Never undermine your potentials... —Aminu Funke

Aminu Funke Christine, a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, is the Creative Director of Diva Extraordinaire. The make-up artist, in this interview speaks on how she has been coping with competition in the industry among sundry issues. Excerpts:

WHEN did it dawn on you that you wanted a career in beauty?
Well, for me, my career in beauty was destined to be. As a kid, my mum used to inspire me with her flawless red lips and the fact that she always dressed gorgeously. I have always looked up to her, hence it wasn’t  surprising when I began to follow her footsteps. Professionally, it began when I went to a seminar organised by Forever Living Products. I became one of the brand ambassadors and attended the beauty seminar (Sonya cosmetics) in 2008.

Who and what inspired you to be a make-up artist?
Ummm...Who inspired me? Everyone around me, my mum and friends. Like I said, I’d always fancied make-up artistry ever since the days Aliyah  fell in love with her make-up.Well, I decided to go into it fully because I had a passion for it. I just love make-up!

Tell us about your first job as a make-up artist?
My first job as a make-up artist was for a video shoot in 2009 for my friend “Emerald” titled I Don High featuring Brace and Adol. It was a huge experience for me. Really tiring and fun also.

What was the best advice you got from another make-up artist when you started?
The best advice I got from a make-up artist was via TV. One of my mentors; Jay Manuel said “Never undermine your potential...always follow your passion”. That struck me and I decided to go fully into make-up artistry.

What do you like most about your job?
Being a make-up artist exposes us to different things, but what I love about my job is the fact that we meet different clients and it gives us opportunity to show and express the talent which God has given us.

Which sources do you use for inspiration for shoots?
Most times, when resting, I get inspirations. I picture them in my head before drawing and jotting them down, sometimes I get inspirations from the model’s face before shooting and other times, from fashion shows.

Which make-up artist do you look up to and why?
Wow! This is a huge question because there are lots of great make-up artists out there. Bobbi Brown is one of my favourites, his make-up artistry skill is one of a kind. Also, Suzy Gerstein is one of my favourites because she has been amazing. HD skills, Jay Manuel has extraordinary skills in contouring and highlighting, Avant garde make-up amongst others. Banke Meshida-Lawal is also one of my mentors because she delivers bridal make-up exquisitely.

Your portfolio ranges from bridal make-up to beauty and editorial. Which is your favourite and why?
I would definitely prefer editorial make-up because it makes you express yourself and your advanced make-up skills show the depth of your work.

There are a million and one make-up artists out there, don’t you sometimes feel threatened?
Competition is necessary in any business, the fact that there are millions of competitors out there is a plus. I believe in the saying: “Your work will speak for you” it always has been till date and will continue to be.

Where do you see your business in 10 years?
10 years is a long of time from now. I see my business at the peak, to have my own show aired on TV and also to have trained thousands of people and to have keyed my brand name not only in the shores of Nigeria.

Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring make-up artists?
Be different, be unique and never let anything stand in the way of your dreams.