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Article: In conversation with Grace Fodor, Founder of STUDIO 10 Makeup

In conversation with Grace Fodor, Founder of STUDIO 10 Makeup

In conversation with Grace Fodor, Founder of STUDIO 10 Makeup

Grace, tell us a little about yourself.
I am a mother, a PRO AGE warrior, beauty expert and founder of Studio10. I am passionate about redefining beauty for women as they age, I want to inspire mature women to challenge the outdated misconceptions of middle age – ones that can leave us feeling invisible, undervalued, and unattractive.
 
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the many strong and determined women around me – women I am so lucky to have the chance to meet in the job I do – and I’m motivated by the legacies they are leaving and the differences they are making.


What was your inspiration for Studio10?
As I reached middle age, I wanted to celebrate this. I wanted to feel truly confident and not be limited by negative anti-ageing stereotypes that didn’t reflect how I felt or how I lived my life. My inspiration was to create and develop ‘quick-fix’ solutions formulated for mature skin with the best skincare ingredients, that were also easy to use.
 
What is the best beauty advice you can give?
I always say that if you look good, you feel good. Whatever it is that you do to make yourself look good on the outside – whether it’s a great haircut, a beautiful makeup look or the clothes you wear – if you put that little bit of extra effort in, you reap the rewards of how you feel on the inside.
 
What would you like to achieve next?
I want to continue to gain momentum and have as many women as possible continue to join my PRO AGE movement to change the face of ageing. We’ve got to change how we talk about ageing as a society.

Why is STUDIO 10 different from other makeup brands?
 I’m passionate about identifying the needs of our customers – after all, I am that customer. Every step of our process is built on extensive research and analysis so that, as a niche brand, we are able to meet the needs of our customers, rather than working on a ‘one size fits all’ solution. We have the opportunity to build close and personal relationships with our customers and, most importantly, we understand how women feel about ageing, beauty and self-esteem – and this is reflected in our product range. 
 
 
Have you faced any challenges and how did you overcome them?
 Starting and building the business was always going to be the greatest challenge because there’s so much to learn and navigate along the way. Researching and perfecting our collection is a challenge in itself because it’s so important to me to get it right. And, of course, COVID 19 has been a huge challenge. But perhaps now my greatest challenge is the balancing act. I never seem to stop! I’m always switched on and thinking about the next step – so balancing family and friends alongside Studio10 is very important to me. Mostly I just about manage it!
 
As a busy business woman, what do you do to switch off?
I’m a huge gym addict and a good workout really allows me to switch off and genuinely unwind, despite the high impact. I love walking my dog Lola – I’m lucky to have some beautiful countryside walks close by. And, of course, spending time with my family and friends is so important to me – they make me laugh and they keep me grounded. 

Three things you would tell your younger self?
 To not worry so much about a career path – when you’re young you feel the need to make life choices all at once – but life is unpredictable, with so many opportunities and diversities along the way, and inevitably the goal you started with will never be where you finish – but it all works out in the end.
 
To take the risks as they come along and not let self-doubt hold me back.
 
To not worry so much about what others think of me, and have the confidence to recognise the value in my authenticity.
 
What STUDIO 10 products can you not live without?
 Our Skin Repair Perfect Canvas SPF30. It’s a nourishing serum foundation that perfects and evens the skin tone without the need for concealer. Plus it’s got SPF30 for daily protection. I follow it with our Plumping Blush Glow-plexion to really boost the complexion, adding a healthy flush of colour a natural flow. It’s 8 hours sleep in a bottle!
One thing on your wish list right now?
 I absolutely LOVE The Swacket (a cross between a sweater and a Jacket) designed by Wiggy Kit. Like you, Tonya, one of my favourite female-founded brands.
 
What is your scent story?
 I have so many! And I love how a scent can transport me back to a moment and how I was feeling. I was always so close to my parents – so I think it would have to be the smell of Old Spice. To this day it reminds me of my wonderful Dad. If I close my eyes, I’m a little girl again with his strong arms around me, so safe and protected, with the biggest sense of love and of being loved. It’s something I felt throughout my whole life when they were alive – and I still feel it today.

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