How I handle my careers as beautician and musician —AnnJay

What does life as a musician mean to you?

Life as a musician and beauty entrepreneur has been quite challenging, I must say. So far, I have produced a lot of songs and still doing more. I’m not going to quit music, I’ll keep it flowing because of the passion I have for it. My fans will hear me soon. I always find a way to strike a balance between my two worlds which is music and business.

What is your typical day like?

My typical day starts from home, then to my office where I hold different business meetings. Sometimes, I wish for more than 24 hours in a day. It should be extended to like 30 hours or more (laughs).

What inspires you?

God and myself. My hard work inspires me a lot. Looking back to where I was coming from inspires me to forge ahead and never be a failure.

I like beauty products too and I can spend my last kobo on it. As a teenager back then, if I wanted to buy any beauty product and my money was not complete, I would go into installment agreements with them, after payment they’d hand over what I paid for to me. I use quality expensive beauty products on myself and that’s why we sell good products.

What are some of the challenges you have faced on the job?

So far, it’s been good and challenging but I thank God for everything. These days, music or modeling can’t pay all the bills. That’s one of the major reasons I do other businesses on the side.

On the business aspect, my major challenge is bad roads, because we do more high demand supplies across the 36 states of Nigeria. Then, dollar exchange rates, custom duties are big issues I feel the government must look into.

Tell us about your career. What was the turning point for you?

My music career has been a slow but steady journey. I’m not done with music yet but I’m taking my time to do things right. I’m not in a rush to release unpleasant songs. My fans should expect more good music from me, so I’m yet to experience that needed turning point. For my business, my turning point would be when my Abuja outlet was opened for business.

I derive maximum satisfaction from  providing quality products for all fashion lovers home and abroad. That’s why I decided to extend my brands and services to our Abuja fans. We are growing daily, so most definitely, the need for more branches would arise. So, we are looking at Port- Harcourt, Asaba and the likes.

 What lessons have you learnt on the job?

Dishonesty and pride don’t pay. I can’t deal with anyone that portrays any bit of these attitudes. Even the Bible says, pride goes before a fall.

• Anyone after money, fame should not sing gospel music —George

Tell us a bit about your fashion products.

The latest Annjay product is Cura sunglasses. It is the best of its kind. Cura was launched into the Nigerian market a few weeks ago. I have been a business woman for quite some time. The truth is that journalism prepared me for everything I am today. At a point, I could no longer combine both because my hands were full, I stopped working as a journalist and ventured into full business. Many people recognise me as a journalist in the industry. My passion for journalism is still intact,  if you ask me.

 Are you proud to be an entertainer?

I’m proud to be a Nigerian but more proud to be a Nigerian entertainer. We are going global; from Beyonce featuring our artistes in her album to other countless international collaboration. Burna Boy just got a Grammy awards nomination. We are getting there. I love the vibe. It is very impressive.

What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the entertainment sector?

It is so sad that majority of Nigerians love weak songs, but with good beats. They don’t care what the musician is singing, as long as it is a danceable beat. So, if you’re doing good songs, Nigerians wouldn’t look your way, unless you join the trend to sing unpleasant and morally deficient lyrics. However, we need more evergreen songs like that of Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, Onyeka Onwenu and the likes.

What is your definition of style? How would you assess Nigerian designers?

Although I haven’t worked with any Nigerian designer before, that doesn’t mean we are not going to work together in the future. I like Lanre Da Silva, Zizi Cardow and Mai Atafo. I have international designers whose clothes, shoes, bags and perfume I wear, though I haven’t met them personally before.

What are your most cherished wardrobe items?

My favourites are high heels, jeans trousers, wristwatches and sunglasses. I like skinny dresses, skinny jeans pants and sneakers, shorts and shirts. I always want to look very smart and simple despite being on the slim side.

 How do you relax?

I drink water every morning, eat a lot of fruits to keep my skin radiant and beautiful. I exercise regularly to keep fit. I also love listening to cool music and reading motivational books.

Who are your role models?

For simplicity and humility, I like Shan George and Kate Henshaw a lot. I also love the boldness of Tonto Dikeh. They are not my role models but I just admire them.