What if a simple brush could transform not just faces, but futures? In this talk, Preethi Munoth — founder of Palette Affair — shares how makeup became more than beauty for her; it became reinvention. From being an insecure young woman to a corporate employee, from a restricted daughter-in-law to building her own studio, brand, and academy — she transformed from employee to employer, from follower to leader. Along the way, she touched 7,000 brides, trained hundreds of women, built an ecosystem, and even set a Guinness World Record. Her story is a call to every woman to claim her own power, rewrite her own rules, and ask: What is your brush — and when will you pick it up?” Preethi Munoth is the Founder of Palette Affair, a leading makeup academy and artistry brand in Chennai. With over 5000 weddings to her credit, she has become one of the most sought-after bridal and editorial makeup artists in India. A passionate educator, Preethi has mentored hundreds of aspiring artists through her acclaimed masterclasses, helping them turn creativity into thriving careers. A creative visionary, she collaborates with designers, photographers, and brands to bring stories alive through makeup. Her work has been recognized with multiple industry awards, celebrating both her artistry and entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey reflects passion, reinvention, and purpose empowering women to embrace their individuality and step into their power with grace. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 18:244 strategies to balance professionalism & authenticity | Steven Stumph | TEDxFPTUniversityHCMCThrough his personal story during an international work trip, Steven Stumph revealed the fear and inner conflict of having to conceal his true identity to ensure safety. He illustrated how queer professionals often “code-switch” - altering language, behavior, even appearance to survive in workplaces where authenticity could cost one’s career or freedom. Steven outlined four common strategies: selective concealment, identity separation, communication and appearance shifts, and prioritizing work over self. His message is: to go all the way in a global career requires more than skill; it calls for a fairer world and organizations that truly listen, empathize, and create space for authenticity. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Steven Stumph is a former collegiate athlete at the University of Southern California. Steven has a passion for traveling, taking him to all 50 U.S. states and over 126 countries.His time as an admission counselor and recruitment manager at USC has taken him to over 20 countries to speak and learn from people of varying backgrounds. Over the past three years, Steven has worked on his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California.With over a decade of experience in academic innovation, DEI, and gerontology, Steven uses storytelling, scholarship, and grand narratives to challenge how we define professionalism, identity, and belonging. As a queer higher ed leader and advocate for older adults, especially in the LGBTQ+ community, he amplifies the narratives of professionals navigating visibility, and those that must conceal their authentic identities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:03Οι ζωές των άλλων | Μανόλης Θεοδωράκης | TEDxUniversityofCreteΠόσες όψεις μπορεί να έχει ένας άνθρωπος; Στην ομιλία του, ο Μανόλης Θεοδωράκης μας ταξιδεύει από την προσωπική του πορεία και τις καλλιτεχνικές του αναζητήσεις, μέχρι τις πιο κρυφές πλευρές της ταυτότητας και του προσανατολισμού. Με θάρρος και ειλικρίνεια, μιλά για την αποδοχή, την ελευθερία και την ανάγκη εκπαίδευσης σε μια κοινωνία που συχνά φοβάται το διαφορετικό. O Μανόλης Θεοδωράκης σπούδασε υποκριτική στην Ανωτέρα Δραματική Σχολή «Ίασμος» του Βασίλη Διαμαντόπουλου και τζαζ χορό στο «Jacob’s Pillow» στην Βοστώνη με υποτροφία. Έχει συμμετάσχει σε πολλές θεατρικές/musical παραστάσεις καθώς επίσης και σε παραστάσεις σύγχρονου χορού. Κατά τη διάρκεια της καριέρας του έχει συνεργαστεί με καταξιωμένους σκηνοθέτες και χορογράφους.«Το τροπικό πουλί» είναι ένας μουσικός θεατρικός μονόλογος που έγραψε, σκηνοθέτησε και ερμήνευσε ο ίδιος. Επιπλέον, έχει επιμεληθεί την κινησιολογία και τις χορογραφίες σε θεατρικές παραστάσεις, ενώ ασχολείται και με την κατασκευή θεατρικών κοστουμιών και την τέχνη του make-up.Τα τελευταία χρόνια επίσης, δραστηριοποιείται επαγγελματικά και με το Drag Performance, κάνοντας shows σε μουσικές και θεατρικές σκηνές μέσα από την drag περσόνα του, Mary Sunshine. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
