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[ Interview with Debra ]

Dfined: So Debra tell us a little bit about yourself.

Debra: Well, where do I start? The real name is actually Debra Maye, it’s too long to say so I just go by Debra. Growing up I always thought Debra was such an “old lady” name for a pre schooler, so I grew up being called Debbie. It wasn’t until Junior High when I started to play Volleyball that I decided to have everyone call me by Debra. Speaking of volleyball, it is one of my few passions in life. I have been playing Volleyball for 8 years, 6 of which I was competing in school divisions and after graduation I have only been involved recreationally. It wasn’t until last June that I discovered a Co-Ed city league here in my City and I have been competitively involved ever since! Enough about Volleyball though, my other passions are singing and as most will come to find out shortly, Beauty & Make up. I currently work full time in an independent senior’s facility as a Front Desk Supervisor, which I think is a pretty awesome job description and achievement at the age of 20 and I’m loving it!

Dfined: How long have you been doing makeup?

Debra: I guess I could start out by saying that I started wearing and experimenting with make up when I was in Grade 8 (I was about 13-14 years old). I always considered myself to be girly girl up until I got involved in sports. I have always been self taught and before high school all I ever owned was some lip gloss and black eye liner! Upon reaching High School I signed up for a 3 year Cosmetology course and would basically have me eligible for careers as a hair stylist, esthetician or makeup artist. My main goal throughout high school was obtaining a license to be a hair stylist and sure enough straight out of high school I was hired as an apprentice in a hair salon which I then quit after a year because I simply lost interest. During Cosmetology I have taken up various modules of beauty and it was only then that I learned all about makeup which has now completely taken over my interest to do hair. Learning all the basics in makeup has definitely been an advantage for me and I have come such a long way from lip gloss and eye liner!

Dfined: What inspired you to do your makeup?

Debra: It has always been my love for cosmetics that has made me experiment all these years. I always wanted to learn more and more just to be good at it for myself. I love having to get dolled up after all, what girl doesn’t? With my background knowledge in hair and makeup, close friends have requested me to do their hair for special occasions and makeup as well. January of 2007 was my first bridal make up experience. My boyfriend’s cousin had requested me to do her make up knowing that I was not licensed or a known professional. I really appreciate her giving me this chance to experience this and I ended up being surprised at myself at the work I was capable of! Ever since then, I wanted to expand this new found talent and possibly go somewhere with this. My Makeup collection was minuscule even in 2007 if I compare it to my collection now! This was one thing that I can learn all on my own and I have always enjoyed working on other people.

Dfined: What kinda makeup do you prefer and why?

Debra: When it comes to make up I’m not that picky. I started out using very affordable drug store products and went from there, budget allowing of course. Lately I have fallen into the clutches of higher end brands but I’m always looking for reviews on products that have great quality. My make up collection consists of both drug store and high end cosmetics specifically MAC. I have always been one to budget myself but after this whole YouTube craze started in August for me, I admit spending a little over my budget the first few months! Now I have all these great quality products and my viewers also appreciate my thoughts on them.

Dfined: So I heard you worked with Makeup by RENREN, how did that go?

Debra: Wow! What a complete inspiration she is to me. You could imagine just how shocked and ecstatic I was when RenRen (One of the first Gurus on YouTube that I started watching) messaged me back in December and asked if I wanted to collaborate with her for a New Years look. That of course, didn’t happen in good time as the holidays are always hectic so we decided to move it to February for Valentine’s Day. She has been such an inspiration to me and I felt so honored to do this with her. With her number of viewers, RenRen even mentioning my name had given me a blast of viewers and subscribers as well! So thank you so much RenRen!

Dfined: Are you excited for the new Hello Kitty line from MAC?

Debra: Wow! I sure am! Ever since I was a little girl I have always been very fond of “Sanrio”. When I found out that MAC was coming out with a massive Hello Kitty collection I was so excited!! The launch in my city will be Friday, Febuary 6, 2009 and you know where I’ll be heading straight after work to kick off my weekend!

Dfined: Viewing your YouTube I see you also sing, how did that started?

Debra: One thing I have to mention before I answer this is that if it weren’t for YouTube and my very loyal & supportive viewers I would never have to courage and confidence to post singing videos regularly. Singing has always been a part of my life, and I have my church to thank for that. My parents were both in choir when I was born and I would always be taken to their practices. I remember when I was 4 I was so eager to sing every time we went to church. Being Filipino, I have always had the karaoke machine available with eager family friends wanting me to sing haha! I joined my church choir when I was 10 years old and that’s when I really learned how to sing.

Dfined: Is there any inspirational artist you might have?

Debra: There are definitely a few artists that have always been inspirational to me. I grew up with pop music and back then my favorites were the Spice Girls & Backstreet Boys. Up until now I still love them! However when it comes to being inspired I have been such a fan of Celine Dion, Mariah Carey & Whitney Houston. Their vocal ranges are simply amazing and more of what I consider my singing style to be.

