Behind the Mirror: A Journey into Authentic Beauty with Paje Honor
Welcome beautiful soul people! Today, I want to share my motivating origin story, a personal journey in self worth and gratitude —one that will warm your heart and remind you of the power of resilience, vulnerability, and self-belief.
First Steps: From Advertising to Beauty Makeup
My journey began with a twist of fate. Initially studying advertising in Oakville, Ontario Canada, I never imagined it would become a valuable asset in building my future as a beauty artist and entrepreneur. Driven by a passion for special effects and beauty makeup, I set my sights on Toronto, eager to conquer the big city. As soon as I graduated from my advertising program, I signed up for Makeup school and moved to Toronto with my friends.
Trials and Triumphs: Finding Strength in Adversity
Life had different plans for me in Toronto. A few years into my new life in the big city, I found myself trapped in an abusive relationship for almost 4 years. However, the birth of my son changed everything in an instant. In that moment, all that mattered was his health and safety. Swallowing my pride, I made the courageous decision to return to my roots in Niagara. It was there that I found the safety and stability I needed for my child and myself. I gave myself the time I needed to heal and forgive, and slowly but surely I started remembering pieces of myself I thought had been lost forever.
Building Dreams: From Co-Owner to Honor Beauty
In 2008, I took a leap of faith and opened a mobile hair and makeup company with a close friend. Determined to make my mark, I worked tirelessly, all while cleaning houses on the side to sustain myself until I could pursue my artistry full-time. I always had a clear goal and vision of becoming a successful hair and makeup artist, and I did whatever it took to get there. I also had a great deal of support from my mom, who would watch my son while I worked every weekend pursuing my dream career.
Embracing Compassion: Creating a Cruelty-Free Business
While our beauty business was flourishing, and growing each season, I knew deep down that I wanted something more for myself. In 2014, I made the scariest career move of my life—I launched Honor Beauty, a 100% cruelty-free company. It was a decision aligned with my values, and I trusted my intuition that it would fulfill my dreams, and bring even more success and abundance my way.
Building a Legacy: Trusting in Expertise and Energy
As I unveiled Honor Beauty, clients flocked to my brand. I realized that it wasn't just the business name they trusted—it was me. I had become the brand, and it didn't matter what company name I went by. People knew my work, trusted my experience and expertise. Inspired by this realization, I expanded my team, and today, I have a group of 15 amazing hairstylists and makeup artists who freelance for Honor Beauty throughout the year. We serve between 100-200+ weddings annually, and our momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Lessons Learned: Gratitude, Resilience, and Kindness
Looking back on my journey, I'm grateful for every experience, both challenging and rewarding. Each moment has taught me valuable lessons, making me the resilient, brave, passionate, talented, empathetic, and kind person I am today. I cherish everyone who has crossed my path, for they have played a significant role in my transformation.
Inspiration for All: Trust in Yourself and Embrace Kindness
If there's one piece of advice I could offer to anyone facing adversity or struggling to stay afloat, it would be to trust in yourself more than anyone else. Recognize your worthiness of having big dreams and know that you have the capabilities to pursue them. Understand that you have nothing to prove anyone in order to be worthy of love, happiness, and abundance. Show gratitude always, and remember that even the smallest act of kindness can change someone's life.
As I conclude this chapter of Behind the Mirror, I hope my journey has inspired you. It's a tale of perseverance, self-belief, vulnerability, and authenticity—a testament to the power of embracing our unique qualities and trusting in ourselves. Stay tuned for more captivating stories as we continue our journey into authentic beauty together.
With love, and brushes,
Paje Honor