My ultimate aim is to take Nigeria to Hollywood —Adeoye, Make-up artist

What motivated you into make-up artistry?

Oh well, I was coming from a place of heart break and failure. I wasn’t doing well in school and I had just lost my boyfriend then. I had a lot of free time and a truckload of sadness, so I decided to learn makeup so I could get busy and look prettier maybe it’ll make my boyfriend come back. He never did!  As time went on, it became a business viable enough to support me through school.

What does your brand represent?

Breaking boundaries and making women feel and look beautiful while at it.

As an entrepreneur, how have you survived in the commercial space with so many makeup artists coming up regularly?

So far, I can proudly and boldly say above all things that God’s grace found me. One thing I did as an artist is to be different, to stand out. I took classes upon classes to become a better makeup artist. Then I delved into creative makeup which gave me more audience.

What other challenges do you face and how do you overcome them?

As a small business owner, one of the major challenges I face is inadequate funds to buy gadgets and better products among other things like clients not wanting to pay as much and exposure. For funds, I try as much as possible to save a lot. I enter for contests with cash prizes, although I’ve only won just once (in fact I was a runner up). For clients, I try to convince them and make them see that I’m not trying to shake them down; I also let them know they’ll get value for their money. For exposure, I try to work on creating more content (mostly creative makeup) to give me a larger audience. Also, I collaborate with larger brands once in a while too.

You are creating a niche for yourself with your gothic artistic style, how did you discover this path?

I discovered creative makeup a few years ago. I’ve always been fascinated with characters from Hollywood movies and I’ve always wanted to be a part of something that huge. So, the movie, ‘Maleficent’ spurred me to go for it! I saw Angelina Jolie’s look and I became very curious as to how it was achieved then I decided to read all about it. It was after reading it that I discovered there are many uncharted waters in the beauty industry and I realised that going into an already saturated market without any special skill is not how to survive, so I started creative makeup! I got the right push from my best friend, Akinkorede to do more and not relent on my oars. This push is what keeps me going.

• How organised are you? (2)

 How do you deal with clients?

I make sure I’m as polite as possible with clients. I say a lot of ‘yes ma or ma’am’ to my clients. I also apologise when I’m wrong and when I’m not. I try as much as possible to maintain a very good relationship with my clients.

What’s the biggest platform you have worked on and with whom?

So far, the biggest platform I’ve worked on is MLPRO beauty and it was through that platform I got to work on Simi, I.y.a.n.u.o.l.u.w.a, Adekunle Gold, Chef Nike for Falz’ birthday party. I’ve also worked on a few white people.

Are you currently on any movie set?

No, I’m not but I have a project I can’t talk about yet with a brand.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself taking Nigeria to Hollywood by God’s grace.

What’s your advice for youths who still think there’s no way forward in getting employed?

Step out of the traffic, do something new. Your dreams are valid. You can be financially independent and still be responsible.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Oluwasanmi Adeoye, CEO of Feyisoge makeup artistry. I’m the first of six children. I was born on the 8 November in Shomolu, Lagos. I graduated from Agricultural Economics department, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.  I’m a lover of arts and I like to talk. I love good food too.

 If your name is Sanmi, how did Feyisoge get into the picture?

About three years ago, I was advised by my friend to rebrand and change my name to something more encompassing and indigenous. So, I started checking out brand names so I don’t pick already existing names. I came up with about three or four and I was advised to pray about it well afterwards, Feyisoge came to stay. Nobody in my immediate family bears Feyi, not even me.