Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Debban.
Hi Hannah, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was thirteen, in 2015, I somehow developed a very rare condition called erythromelalgia. It caused my face and ears to essentially burn from the inside out. It was extremely painful and debilitating. I spent months in and out of the hospital, I was unable to go to school, couldn’t play sports, and was homebound because of how severe the pain was. During this time, I was unable to wear makeup or use any products on my skin at all since I was always in so much pain. I had to take cold showers and needed to stay in my room where the temperature was always consistent. Throughout the years I dealt with this, I underwent a painful treatment to try to resolve this condition. Eventually, after many years, I started to see improvements little by little for my health. I started going to college, I got a job, and I even began playing college volleyball. All these things I thought I would never be able to do, though I never lost hope, were coming true. In 2020, after 5 years of dealing with this debilitating condition, I felt like I had my life back, and I was able to experiment a little more with things I wasn’t previously able to do. I became interested in doing makeup, something I had always wanted to do but hadn’t been able to. As soon as I took up doing makeup, I fell in love with it. I practiced every day on myself and friends and family even began to want their makeup done by me. I had a passion for doing makeup and decided it was something I wanted to pursue as a career- which leads me to where I am today. 2022, 20 years old, full-time student, college athlete, and trying to start my own business. I am amazed at where I am at right now considering where I started. It was a long hard journey but I am excited for the future and so grateful for all the support I have received.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say it wasn’t a smooth road, there were times where I thought I would never get to where I am today but I never completely gave up. When my health would get better, then get worse again, I felt like it was never-ending and I would never reach the goals I had in mind. I played volleyball my whole life and when I got sick, I wasn’t able to play anymore. I wasn’t able to go to school, to work, or to even leave my house to see friends. There were several obstacles but I believe the reason I got through it is because I always kept my goals in mind and I leaned on the support given to me by friends and family.
We’ve been impressed with Makeup by Eileen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I offer makeup services, home-based or I am able to travel. I am known for being a perfectionist and detail-oriented. I think what sets me apart from others is my drive to keep going despite what it took to get where I am. Since I am just getting my business started, I want people to know my passion for makeup and how happy it makes me to provide these services for any occasion. Even if the job is big or small, I am happy to do it.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is catching frogs during the summer at my grandmother’s house in Nebraska.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: makeupbyeilleeen