Dfined: What kinda music do you sing and why?

Debra: Like I mentioned above, I consider myself to be more of a ballad singer than anything else because of my singing in choir which I enjoy very much. I still sing in my church choir to this day and I sing as an ALTO. I love being able to blend my voice with other voices. When it comes to performances I usually sing songs with a high vocal range!

Dfined: Have you made any performances lately??

Debra: The last time I actually “performed” was during my cousin’s wedding last June. I sang “I Believe in You & Me” by Whitney Houston. What a beautiful song! I usually sing at wedding receptions and special celebrations. Before that, I also sang at my boyfriend’s cousin’s wedding when we were vacationing in the Philippines. It was a duet with my dad, who has also been such an inspiration to me. I like to say that I take after him when it comes to singing!

Dfined: Did you have to sing at your family parties?

Debra: Oh, the magic of Magic Sing Karaoke. Family friends would make anyone sing if there is a karaoke machine available. Of course I always fell into their trap but I always had fun with it! You guys should try karaoke some time!

Dfined: What is the most memorable thing that has happened to you?

Debra: Most memorable thing? Nothing extravagant most would consider memorable, but it’s more of an achievement for me. Let’s see, back in high school I was nominated for a Volleyball scholarship because of my high marks in school and my leadership qualities being captain of my senior girl’s volleyball team. Another memorable thing in my life was when I went to the Philippines in 2006. I had people take photo’s with me and ask for my autograph because they thought I was Jasmine Trias haha I just went along with it though, but most importantly the experience I had in my home country is like nothing else. Seeing how hard day to day life is there has definitely make me more appreciative of everything I have in Canada. Definitely a life changing experience.

Dfined: Now how about the most embarrassing moment ?

Debra: Alright. This actually just happened a few days ago haha. I am a coffee drinker, every morning I have my mug of coffee and I drink this throughout my morning when Im in my office. I have NO idea why this happened, but my boss and another colleague just happened to be standing behind my chair, both on either side of me.. and I SOMEHOW choke on my own saliva (ew, right?) and I ended up spitting my coffee EVERYWHERE! All over my desk, my computer screen, newspapers, my phone! I couldn’t stop coughing! I was SO embarrassed, and lucky they were more concerned than anything just making sure I could breath and all, but the aftermath? Yikes. Haha Let’s just say I’m extra careful in drinking my coffee now.

Dfined: If you can be a gummy bear what color would you be and why?

Debra: That’s the first time I ever been asked this question haha well my favorite color is purple, and everyone who knows me as well as my subscribers would already know that. I’m accessorized with purple things on my desk at work, and I just love it! I would definitely be a purple gummy bear because of my obsession with the color, and I’ve heard that when people see purple they think of me!

Dfined: What goals do you have in the future singing & makeup?

Debra: Right now, I am very focused on my current career full time. Singing, Make up and making videos are things I do on the side. I really like how things are balanced right now. I originally was going to focus on a hair styling career but after a year in the industry I decided hair wasn’t for me. Singing and doing makeup is more of a hobby to me and I really enjoy it. I’ve been receiving offers because of my exposure from YouTube but who knows? I’ll take everything as a blessing as it comes =]

Dfined: Would you ever make a video for dfined?

Debra: Honestly, I think it’s so cool that I was asked to be featured on this website! I would definitely consider it!

Dfined: Do you have a myspace/facebook/website ?

Debra: I do indeed! I am currently working on a website, so I’ll keep it hush for now =] I love meeting new people and you can contact me mainly through my email: msdebramaye.youtube@gmail.com. I prefer knowing who I’m adding first, if you want to be friends just send your email to me and I’ll add you on mine!

Dfined: How did you hear about Dfined.org ?

Debra: Thank you to Jerry of Dfind.org who has given me the opportunity to be featured on this website. Before Jerry messaged me, I honestly have never heard of the website before.

Dfined: What do you think of Dfined.org ?

Debra: I love the design, concept and everything about this website is so modern! I like how it’s a website that displays more than one topic, great for anyone who views the site!

Dfined: Any last thank yous or shout outs ?

Debra: Definitely. My amazing family and friends for their love and support. My wonderful fiancé who loves me unconditionally and supports absolutely everything I get myself into. God for blessing me with my talent and the wonderful people in my life. Thank you again to Jerry from dfined.org for featuring me on this website! My amazing fans and viewers you guys are so amazing! Thank you for all your positive comments and your support. You are all my inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing with a passion. If it weren’t for the other fabulous makeup gurus and singers on YouTube, I would have never been inspired to even start my own. So I owe it all to them for giving me that extra push , I was able to do something for myself and I’m having so much fun with this! YouTube has definitely given me the exposure to many different people and opportunities. Thank you also to everyone at www.chill-out-tv.com!! Gosh, I am just so overwhelmed and so thankful for everything! Even to those who are reading this right now, if you have just heard of me now, thank you for finding me interesting enough to get to the bottom of this interview!

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[ youtube videos of msdebramaye ]