October is Teacher’s Month, which celebrates the dedicated educators who make a difference by imparting knowledge that empowers people to grow and work. In this Q&A, a different kind of educator talks about their perspective on working in the grown-up world of make-up. Cuan Kemp, National Marketing & Social Media Manager, Head of Make-up and International Educator at Kryolan SA, shares insights from the inside about spreading the message for an international make-up brand in the Rainbow Nation.
What motivates you in your current responsibilities?
“My passion for the brand ensures that I am motivated to represent it properly, and in the manner it deserves. I am part of a huge global family, all with one common goal of representing our brand in a professional and creative way.
“When educating people is part of what you do, passion is infectious. We learn the most from people who engage us with great storytelling, piquing our interest and making us want to hear more. That is what makes a great teacher.”
If you were sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it’s been for you in your current position, what would you say you achieved?
“I’d have managed to completely change my lifestyle by relocating to another city where it almost feels like an entirely new life, with new opportunities, new adventures and new clients to meet!!
What changes or developments are taking place in your department?
“As the Marketing Manager, this function will now be fulfilled remotely from Cape Town, allowing space for another employee to grow into an assistant position, further creating an opening in the retail sector for more employees to join the Kryolan SA family.
“South Africa is full of people who have a desire to learn and better their lives. I hope that what we do can contribute to helping ambitious, driven young people everywhere in the country. That is the long-term goal in my role as an educator.”
What inspires you about working at Kryolan SA?
“Kryolan affords me the freedom to be creative and to further my skills and experience. They celebrate individuality and self-expression, allowing me to be unapologetically myself in all ways. We’re like a real little family.”
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
“Super speed – like The Flash – because I could get so much more done if I was able to work faster. Just think of all the books I could read.”
Where do you see yourself five years from now – in business and personally?
“Being a Brand and Area Manager for the Western Cape region, married with a white picket fence and a kid.”
What is something that no one knows about you?
“I am incredibly passionate about children and animals and am often left heartbroken because of things I hear or see. My godchildren and my furbabies are my absolute everything.”
When you are not the right-hand man at Kryolan, who is Cuan Kemp?
“I am a quiet homebody who enjoys doing nails (I’m a qualified nail technician), reading a good Dean Koontz book and watching Netflix. I’m a big family guy who places great emphasis on the family you have been given as well as the family you choose.”
“Princess Diana said, ‘Family is the most important thing in the world,’ and I truly believe that – whether it’s the family you were born with or the new family you meet.”
For the makeup wearers: If we opened your make-up bag what would be the one Kryolan must-have product?
“How’s this for an impossible question?! If I had to choose only one, it would have to be the Digital Complexion Fluid Foundation and the Dramatic Volume Mascara (I know that’s two but choosing one is just too difficult).”
At the top of your “bucket list” is…
“To travel, experience all the natural wonders out there in the world, the diverse cultures and unique foods.”
