Fine, and Tom Pecheux of Estee Lauder.
Just recently she was chosen as the official make-up artist of the Fiesta in America 2014 International King & Queen pageant which formal presentation was held at the People’s Ball at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and the coronation rites at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus.
“Slowly, I came to know that a make-up artist should be fearless,” Mileth stated with conviction. “I shouldn’t be bounded by any rule or set notions about beauty and style. Imagination and creativity should be allowed to flow to come out with a perfect work because every person is different and each deserves a style all her own,” she finishes, leaving a firm statement.
Mileth Marienski, in her capacity as one of the most sought-after beauty experts in the area, opts to further study, train professionally and be on top of her league. And when she’s equipped with all that is needed and everything has fallen into its proper perspective: “Someday, I want to operate my own beauty salon in the heart of Manhattan or in some elite areas in NYC. I have been a constant dreamer… and I know this dream will come true…just like what I’ve dreamt before.”
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