You are here:HomeStyle Plaza My main focus is on revealing my clients' flawlessness - Bisi Dada-Essien, founder Crystal-Eyez
My main focus is on revealing my clients' flawlessness - Bisi Dada-Essien, founder Crystal-Eyez
Written by femi Olubosi
Sunday, 26 October 2008
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Bisi Dada Essien
Bisi Dada-Essien holds a Masters degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. But instead of a drawing board, she's armed with a makeup kit, and she means business. Bisi is the Founder and President of Crystal-Eyez, an outfit that provides professional makeup services. Like all busy people, Bisi is hard to corner for an interview. She was kind enough squeeze time off her busy schedule to grant MyNaijaNews a short interview, online. Enjoy... Why did you choose makeup artistry as a profession? When did it all start?
I’m a creative person, which also explains why I’m an architect. I like to draw, sketch, paint, design Web sites and graphics, etc. In the same manner, makeup is something I have always loved to play with. Looking back now, I realize I’ve always done that. I have memories and pictures of friends I gave makeovers to. Back then, I never had any thought of being a makeup artist…it was all just in the name of fun.
It wasn’t until all the Facebook activities started and people began to leave comments on my pictures, such as, ‘when are you starting your makeup business?’, ‘I need to come to you for makeup lessons’, ‘you should pursue makeup professionally,’ that I started considering it seriously. So with family and friends as motivators and with inspiration from some successful Nigerian makeup artists such as Banke Meshida-Lawal, I was able to take the big step and invest in formal makeup education. I enrolled at the London Eyes International Academy of Makeup and received my certificate in December 2007 and started my own business, “Crystal-Eyez Makeup Artistry” in January 2008.
My first makeup job came sooner than I expected. It was soon after I started Crystal-Eyez and it was for a promo shoot for a fashion designer in Chicago called Meekis. I was nervous, but I relaxed as soon as I got on set. Everyone on the team (stylist, photographer, model, et.al) was pretty cool. I had a blast at the shoot and of course my work rocked! The designer loved my work and booked me as the makeup artist for his fashion show, which was coming up two weeks after the shoot. That was the Meekis 2008 Collection. It was great!
What is your daily routine as a makeup artist?
On the day of the job, I check to make sure that I have all my products and tools in the right places and ready for use. I confirm all my contacts, pull up my directions and I arrive on set a few minutes early to get acquainted with the team and to set up my station. Applying the makeup can take anywhere from about 10 minutes to an hour or so depending on whether the model is male or female, the kind of look that is required, etc. The rest of the time after that is spent waiting while the shoot goes on, and then touching up the makeup when needed or changing the look between shoots. A typical day on set could last between four to eight hours. It’s a different scenario when the makeup is for an event though. When I get home at the end of the day, I clean all my brushes, re-arrange all my products, and make sure they are in the right places and ready to go for the next job.
How are your services different from that of other makeup artists?
As my slogan says (Your Flawlessness Revealed!), my main focus is on revealing my clients' flawlessness. Everyone is beautiful and I like to enhance their beauty as opposed to trying to create it. I want my clients to look in the mirror and think ‘wow, I’ve never looked this flawless and beautiful before,’ rather than, ‘this is beautiful but this ain’t me!’ In addition, I try to bring more creativity into my business, so my service list keeps growing. I just recently added some interesting services one of which is my makeup parties, which can be viewed on my Web site. Most importantly, my services are very professional, reliable and of high quality. Most of my clients are from referrals from previous clients, and that says a lot. I believe it is because I don’t approach this as a job, but as a passion.
You're based in the US? Does work bring you home to Nigeria?
Yes I’m based in Chicago. Because I just started the business this year, work has not brought me to Nigeria yet. Actually, quite a few people have contacted me and wanted to book me for their wedding events in Nigeria over this Christmas break, but unfortunately, I will not be able to make it home to Nigeria this Christmas. I hope there will be opportunities to come home to do some work next year though.
