Interview by Gregory Durieu, globetrotter journalist that writes for Destination USA and French Morning.
Translated from French:
Falling in love with the United States on her first trip in 2007, Delphine Breyne
dropped her bags there a decade later. A professional model and an entrepreneur
teeming with ideas, she opened her permanent makeup studio, Delphine Eyebrow
Couture, just over 2 years ago in the heart of the Upper East Side.
How was Delphine Eyebrow Couture born?
As a model for over 25 years, I have always had a soft spot for makeup. Having genetically
very few eyebrows, I became interested in different makeup lines that could then help me. I
tried almost everything without being fully satisfied with the result. When I moved to the United States, I explored microblading, permanent eyebrow makeup, which convinced me right away. I even decided to train myself to make it my job. Since then, I have obtained more than twenty diplomas in three continents and I continue to perfect myself in this method of pigmentation to which I have decided to combine my "French Touch" in order to attract customers from my country of origin.
How does this translate into your work?
I believe in “less is more”, that is to say a makeup that is both discreet and elegant that
allows you to bring out your natural beauty. Today, with the rise of social media and influencers, some want to change their appearance, no longer supporting their reflection in the mirror. Instead, I want to make people who are sensitive to others understand that they are beautiful just the way they are. I often say that imperfection is perfect.
Many of my clients have also gone through chemotherapy for cancer, or they may have alopecia or trichotillomania, which unfortunately lead to hair loss. Therefore, they have very few eyebrows. This is where I come in by offering a tailor-made service. Through my expertise, my sense of listening as well as my technique which give a realistic effect, I help them learn to love themselves as they are and regain their self-confidence.
You launched your business during the pandemic. It must have been challenging.
That's saying something! New York City was empty and we were all anxious to approach someone else within a meter. So imagine doing a microblading treatment with only a few centimeters of distance between our two faces! It was almost inconceivable, and yet I
managed to meet the challenge. I am a perfectionist and passionate about what I do,
so I never gave up. And perseverance ended up paying off since my workshop was a huge
success from the first month of opening.
It was just amazing.
Between you and New York, it is now a long love story. What's special about life here?
There is an incredible energy in this city. New York is truly a land opportunities where anything is possible, but you still have to give yourself the ways to succeed, because nothing comes by itself. You have to knock on every door, know how to dare and innovate to stand out, work hard, but above all be ready to invest everything and go beyond your fears. I am inspired daily by the people I meet and the experiences I have. It's very stimulating. I am extremely happy to what happens to me and I do not intend to stop. I have other projects in progress.
What are your favourite places and activities in town?
I recommend attending a gospel mass, which is a strong and magical moment, and also go see a game or concert at Madison Square Garden. After a day of work, I love relaxing with friends by playing table tennis in a park or having a drink at 230 Fifth It is a rooftop located on Fifth Avenue which offers a beautiful view of the Empire State Building. At dinner time, it is very pleasant to go to Le District, located on the banks of the Hudson River. The atmosphere is friendly and you can also watch a superb sunset.