Sarah Brucker, a professional makeup artist and pillar in the local beauty and fashion scene, passed away in a fire early Thursday morning at her home on Pewaukee Lake. She leaves behind two children, ages 4 and 7.

Brucker opened Blush Beauty Boutique in 2004. Blush became the first retail store to carry boutique-brand personal care products.

"I sensed the beginning of a renaissance taking place Downtown and I wanted to be a part of it," Brucker said in a news release. "At the same time I wanted to create a place where you could put your best face forward. That was Blush."

Brucker stepped down as Blush’s owner in late 2012 and started a new business, Brucker  Beauty. She was also a brand consultant for numerous clients in the Midwest.

Her final tweet is chilling but telling of her commitment to fashion, hard work and success.

Always know where you are going... http://t.co/gzUPuLdHOv — Sarah Brucker (@BruckerBeauty) August 7, 2013

The OnMilwaukee.com staff is deeply saddened by the news and extends their deepest sympathies to her family and friends.

The Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office continue to investigate the fire.