MisyKona.com is a popular and informative beauty blog run by Makeup artist Yemisi Dada. We had a chat with her to discuss her passion for the makeup artistry industry in Nigeria, as well as get pointers on how to succeed in the business.
1) Tell us about the brand N’SURE Beauty, when did you start? and what inspired you?
N’sure Beauty is a beauty studio that has evolved into a training and consultation services provider for upcoming Makeup artists. We also run a beauty blog called MisyKona , we also currently have two branches in Lagos and Abuja. N’sure beauty started officially as a business in 2007 and I was inspired by my husband to run it full time.
2) What has been the hardest part launching your Makeup business?
The hardest part was when we decided to start our product line -Beauty Essentials by Essential (B.E.N) which as the name suggests caters to the essential beauty needs of beauty lovers. It was and still is a difficult milestone to achieve with production being our main issue as we are hell bent on producing locally.
3) Where do you see the Makeup industry in the next five years?
The makeup and beauty industry in Nigeria will experience an unprecedented boom and will be likely able to match up with other countries that boast of multi billion dollars makeup industries, there are already several international brands making their way into the African market. We are gradually coming of age , there is a wide acceptance of the trade as a serious profession as against the perception of no-do-goods plying the trade .The reality is women are
becoming more sophisticated and open to exploring avenues that can boost their confidence .
4) What are some of the challenges for the Nigerian Makeup Artist?
The challenges in the makeup industry are numerous, I will just mention a few, there’s the generic problem of where to buy Original products, this is indeed a big issue as fake products can actually harm you. There’s also another challenge of regulation, the industry lacks proper regulation which has serious adverse effects. There are also safety concerns for makeup artist when they visit clients at their homes.
5) What Look do most clients request for?
Most of my clients love Red lips and Smokey eyes
6) Who are your Role Models within and outside the Country?
My role model in Nigeria is Linda Ikeji because she has developed a niche for herself in a sector that many would have thought irrelevant (blogging) and she is done very well for herself , outside Nigeria my Role model is Oprah, she’s a tenacious lady .
7) What is the most important Element of a Makeup Application?
The most important element of makeup is the skin. There’s a lot that goes into prepping the
skin, applying the foundation and powdering to give the needed effect. It must be natural/
flawless and not overly caked up.
8) What are some of your favorite makeup products?
My favorite make up products are MAC mineralize skin Finish Powder, BlackUp Foundations,
MAC Eyebrow Pencils, Sonia Kashuk Primer and Highlighter.
9) What kind of makeup Look would you like to see more of?
I love to see a well blended Skin finish that is when the foundation and powdering isn’t too
much. I don’t particularly like when I see eyebrows that are highlighted with concealers that are
4 or 5 shades lighter and not properly blended in.
10) What Beauty secrets can you share with our readers?
My beauty secret is simple. Always drink a lot of water and eat plenty of fruit
11) What advice would you give someone thinking of been a Makeup Artist?
My advice to someone who wants to start make up artistry business is to be sure you are
passionate, get the right skill and network with the right people.