Sandra Mullen Freelance Makeup Artist

How do you even explain a weekend like that? 😂💃🍓🍆

I honestly thought the first Canella Nights back in March couldn’t be beaten. It was one of the best nights I’d ever been at. But somehow Cork managed to top it.

There were outfit changes, giant strawberries and aubergines, Zumba, birthday celebrations, dancing until our feet were sore, and pizza in the early hours because we’d absolutely worn ourselves out. 🤣🍕

But what I love most about these events is that it’s not just the madness. In between all the fun, there were really honest conversations and women sharing real life. The highs, the struggles, the laughs… it’s just such a lovely mix.

It’s mad to think all of that happened in just a few hours.

I’m absolutely shattered today 😴, but every bit of energy was worth it.

Roll on the next one. ❤️

Didn’t win an award.

But I did quite like the outfit.

Dress: COS
Bag: Anxious Preoccupied
Shoes: ZARA
Earrings: Emily Jean Atelier
Photo Edel O'Malley Photography

A really lovely morning with my beautiful bride, Roseanne. 💕

It was a pleasure to be part of your special day and to work alongside such a talented team.

Always a joy working with Melissa Mannion Photography Lisa McHugh Monocle&Co. and Caroline | Galway Wedding Florist

Wishing Roseanne and her new husband a lifetime of happiness together. 🤍

About last night…

Entering an award is not for the faint-hearted.

The application process is intense. It asks you to dig deep, reflect on your journey, acknowledge your achievements, and back yourself in a way that can feel quite uncomfortable at times.

And if we’re being honest, you enter with hope. You sit in the room as the awards are announced, your category comes up, your heart starts thumping, and for a moment you wonder, could it be me?

So yes, when your name isn’t called, there is disappointment. That’s only human.

But as I drove home last night, what I felt most was gratitude.

Gratitude for what Network Ireland Galway has brought into my life over the past 18 months. The friendships, the connections, the opportunities, the encouragement, the confidence, the laughter, the sea swims, the clients, and the people who have championed me along the way.

Because when I really think about it, that’s winning too.

Of course it’s wonderful to receive an accolade, but winning isn’t something that only happens on a stage. Winning can be found in the everyday. It’s found in the supportive text message, the new friendship, the opportunity that arrives unexpectedly, the person who believes in you before you fully believe in yourself.

That’s the energy I’m choosing to focus on today.

Congratulations to all of the incredible winners. Your success is so well deserved.

And thank you to Sharon Kelly , Jennifer Flaherty Michelle Murphy Niamh Bent Julie Julesrulesirl and everyone involved in creating such an outstanding evening. The care, effort, and dedication behind the scenes never go unnoticed.

Network Galway isn’t just about growing businesses. It’s about growing ourselves.

For that, I will always be grateful. ❤️

Awards Ceremony Underway Network Ireland Galway

A little behind-the-scenes from today at .9

Sitting down with and chatting about my journey reminded me of something I’ve always known, but don’t often stop to think about. So many of the decisions I’ve made over the years were made without knowing where they would lead. I didn’t have a grand plan. I just kept taking the next step that felt right.

Looking back now, all of those small decisions, chances taken, doors opened, and even the difficult moments have slowly built the picture of the life I have today.

In a way that will make perfect sense to anyone who knows me, as I drove into the studio this morning there was a huge rainbow stretched across the sky. 🌈

I’ve always taken those little moments as reminders that we’re being guided, even when we can’t see the full road ahead.

It was a lovely experience and, if I’m honest, a bit of a grown-up moment to be asked to sit down and share my story.

I hope you’ll enjoy listening.

📻 The interview will be broadcast on Sunday 28th June at 9am on .9

❤️

A little hello from me.

I’ve had quite a few new faces join me here over the last year, so I thought it might be a good time to properly introduce myself.

I’m Sandra Mullen. Makeup artist, celebrant, mum of three, sea swimmer, and someone who firmly believes it’s never too late to begin a new chapter.

Turning 50 last year felt less like a milestone and more like a fresh start. The grey hairs arrived too, but thankfully so did a little more wisdom.

My children are grown, my confidence is growing, and I’m finally giving myself permission to follow the paths that genuinely light me up.

Last year brought some lovely milestones. I joined Network Ireland Galway, received a Highly Commended award in the Creative Professional category, and finished the year by standing in front of more than 100 people to deliver a 15 minute speech without a script.

For someone who spent years doubting herself, that felt pretty significant.

This year has brought even more excitement. I’m honoured to be a finalist in two categories at the upcoming Network Ireland awards: Creative Professional and Networker of the Year.

These days I’m combining two careers that I absolutely love.

As a makeup artist, I get to help women feel like the very best version of themselves. As a celebrant, I have the privilege of helping people mark some of life’s most meaningful moments.

Tomorrow I’m heading off to chat with on the Loughrea Community Radio Business Show about both of those journeys, which feels like the perfect moment to pause and say thank you.

Thank you to every bride, every client, every family, every recommendation, every message, and every person who has supported me along the way.

Whether you’ve been here for years or you’ve only just found my page, I’m delighted you’re here.

Here’s to new chapters, whatever age they arrive. ❤️

Sandra x

Yesterday was a very special morning with beautiful bride Eimear 🤍

I’ve had the pleasure of doing both Eimear and Mary’s makeup over the years for so many special occasions, so being asked to be part of a wedding day always feels that little bit more meaningful.

I had no doubt the morning would run like clockwork. Every detail was thought of, right down to a dedicated makeup room, which was a makeup artist’s dream ✨

Thank you both for trusting me with such an important part of the day. It was a privilege to be there and share in the excitement 🥂💄

Tricia ✨

Just Dreamy 🤍