By Teresa Aligbe

Jennifer Imevbore, lawyer turned Makeup Artist and former apprentince of Bibiyonce in just under a year of opening her flagship Studio in the upscale area of GRA Ikeja, has gone on to work with an impressive list of Movie Stars and Crooners including; Kiki Omeili, Tinsel’s Ashionye Raccah and Omawumi.

Sitting down with the budding Celebrity Makeup Artist and head MUA at Rise and Glam Beauty, we find out just who Jennifer Imevbore is, how she got her start, and the road to her journeys as a Celebrity Makeup Artist.

How did you get your start as a Makeup Artist?
Drawing is my gift, I’ve always loved to draw, and I like to say I’m self-taught only in this regard. I never went to a drawing school or anything like that, and it was only a matter of time before I graduated to colours and then took an interest in makeup , and I love the instant confidence makeup brings to whomever I come in contact with; It’s honestly so satisfying.

Do you have any professional Makeup Training?

Yeah, I do. I’ve trained with a couple of Makeup Artists including Bebe of Bibyonce, Doranne of Doranne Beauty, Anita of Anita Brows and Jane of Flawless faces by Jane.

What was your first big break?
The first big break I would say was in 2018 after I did Kiki Omeili and Omawunmi’s Makeup for events they had separately.

What’s the most challenging part of working in the Nigerian environment?
The most challenging part of working in the Nigerian environment would have to be building my client base, and I feel like this is very relatable because most people tend to stick to their og.

Can describe the Worst experience you’ve ever had with a Client?
My worst experience so far would have to be a client who insisted I used her foundation which I do not advise. Didn’t turn out well, she blamed me of course but I reminded her of my advice and then she claimed she had a ‘tan’. It still is my worst experience.

What’s one rookie mistake you used to make at the beginning of your career that you’ll never make again?

One rookie mistake I used to make and would never make again is underpricing myself.

Was the journey to becoming a celebrity MUA a deliberate or accidental one?

It was deliberate because I deliberately worked my way up there.

What’s the one rule with regards to managing customers in the Nigerian environment no MUA should break?
One rule no Nigerian MUA should break is Ensure excellent customer service!!! People NEVER EVER forget how they were.

What’s your take on the future of the Nigerian and African Makeup Industry?
We’ve evolved a lot, and I have to give it to everyone who’s contributed to this industry one way or another. We are on the verge of totally quenching the hunger for buying foreign brands. I mean, we make pretty awesome products in Nigerian now – we’re almost there.

If you had to give one piece of advice to rising MUAs what would it be?
If this is truly your place, you’d never give up until you settle in.