Many of us have been affected by tragic, sudden death. It shocks you to your core and makes you question everything that is normal in your life.

This was how I felt when I lost my beautiful friend, Cate.

But Cate was, and remains an inspiration to me and without her I would not have my little business.

Let me explain. A few years ago, when I was catching up with Cate, the hot topic of the day was eyebrows. Cate mentioned she'd been following a thread on Reddit about eyebrow disasters and showed me some pretty amusing photos. Now being a self-confessed tomboy, this was the first time I’d even thought to consider my own eyebrows.

And OMG I’d been running around with hideous, almost non-existent eyebrows for 30 years! I had no idea that eyebrows were a thing, that eyebrows really do shape your face and make a big difference. How was I so oblivious? That was the day when my eyebrow obsession started. I tried plucking, shaping and tinting them. But having very sparse brows naturally, the end result was far from what I wanted.

It was during this phase of eyebrow tweaking, that I devastatingly lost my beautiful friend Cate to suicide. It was heart-breaking but I believe I have a lot of Cate living on with me daily.

Eyebrows were still on my mind.  It was then that I discovered eyebrow tattooing (thank you Google). And bingo, this was my answer and also my calling. I spent a lot of time researching the art of cosmetic tattooing and local artists. Eventually I took the plunge and got mine microbladed. It was a daunting decision and I had a million questions running through my head before my appointment.

So, if you are considering cosmetic tattooing and you’re nervous, I get it! I totally do. I’ve been there! But the whole process was surprisingly easy and the end result definitely worth it.

I am so much more at ease with myself now – I have acceptable brows! It was a big game changer. From then on, I knew I was meant to pursue this and turned cosmetic tattooing into a career. I am forever grateful to Cate for unlocking a passion in me I never knew I had. If she hadn't sparked that thought in my head all these years ago, I wouldn't be here now, doing what I love so much, doing what makes me happy - helping other women feel better about themselves, too.

I dedicate this story to my wonderful friend, Cate.