Do you think makeup artistry in Nigeria is anywhere near international standards?
I think makeup artistry in Nigeria is actually pretty impressive, thanks to some of the leading makeup artists there. However for the most part, makeup in Nigeria is pretty much limited to bridal, commercial, and fashion. Because of its limitations, I cannot make an overall statement that makeup artistry in Nigeria has met international standards especially when it comes to artistic/creative or theatrical and special effects makeup. However, I think it is safe to conclude that this is because there is not much need for that, based on the Nigerian fashion and movie industry at the moment.
What's your client list like?
At this time, majority of my clients are model portfolio shoots for fashion, commercial and glamour models. Recently, my bridal client list has grown steadily, which is great because that is my main target. Some of my clients have also been magazines such as the Model Expressionz Magazine.
What is the most exciting or challenging opportunity you have had as a makeup artist?
Every opportunity has been pretty exciting. The most challenging ones are usually fashion shows, because it is always pretty chaotic backstage. Trying to work on so many models in a short timeframe with limited space and monitoring my tools and products so that they don’t get mixed up with those of other artists or turn out missing is pretty challenging, but also very exciting!
What is your advice to aspiring makeup artists?
Stay focused, remain driven, network with people in the industry and educate yourself on fashion and what is hot. Stay up-to-date with new styles and techniques, continue to practice, do your research and consider enrolling in a makeup school. Go for it!
1. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 08:18 - Guest
Good luck
Hello babes, congrats once more for coming this far. I wish u success in this business venture and I pray for God's directions. keep up the good work and remember I am proud of you and behind you >100%.
2. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 11:17 - Guest
Kepp it up
Bisi, We are all proud of what you are doing. Keep up the good work!!!!
3. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 15:51 - Guest
YEY BISI!
We are so so proud of you girl! May God continue to Bless You!
4. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 17:29 - Guest
Yayyy!!!
One step closer to fabulocity!!! Sooo happy for ya babes. I knew I was destined to be blessed with successful friends :)
5. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 18:35 - Guest
Yayyy!!!
Much much congrats, Bisi!! You're definitely doing it big.
6. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 20:01 - Guest
Keep up the good work!!
Great job Bisi!!! i've always loved your dedication to your work; especially how much you put into perfection. Great things ahead!
7. Written by
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on 26-10-2008 23:35 - Guest
Keep up the good work!!
Congrats...your work is awesome. My prayer for your continued success!
8. Written by osa on 27-10-2008 00:03 - Guest
Keep up the good work!!
congrats bisi doing a good job
9. Written by Helen Omobola Adesanya on 27-10-2008 04:51 - Guest
Keep up the good work!!
congrats gal...keep doing your thing.
10. Written by Shola Johnson on 27-10-2008 15:21 - Guest
You are a true artiste!
So proud of you Bisi and your work is amazing!! With God by your side the sky is the limit and i can tell you are already skimming that surface!
11. Written by Julia Mitchell on 27-10-2008 19:47 - Guest
Co-Worker
Yes.. your work is an inspiration to others looking to enter the Make-up Artistry world. Continue to learn and grow in your craft and be on the the look out of my invoice......
12. Written by Tutu on 28-10-2008 00:38 - Guest
So proud of you
you know i dont even have to say it... but ur work is awesome... pray God continues to crown ur effort with success... u definately goin places fast... we thank God... much luv
13. Written by Damis Akinosho on 28-10-2008 15:09 - Guest
going places!
Great interview, I enjoyed reading this and love your work!! You r definitely going places...Sam Fine had better watch out!Cheers
14. Written by
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on 28-10-2008 20:35 - Guest
going places!
I am a proud to have said tht Bisi has done my makeup and I would suggest n recommend her to anyone i know lookin to get flawless...nice interview n I look foward to your company growing!
15. Written by Shannon Dilworth on 28-10-2008 21:03 - Guest
congratulations girl!
I'm very happy for you! Keep up the good work, and let me know when you are having your next party.
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