Engineer drops certificate for make-up business in Kaduna

Tell us about yourself and your educational background?My name is Modupe Adeshola Adegbite. I was born in Kastina State. I am a graduate of Chemical Engineering from Lagos State University. I attended Iganmode Grammar School Otta in Ogun State for my secondary education. You are an engineer by training but you don’t work as an […]

Tell us about yourself and your educational background?
My name is Modupe Adeshola Adegbite. I was born in Kastina State. I am a graduate of Chemical Engineering from Lagos State University. I attended Iganmode Grammar School Otta in Ogun State for my secondary education.

You are an engineer by training but you don’t work as an engineer?
No, I am not working with my certificate as an engineer. I am currently a makeup artist in Kaduna and my business name is Deglorias Makeup.

Why make-up after spending years in school or did you also go to the university to study make-up?
I chose to work as a makeup artist because I have great passion for makeup, coupled with the fact that my mother had lived abroad for years and she is a fashionable woman. I also chose this line of work due to lack of funds and support from my parents who didn’t support me being an engineer.

Where did you acquire make-up skills?
I acquired the skill from a friend who learnt from Unveil in Lagos State. I met her in a wedding as a makeup artist and she was very good

Where do you operate your personal business?
I operate my personal business at Barnawa in Kaduna. I acquired the skill precisely in 2009 but started professionally in 2012.

How has it been so far, do you think it pays better than a white-collar job?
It has been a wonderful journey so far, I thank God Almighty for His support. One thing I must not forget to say is that this work really pays more than a white collar job because it’s my own thing and I handle it my own way and in a style I feel is unique to me. Also it is interesting and financially rewarding. Now, apart from being a makeup artist, I am also into training of students.

With how much did you start the business?
I actually started my business professionally with the money I was paid for makeup for a music video in Kaduna. With the money I was paid by Igoweth Music, I got a shop and started operating. The basic equipment I started with include a good set of brush, colours of foundation and powder among others. It’s just basically a starter makeup kit.

How much were you paid for that particular job?
I was paid about N100,000 to do the work. The money gave me a good start.

Who are your customers?
My customers are mainly the working class and business class members of the society.

Is the business capital intensive and is it seasonal?
It is a bit capital intensive to acquire the skill but setting up depends on how good you are in make-up because how good you are will determine the tools you use to do the work. Well on whether it is seasonal, I will say it depends on the artist’s area of focus.

How much does a starter need to delve into your kind of business and does it require any form of creativity?
A starter needs at least N150, 000 to start this business. He or she also needs passion; imaginative creativity and knowledge of combining colours. The basic knowledge of fine arts helps too.

Do you need knowledge of colours and how to mix to do well in the business?
Makeup art has its own steps depending on the event and occasions but truly having knowledge of colour mixture will give an artist the leverage.

Apart from make-up, what other things do you do as a make-up artist?
There are different kinds of makeup including runway makeup, bridal makeup and basic makeup among others. Apart from makeup, I tie all kinds of headgear, eye lash extension and training for students.

What is the price range of the services you render to your clients?
The price range depends on the class of my client but basically starts from N20, 000.

What have you achieved through this business?
One very important achievement I have had is how to maintain good inter-personal relationship with my clients. I have also been self-dependent since I started the business, I can help other people and also employ others to work me.

What has been your driving force?
My driving force is my passion for the business and joy I get from my clients after service rendered

What are the challenges you face in doing your business?
I mostly face challenges with brides because they have too much expectation of you. There is also the challenge of pricing as some people are not willing to pay high to get what is good.

What is your desire for the business?
I intend by God’s grace to have my own line of makeup range and have several branches all over the country and the world at large. I want to be known as a famous make-up artist in Nigeria and overseas.

Would you accept the offer of a white collar job if you got one today?
No, I don’t think so, I am very passionate about what I am doing and I think I love and I am comfortable with what I am doing.

How many people work for you?
I have just one employee working with me now but I train students who go to establish themselves after their training.

What do you think the Federal Government can do to create more employment for the teeming unemployed?
The rate of unemployment in Nigeria is indeed alarming. The Federal Government can create a more conducive atmosphere that is financially and materially friendly for youths who have a focus on establishing their own businesses. Youths should be encouraged right from school to become entrepreneurs to help themselves and others so as not to become a burden to their families and society.

What is your advice to unemployed graduates who are hell-bent on white collar job?
My advice for youths is that they should explore their God given potentials and never despise the days of little beginning. It’s a thing of pride to be self-employed because you have time for other things you want to do. You will even have time to further your education if you choose to.