“Style to me is just another way of expressing Myself…” Professional Makeup Artist Minda Says

 Minda Mai-Lafia is a professional Make-up Artist, Entrepreneur and as well a Medical Doctor. In this encounter with Trendy Gist Blog, she opened up on things you need to know about professional make-up; juggling her jobs as a medical doctor and as an entrepreneur, her style, challenges and aspirations.

  

·         Please, Who's Minda Mai-Lafia?

Minda Mai-Lafia is a native of Bassa L.G.A of Plateau State who is a Medical Doctor and also a professional Makeup Artist/Entrepreneur

·         Tell us about your growing up years, where you were born and family life generally?

I was born and brought up in Jos, Plateau State. I am the third child of the family. I have 4 siblings - two brothers and 2 sisters. My growing years was all fun mostly due to the fact that I was a tomboy when I was a kid! (laughs) I miss the good-old-days when my family went on road trips…

Generally, family is all that matters. My family is loving, supportive and understanding. They are always there for me in rough times and good times. I am where I am today mostly due to their love and support

·         You read Medicine & Surgery. What motivated and inspired you to start a career in the Fashion industry as a Professional Make-up artist?

I am not certain what motivated me or how it all started. It was like I woke up one morning and realized I am crazy about makeup. I think my love for makeup started when I was in medical school. I remember some of my classmates complaining that I always had makeup on my face. While some complimented my makeup, the ladies came to meet me to groom their eye brows because they liked the way I did mine. It was not just the girls in my class but those at home as well. Gradually I started helping other girls around me do their makeup. One day it occurred to me that there is something called 'professional makeup artistry' and I thought I should go and learn more about it and how to make another person up the right way. I just wanted to know more and what it was all about. So during one of the Doctors' strikes in the country, I decided to use the opportunity to enroll for makeup training classes just to learn the basics of making up another person other than myself. And over time I built on that knowledge and improved on my skills by reading all I can on makeup, going through articles, write ups and videos about makeup. There is still so much I want to learn. They say "learning never ends". I have developed a passion for makeup that is not going to die anytime soon

  

·         What were the first steps you took?

After I learnt makeup on a pro level, I got some items I heard about for the very first time during my training; like the Mattifier, Primers, Concealer, Brow Filler, Brow Gel, etc. Then I made up my sisters and friends at home. The more people I made up the better I became. People called when they heard about me especially when they wanted me to make them up for an occasion. Not long after this a friend said to me "you have a talent and I can see that you are not taking it serious. Being a Doctor and a Makeup Artist will take you places you never imagined..." I listened to him and here am I today

·         What was your biggest breakthrough?

My biggest breakthrough as an artist happened recently. I used to think I will have to go for another training in the 'crazy' jazzy makeup world where I will learn to create anything on the face. But I imagined a jazzy makeup in my head that involves so many color patterns and drew it on a plain piece of paper. I called one of my models to come for a shoot. Then I created what I drew on that paper on her face. The result was breath taking! I could not believe I did that by myself without anyone showing me how it was done. It made me realize my potentials and opened my mind to so many patterns I could create. I thought I would be the usual bridal and everyday makeup artist until I found something greater than just that and I am all excited about it

  

·         What has been your biggest challenge so far?

At the beginning of my career I was having difficulty fixing single eye lashes as well as contouring and highlighting of faces. But all I had to do was practice and soon it became a lot less challenging. And at this level there is almost nothing I cannot do

·         What do you love most about your job as a professional makeup artist?

I wonder if there could be a moment more lovable than when a bride looks in the mirror with satisfaction that she chose the right makeup artist

·         Talking about the medical profession, how do you juggle it with professional Make-up job?

Oh my! Where do I begin? It is like a herculean task. But, "where there is a will, there is a way". I know which one is the priority any day anytime. And that is being a Medical Doctor. The day I will leave a patient to go makeup up a client does NOT exist. But I am not in the hospital 24/7. I use my spare time for makeup. Someone may say makeup is a hubby for me but it is not. It is equally a profession just like medicine. I try to schedule makeup sessions with clients when I am certain I do not have any engagements in the hospital. I am someone who loves being busy because I easily get bored with everyday routine. So keeping myself busy with makeup and other things when I am not in the hospital is my way of relaxing and catching fun. Besides there are branches of medicine that does not involve being in the hospital everyday and all day. I am venturing into those aspects so I can have time for other things as well

·         Your job must be a tedious and challenging one...how do you stay motivated through difficult times?

Yes it is! I get motivated by a lot especially what I read or see. But through difficult times I find my strength in the Lord because I know He has great plans for me and so far in my life I have realized that hard times are God's way of making me ready for the next big 'picture' just ahead of me

·         What's it like being a medical doctor in Nigeria with dilapidated and outdated facilities and equipments? Has it impacted your life in anyway?

Of course it has impacted my life in several ways. Not just me but everyone who has been to a Nigerian hospital for treatment. Being a Doctor in Nigeria is not funny and it is no fun either. Apart from the strain of being away from your family for days, the hospital environment and equipments are not helpful. There is so much to say concerning the Nigerian medical system

·         What does style mean to you?

Style to me is just another way of expressing myself. It is me telling the world who I am. It is a way of saying how I feel at a particular time depending on my mood.

·         Being in the public eye as a make-up artist, does it put any sort of pressure on your wardrobe?

Yes definitely! Makeup is a big part of the fashion industry so being a makeup artist means you are someone who promotes fashion and you have to look it also. Looking good and having a flawless makeup is one way I sell my brand of makeup. I have noticed that people look at me from head-to-toe whenever I am introduced so I am careful about my outfit, makeup and hairstyle. It is all part of it. Besides "looking good is good business" and it works in my world of makeover

·         Would you mind speaking on your relationship ish? What's your definition of the ideal man?

I keep my relationship life private ‪(smiles)

·         What are your future aspirations?

I don't think it is time to let the cat out of the bag. So keep your fingers crossed

·         Finally, what advice would you give to upcoming make-up artist?

Work hard. Pray hard. Be open minded to new ideas and create your own style. It will make you stand out. Be humble. You are not above anyone. Learn how to take criticism because people will criticize your work. Be nice to your clients and treat them all as VIPs.

·         Finally, without the passion it will all seem worthless.

Share on Google Plus

About TRENDY

Shift from the Memorization of Facts to the Understanding of Principles.