Last Sunday (26th March 2017), I sent a Power Point slide show with the photos shown below, to the facilitator of the “Cosmetic Makeup and Gele Tying” training workshop being attended by my daughters – with the following message:

Hi Madam,

Photos of (the girls’) Makeup Practice On Each Other – Sun 26th March 2017

Please let’s have your feedback.

Yesterday’s attempts were not so good. They kept fighting each other. But today, went better

They will work on each other’s faces early tomorrow morning, before the class begins – as you have advised on Friday.

Below: Eye brows and eye shadow makeup done by the 8 year old, on her 11 year old sister.

The instructor later noted to me, when we met on Monday, that the 2 girls needed to better draw the brows to include a distinct “arch” and “tail”. They have since gotten much better at doing that – but have been told to do lots more practice at home this weekend.

Below: Eye brows and eye shadow makeup done by the 11 year old, on her 8 year old sister.

Below: Before and After photos of the 8 year old’s eye lids as the 11 year old worked on her

The instructor noted that they had yet to grasp the “blending” of the colours used, as reflected in the distinctly visible line between the 2 colours used.

Today was the 2nd day of “Gele Tying” in the Cosmetic Makeup and Gele Tying Workshop they’ve been attending

They were taught to use  a very challenging multiple pleating technique made popular by the wife of a top Nigerian politician in the South West region of Nigeria.

It was however noted that the ease of reproduction of this style depends on the fabric from which the Gele itself is made – with Aso Oke, being the recommended, and which gives the best look.

In the photo below, my 11 year old daughter has her Gele done that way, using a fabric different from the recommended Aso Oke

Believe me when I say this entire experience has been, for me, MOST enlightening and inspiring.

This business of Cosmetic Makeup and Gele Typing requires application of major creativity and ingenuity by practitioners.

It’s been so exciting watching the instructors demonstrate how to mix colours to create amazing eye shadow effects, for instance.

The trainees also got told how to use various kinds of brushes to achieve different looks in the course of making up a client’s face.

Very little is left to guessing or trial and error – and that’s why it’s a vocation that commands enduring interest and respect!

This makeup business is both a science and an art: That’s why I am certain it’s a viable vocation to venture into – and the long term success reported for many practitioners confirms  it.

What’s more, it has few entry limitations, making it open to anyone willing to do the work required to learn and to create.

Little wonder that the 2 week workshop has on attendance females of virtually all ages (including several older than myself) and backgrounds.

All worked together in what was mostly a cordial atmosphere, to learn from the very helpful instructors, and also to share with one another, what each person knew.

Some had been in the business already and only attended the training to brush up and learn new tricks of the trade.

Others, like my girls, were complete novices – so they got lots of coaching attention from the older ladies, which was pleasing to see.

It goes without saying that I’ve resolved they will be taking the formal 1 month training on offer, from the course facilitator, at her studio. 

Yep. This is the kind of EDUCATION that I consider most valuable as a foundation for success in life.

One can build on it to acquire all other forms as one goes along, but it will provide a valuable means of income earning to do all other stuff, without needed too much help (if at all any) from others.

This Cosmetic Makeup and Gele Tying business is one that can empower ANY female of any age to be her own boss with minimal resources.

It’s VERY scientific  in nature – requiring a willingness to learn how things work and practice till mastery is attained.

You simply cannot cut corners, because your client will always demand value for her money.

So, if the finished makeup you do on her face, or the Gele you tie on her head, fails to meet the standard you promised, your brand will suffer.

She will protest, and most likely tell others, or at least refuse to give you referrals.

None of that will serve your needs. That’s why those who succeed in this business tend to be disciplined and serious minded.

I believe this is why the ladies I observed all through the 2 week period were so serious in their disposition to doing what they were being taught.

They knew it was not a matter of writing some paper exam, but of being able to DEMONSTRATE mastery of the art of makeup – repeatedly, and consistently.

Here’s the best part: You can start out with a budget that is comfortable for you, and scale up as you succeed with client jobs you get.

This is because there will always be clients willing to pay you at your level of competence.

I have been told of locations in Lagos where young girls do Gele tying for only N500.00, and others where the lowest rate you can get the same service is N5,000.00!

Some of the ladies at the training explained that they can do full facial makeup for N2,500.00, because they are not so well established – noting that there are places where the lowest rate you can get the same service is N5,000.00!

All one needs to do is simply start with what one has and gradually work towards serving the market that pays more of what one wants, over time. If you work is good, the clients will hire you. People LOVE to look good!

In essence, the demand is there – Nigeria being a market in which females constantly demand for makeup services in various areas.

Smart ladies attending university would find acquiring this kind of skill useful in resisting peer pressures to fool around with Sugar Daddies to survive on campus etc.

And those ladies not on campus would be equally empowered to resist attempts by men or any other persons to control or manipulate them. This kind of business will make any female an empowered, independent woman in her own right!

That’s what I want my girls to become.

What about you?