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A model whose face was scarred by a car accident has created cosmetics to boost “natural beauty” and won clients including Yasmin Le Bon and Whitney Houston.
Eryca Freemantle was 22 and had been signed up for fashion shoots when she was hit by a car at a Brixton petrol station. She was left scarred on the right side of her face and she lost her hair through post-traumatic stress.
“My life changed in that split second,” she said.
“I had to pull myself together and say, OK, so you won't be a model but you know all about beauty so put it to good use'.” Wanting to learn how to camouflage facial blemishes, she enrolled at the Complexion School of Make-Up in Holborn, taking a teaching course before landing a job at the London College of Fashion.
Now 45, a mother of one and based in Beckenham, she has been teaching make-up artistry for more than 20 years. She has her own school, Face The Facts, where classes include techniques for disguising disfigurement.
She has worked for fashion magazines, on films and music videos and at leading catwalk shows and offers private classes at the London College of Fashion. Clients also include Mica Paris and Seal, who has extensive facial scarring from the illness lupus.
This week she launches her cosmetics — the Global Collection — for different complexions.
Reader views (11)
Eryca, I am very proud and honoured to have watched your journey throughout the years. As we know, the true test of a person is not in their moments of comfort but in their times of challenge and controversy. You have definitely shown courage, strength and most of all FAITH along the way. Keep on 'keeping on'!
Congratulations on your achievements.
- Sculpture, London, UK, 27/08/2009 09:27
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First and foremost I would like to say thank you everyone, for your kind and encouraging comments. It has been a very hard journey, no complaints. Its been very tedious, no complaints. Its my life's dream, to be where I am today. Please help spread the word.
Thank you all so very much.
Eryca Freemantle UK
- Eryca Freemantle, London UK, 26/08/2009 12:15
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Eryca is beyond doubt an amazing woman, her story is remarkable and goes to show how much of a strong and inspirational person she truly is. It is a great pleasure working for her.
- Jay Marie Photography, London, 25/08/2009 12:28
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Eryca really is an inspriation, she has taken life by the horns and turned what could have been the end of her into her biggest asset and stregnth...keep up all the great work x
- Jo, London uk, 25/08/2009 10:42
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A truly inspiring story by a strong black woman, having read this article i hope that people will support her to achieve her dream of giving something back to her community and others around the world. i am very proud of her and her acheivements.
- Sola Oyebade, London UK, 25/08/2009 00:28
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Ms Freemantle is the epitome of a modern day woman. Tenacious, driven and very successful.
Her story is not only of pain and loss but also of strength, survival and character.
If more women learned to turn the other cheek to bad experiences and moved on to thrive and learn from those bad experiences, then this world would be a better place for young girls like me.
Ms Freemantle, you are a real inspiration, thank you.
- Lerato, Johannesburg, South Africa, 24/08/2009 15:10
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Eryca has been a valued customer of mine for years now
But I did not know her background!
I am even more impressed having read this story.
Her drive and enthusiasm is second to none,
may she be an inspiration for all
- Errol Gee, South London, 24/08/2009 14:18
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Brave girl: yet again an inspiration for the rest of us - it would be great if This Is London would make a site for linking these stories: they inspire children to see what they can achieve in the face of apparent disaster and see what true heroes look like compared to vacuous reality TV 'stars'.
- Roz, France, 24/08/2009 14:18
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A truly inspiring woman who has demonstrated her strength of character by channeling her energy into not only making a success of herself despite her experience, but also in helping other woman (and men) to enhance their own individual qualities and boost their confidence. I look forward to seeing more of Eryca in the very near future.
- Jade, London, 24/08/2009 13:36
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Eryca is undoubtedly a fantastic woman - beautiful and extremely focused. Her story is inspiring!
- Samata Angel, London, 24/08/2009 13:32
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Eryca Freemantle is an absolute asset to the industry in regards to her experience and sheer focus in regards to ensuring that Women of all skin tone can achieve the very best in make up.
Her personal experience experienc of living with facial scars gives confidence to Women internationally who have previously found it so difficult to find make up products and methods to cover scarring.
Long may she continue to give hope as well as beauty.
- Avis, London UK, 24/08/2009 12:49
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