I never planned to be a makeup artist

By Vivian Nnadi

Adesuwa Isaac is a makeup artist. Her brand Suwastouch, established in 2019, is one good example of obtaining skills acquisition instead of perpetually waiting for a white-collar job. Though she gave up during the training countless times, her encouragement by good neighbours has really paid off. Today, she has also turned out to be an entrepreneur, training other people in the business of makeup.

In this interview, she revealed how she got into the industry, early challenges, and about the industry generally.

What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

The truth is that, I never planned to be a makeup artist. God wanted me to be a makeup artist. This might sound very funny but I didn’t learn from anyone. I did a two- week government empowerment training in 2019 and I gave up on it countless times, but my neighbours at the time were on my neck to keep practising. Since then I have been in the industry.

How did you get started in the industry?

Getting into the makeup industry was very hard. Trying to gain clients without knowing how to do makeup properly was difficult. However, I did makeup on myself one time during the skill acquisition programme and someone commended it and advised me that I could make a lot of money if I do it for others. That was just it. I started practising on my friends. It wasn’t easy and with the fact that I had no support system. I had to teach in a school to be able to get money to buy makeup products. At that time, my salary was only N7,000. I also encountered another tragedy during that period. My house got burnt in December 2021 with all of my makeup products and light in it. I had to start all over again. Thank God. The skill is paying bills now.

What type of makeup do you specialise in?

I specialise in bridal glam, casual glam, mobile photoshoot, and owambe.

Can you describe your approach to working with clients?

Over the years, I’ve learnt that when working with clients, it requires lots of patience and I tend to make my clients feel very comfortable. I make sure to always assure them that they would definitely love my job at the end of the session.

How do you determine a client’s skin tone and undertone?

My returning clients are very easy to work with because we understand each other- their don’ts and dos for their glam. I tend to be extra patient with new clients so I would be able to get to know what type of look they love. Sometimes I ask them to send a picture of the makeup from another makeup artist that they love so I would know what they want their makeup to look like. This has really paid of.

How do you handle clients with sensitive skin or allergies?

It’s been very easy for me because before the makeup session, I tend to ask a lot of questions so I would know what to apply and what not to apply.

How do you stay current with industry trends and developments?

Industry trends would put one in debt sincerely. I tell my students to focus on what works for them and that’s what I do as well. And it works.

⁠How do you determine an expired makeup item?

I’ve never gotten an expired makeup item. I shop my products myself and I buy directly from the company.

How long can one carry her makeup?

I advise clients never to sleep with their makeup on. However, my clients always testify that they wear their makeups till the day is dark, and even some have the makeup on for their night club parties till dawn.

Personally, what is your makeup style?

I’m a very simple person. I hate to be very loud and my signature is just that- simple, classy and stunning looks is what I offer.

What qualification does it require to be a qualified makeup artist?

There’s no qualification to be a qualified makeup artist. It’s a good portfolio and training that can help one succeed.

So far, how many people have you trained?

I actually have trained so many students in the past years, and most of them are very good makeup artists. That’s their main job and I’m very proud of each one of them. I feel like being able to be this good in this craft is a gift and I’ve promised myself that I’ll teach as many people as I can.

How lucrative is the business?

The makeup business can be quite lucrative depending on factors like your skills, marketing, and the location.