Designer Insider - Samantha Packham

Samantha Packham is a self-proclaimed product junkie, make artist and owner of Violet Rouge. Her make-up boutique located in south Austin houses six individual stations of exclusive make-up lines, bath and body products and cosmetic bags.

It's the knowledgeable one-on-one assistance to those willing to learn which makes Violet Rogue the place to shop for new product. A quick walk through of each station is worth every minute guaranteeing you will find that new color, application technique or fun gift.

I asked Samantha to answer a few questions before she carefully walked me through the quick makeover.

What's the concept being Violet Rogue?

The concept behind VR was two fold. I could not find the brands I was used to using in London, and being a make up artist, I thought I could create a shop that would offer the Austin woman something different, an alternative to the mall. After loads of research I found all these great line that no one else in Austin carried, it all just felt together.

How long have you been in Austin?

I have been back in Austin for just over a year. I had lived in Austin for four years before I moved to London.

Do you consider yourself a product junkie?

Totally, completely, absolutely yes.

What was the first sign you knew you had different level of appreciation for "products"?

I am not really certain. I have always loved make up. I remember being 6-7 and playing with my mother's lipstick. I have always been a girlie girl. I just love products, they can be cheap or expensive. I am just as tempted in Walgreen's as I am a high end store.

What individual lines do you carry?

Cosmetic: 3 Custom Color, Face Atelier, Besame, Pixi, I nuovi, and Girlactik Bath & Body: Nature Girl, Lucky Chick, Cake, and Perfect Organics Skincare: Nature Girl and Task for Men Other Lines: Cris Notti Bags, The Lip Scrub, Nature Force Blotting Papers, Whish Body Products and A design brushes

What are some of your most popular sellers with the Austin girl?

Face Atelier foundation, The Lip Scrub, A Century in Red lip pallette from 3 Custom Color, Mandarin White Orchid Sugar Scrub from Lucky Chick, Naples Blush from Girlactik

What future in-store events do you have planned?

April 28th is bring in your make up bag day. Woman can come in and I will help them go through their make up bag, decide what needs to be thrown away and what can be added to their bag to help create the look they want.

May 12th I am doing Mommy Make-overs and Margaritias. Bring your mother in, or yourself and I will do their make up and give them a margarita. Just a bit of fun to celebrate mothers. Call for an appointment. And all gifts will be 15% off till Mother's Day.

In June I am hosting a bridal event. It will be Afternoon Tea for the Bride to Be with one dress designer, one stationary shop, a caterer, and a florist. Details will follow.

Enjoy the instructional audio interview with Samantha Packham, owner and Make-up Artist for Violet Rouge as she applies makeup to Melissa Marsh.

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Violet Rouge, 2110 S. Lamar, Austin TX 78704, 512.804.5444 view the map >

designer insider
posted - beth / 6:25 AM / 04.23.07