While holding down a job in private nursing, he reconnected, by chance, with an old schoolmate who was working as a magazine stylist. He soon built up a portfolio with newspaper and magazine articles, backstage stints at fashion shows and bridal work. Word of his light hand, beautiful results and friendly nature spread quickly, and Mr Goh soon made the switch to being a full-time make-up artist.

Learning ground
Mr Goh credits his first job with teaching him the many attributes and qualities essential for his work today. "Nursing taught me to be patient and how to interact with, advise and manage different people and their feelings," he says, adding that even gruelling shiftwork has prepared him for the crack-of-dawn start of some wedding festivities.

Booked by about 35 brides a year, the bulk of his time is now spent around weddings. Says Mr Goh: "I enjoy bridal work because I get to create faces that are fashion-inspired, but still very beautiful."

He once got teary-eyed listening to a new husband's speech to his wife at a solemnisation event. "Luckily, I stayed back to touch up the bride's make-up," he quips.

"At the end of the day, I'm not after thanks or acknowledgement. Just being able to share in their big day is enough," he says.

But editorial work, with its opportunities to push creative boundaries, remains his first love, he says. He has recently decided to devote more time in his studio to teaching those who want to learn more about his craft and passing his know-how on to a new generation of make-up maestros. "I want to teach make-up techniques, and pass on the message that make-up can be used to project a positive image and even transform someone's day," he explains.

Staying positive
It is a full plate, but 16 years on, the passion is still alive. Save for the occasional overseas trip to recharge and re-energise, Mr Goh rarely takes a day off, simply because he loves his job. "People ask me how I have a social life outside work, but my work is my social life," he explains.

"I get to meet and talk to people every day, and I never find that I ever get overwhelmed by my work."

Of course, from demanding clients to uncooperative models and photo shoots that have not gone as planned, there have been challenges along the way. But experience has taught Mr Goh to take it all in his stride. Pointing out that he has mellowed over the years, he says: "It's not worth it to be nasty to people, and I have learnt not to stress out over something I love so much.

"I used to start worrying about a December bride at the beginning of the year," he says. "But when you do that, other brides won't get your full attention. And when the time comes, everything will work itself out. I just had to learn to let go," he notes.

It is a simple mantra that Mr Goh advocates to everyone, especially aspiring artists who want to join the competitive beauty industry. "Believe in yourself and remain positive in whatever you do," he advises. "Sending out negative vibes will only invite more negativity towards you."

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