Permanent make-up artist appears on Rich House, Poor House

Katy Jobbins, 35, has built her reputation as a permanent make-up artist in South Chailey, near Lewes, earning her awards and a happy family life with husband Paul Bate and their three children.

She runs the Permanent Makeup Training Academy, which trains others how to safely perform the cosmetic surgery.

She has a clinic in Harley Street in London, and the tattoo work is often used by cancer patients for facial reconstruction as well as those who seek a cosmetic change.

After being approached by the producers of Channel 5’s Rich House, Poor House, she decided to leave her wealthy lifestyle behind for a few days and switch roles with a young single mum called Nadine who is struggling to make ends meet.

Katy spoke to The Argus about the programme and how it proved to be a chance to explore her emotions about her own background while passing on her tips for success.

She said: “I had so much fun and had such a connection with Nadine. We are both creative and have similar family backgrounds.

“We have kept in touch and have been calling each other every day in lockdown.”

She said it showed her how tough life can be – and even proved useful practice for the current lockdown.

But it also has given her the chance to help someone and pass on some wisdom to Nadine, who she has empathy with.

Katy said: “It has made me grateful for even the smallest things.

“During the programme I couldn’t really get out of the house.

“Things you take for granted like being able to drive to Brighton with the children to get an ice cream, but for her there was absolutely no spare money.

“There are lots of things you can do to mentally drag yourself out of negative situations.

“I think that was part of my reason for doing the show, with people who have a similar background to me. You can create a new life for yourself.”

The producers first approached her more than a year ago and she said it has been a long time getting ready for the week of filming.

Researchers delved into her company’s finances and then the long days filming for up to 14 hours also took their toll.

She said film crews would spend as much as 70 hours of time filming for the one-hour programme.

But while the show will be broadcast this week, it hasn’t exactly been a return to normal for her or for husband Paul, a marketing expert.

The lockdown has seen income streams for the business dry up and the courses she was teaching to students have been postponed.

“It has been tricky,” she said. “I am a very positive person and nothing compares to what frontline workers are going through at the moment.

“I support the message that people need to stay at home so that we can get rid of this virus.

“Meanwhile I help where I can. Our courses for tattooing used to use a lot of gloves, masks and aprons, but when this started I donated as much as I could get hold of to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.”

Katy reveals her background in the show and describes how she switched from being an artist into taking on a business as a make-up artist.

She said it took one rotten day when everything felt like it was going wrong to tempt her to give her business venture a chance and since then she has not looked back.

Katy has scooped up business awards in Sussex, including for being a mentor to other women setting up their own enterprises.

At one awards ceremony she was presented with a trophy by Oscar-winning actress Rachel Fielding.

Katy said: “That was amazing, especially because it was recognising the work I do to help other women in business.”

Now she hopes her story can continue to inspire others.

Rich House, Poor House is to be aired on Channel 5 on Sunday at 9pm.