My name is Steph! Having suffered with anxiety for as long as I can remember, I have always found makeup to be my happy place. In 2020, during the dreaded lockdown, I was furloughed from work, so I decided to start my YouTube channel - notyourbasicsteph. From there I discovered this amazing community that I felt a strong connection with, and that gave me a sense of belonging.
Then in October of 2020, while getting ready for bed, I suddenly felt an intense pain in my chest. After various tests and scans it was concluded that I had Costochondritis. My whole world was turned upside down literally overnight! I went from working full time, being fiercely independent, and having a fun social life, to needing help to do even some of the most basic of things. Fast forward a few months, the pain was not only continuing, but had also got worse. So after further tests and investigations, I was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).
From that moment on, makeup was the one thing I felt I could do for myself, and that made me feel like I was contributing something of value. So it felt like a logical and natural progression to take my love and passion for makeup and share that with others by creating my own cosmetics brand.
I decided to name my brand after two very special fur babies who, both in their own ways, saved me and filled my heart with love - Poppy and Mr Fluff.
I am so excited to share this journey with all of you beauties!
