You can start make-up artistry business with less than N50,000 —Oluwatomi

Fiola Oluwatomi, the CEO ofBeeCee Dynasty, tells Mariam Sowemimo, in this interview, how lucrative makeup business is, as well as how to make a success of the business. 

 

What inspired you to go into make-up business?

The love and passion for beautifying people got me into this business. I love to transform faces and put my creativity into practice. I also wanted to be a successful entrepreneur who wouldn’t want  to hunt for white collar jobs to no avail.

 

What does it take to be a make-up artiste?

First, you have to understand fashion generally and not just make up. You have to be very  creative, versatile, socially active and be aware of new trends. You also have to be familiar with the social media and other channels of fashion. Ultmately, you must have a burning desire to be a  make- up artiste it cannot be forced on someone.

 

How much can a start-up have to start a make -up business?

It depends on the scale at which you want to start with, but no starter can start with less than N50,000 excluding a make -up studio if you want a quality delivery. With this amount, you can get your tools and render home services for clients then set up a studio from the profit you make.

 

Do you think make-up is an all-comer venture or do you need to have specific skills?

No, you don’t need to have specific skills, but you have to be trendy,very creative, and passionate  about make-up and must be able to understand fashion.

 

How long does it take for one to be a professional make-up artist?

Well, it depends on how smart, vast, focused and fast the person is. It took me just a month to be a  professional. My teacher, the CEO of La Vera make up studio in Kastina said I learnt fast because of my passion and my determination.

 

How lucrative is make up business?

In Nigeria, the business itself has no choice than to be lucrative because we Nigerians are party  lovers,there is always a party here and there as the Lagosians call it “owanbe.”

Most of the ladies  would not want to go to parties feeling under dressed even the older ones, everyone wants to look  good and that is to the advantage of we make up artistes, The business therefore is very lucrative.

 

So, how affordable are the make-up tools?

I must say they are quite expensive but durable. You get to use the tools for very long period of  time.

 

What are the challenges you faced on your way to the top in the industry?

My main challenge was getting all my tools at once. And one needs a complete set of  make-up instruments for quality delivery. So I had to always improvise with the little tools I could  acquire while learning. I had to sacrifice my first earnings and invest it back into the business.

 

Rumours have it that most make-up artiste use fake products on their clients and use the  original ones for the selves, how true is that?

That is not true to an extent. I don’t use fake products on my clients b cause; I wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation in the course of being greedy.

 

Why use the word “greedy”?

I used the word “greedy” because those make-up artistes who make use of fake products buy fake products because they are cheap.

If a make -up artiste would collect a reasonable amount of money from the client for a quality  delivery,why not make use of quality products? Why not do a perfect job? Why ruin the reputation of your make up studio?

How do you manage with a lot of competitors in the field?

I just try to be myself and not try to be like someone else. I try to be as unique as possible so as to  stand out. I also render the best service I can to my clients to keep them asking for more.

 

So how long have you been in the business and how has it been?

It’s been five years of hard work and I must say it feels good doing what you love.

 

Is it true that some make up products cause acne, rashes and other skin irritations?

Well, one has to choose wisely when making choices of what products to use.Like I said earlier, the very cheap ones will most likely not give good results. All make up lovers should bear this in  mind “do not sleep with make up on your face”. No matter the product you use, always wash it off  before you go to bed. If you happen to be too tired to wash it off, clean your face with face wipes.

 

How can you quantify your success as a make-up artist?

I have been making a great deal out of it. From this business, I launched a massive studio in Akure  and I’ve been able to invest in fashion designing and sale of men and women’s wears.

 

Can one take make up business as a lifetime career?

Yes of course. Make up is evergreen as far as I am concerned. there is always a need to celebrate  and have parties ,therefore there is always a need for someone who would get faces ready for  parties. I personally plan on taking this business as a lifetime career.

 

Any advice for those who are willing to venture into make up?

I must say you have to be passionate about make-up and not think of the profit alone. If you make the  profit your priority and not put the interest of your clients first, it is really a bad start. Like I said  earlier,l had to sacrifice my first earnings to get my tools. You should also be d termined, this will  help you not back out when faced with any challenge.

Also bear this in mind, do not be in a hurry to set up your own studio, try as much as you can to  finish your training and be perfect so as not to disappoint your future clients. You have to be up and  doing; know how to relate with clients and be accommodative.

I also want the starters to believe  the saying that “hardwork pays off” that is if you don’t relent.