Makeup Tutorial

OK so I have been asked over the years whether or not I offer Makeup tutorials. To be honest makeup at first was just something I did on the side whilst studying. I was more than happy to tag along with my sister/mentor and work on various brides and celebrants most especially during the peak summer season. Come September I'd make preparations to return to university and leave all the hard work to my sister to be getting on with. For the record this was a mutual understanding we were both happy with. It never occurred to me in the slightest that I would eventually make a career out of it.

At long last I carried out my first makeup tutorial class with one of my regular clients who was keen to learn the techniques to makeup artistry. I have to be honest I did not think I had it in me to teach others. 'Have faith in yourself' my mother would often say. It's not that I don't have any faith it's more to do with being content and comfortable. I was absolutely fine with what I was doing. My job usually consist with me meeting my clients, have a brief chat about what kind of look they are after, make referrals e.g. photographer's, book and confirm dates, carry out the job, get paid and the rest they say is history. I couldn't ask for anything more or less.

So finally I meet with my client. A meeting I was tempted to cancel due to bad whether and reluctance on my part to leave the comfort of my family house. My father nagged me to leave on time, it was difficult even for him, deep down he sympathised with me. Still he lectured me on the importance of arriving to appointments on time. 'Good reputation matters and cannot be bought in the market' he would often say. If only he knew how tired and exhausted I was, if only he could feel my pain or rather my laziness. It had been a long day for me and I was exhausted. Taking the kids out for lunch earlier that day consumed all my energy.

I arrived at my destination just time. I'm sure dad would be pleased. Luckily for me the weather wasn't that bad after all. I pressed the buzzer. I got no response for the first couple of minutes. In my mind I thought 'yes' I can run back to my dad's house and catch up on my beauty sleep.  I press the buzzer again and behold she answers. I go in to find my client looking radiant and full of life as always. She was in the middle of preparing dinner (ewa agoyin - Nigerian delicacy), and kindly offered me a plate but I had to refuse. I think the amala and egusi soup (Nigerian delicacy) I had eaten with the family weighed me down.

The first thing I noticed was the foundation she used on her face was too dark. She insisted it was she told to buy that particular colour (Matchmaster 9.0) from staff at Mac cosmetics store. In fact she seemed very content to use a foundation darker than her natural skin tone. I suggested she mixed with a lighter shade (Nw45 studio fix liquid). I drilled it in, I had to, it was an obligation on my part. I offered her mineralize powder in a lighter shade (dark) to try on just to prove my point. She noticed the difference almost immediately. So elated she immediately jotted down the names of shades to buy, knowing her, she'll be the first customer at Mac cosmetics the following day.


So we finally get started. She took it upon herself to use her sister as a guinea pig as she correctly put it. It was absolutely fine with me as we needed a third person to work on. My client/student took as many notes as possible for the theory aspect. Within three hours through her eagerness and determination successfully transformed the left side of her sister's face from my example done on the right.

I called my sister/mentor the following day to share the good news. She was rather pleased as well as surprised but more importantly she encouraged to continue and keep up the good work. I guess I'm well on my way to developing my teaching techniques and shall be holding more makeup tutorials in the future.

British Nigeria Law Forum Dinner Gala 2011 in Kesington Holiday Inn Hotel. Above is myself and family lawyer/friend Paul Esheyigba.

It's funny the most accomplished people I know never brag or make noise about who or what they are. I'm fortunate enough to surround myself with such people and hope to follow in their foot steps too :-) Mrs Akinsanya (General Medical Council)

  
Paul you are one of the smartest people I've never known. A diplomat who resolves issues as soon as they arise. It's comes as no surprise why you were appointed Proxy. Regardless of how difficult the situation may seem you apply wisdom, patience, experience and sound knowledge. I absolutely adore you, in my own funny way from a distance that is. I lay out all my anxieties and concerns to you, no matter how trivial they are you listen. You took me under your wing when the chips were down. I am where I am today because you and dad both stood your grounds. Perfect timing too, I would have carried on wallowing in my own world. No matter how big or small we sit round the table we manage and eat to our heart's content. Blessed are the part taker's of this great feast....(song). There is love in sharing I'm sure you'll agree? Through the many ups and down's you have always been there not just for me but the entire family. It's no wonder Dad admire's you and that is A LOT. I think it's because he can relate to your integrity, transparency and more importantly your honesty. In fact we all do, no thanks to Mum I suppose. It's a promise I'll make you proud. I don't think there is enough words to express my profound gratitude. I guess I can only express it through my accomplishments ;-) With the good news you shared I was pleased. It was so coincidental too. I show up unannounced as always to share your joy. I guess it was my turn to be there for you too. 'To be delayed is not to be denied' as Mum would say. Congratulations once again on your new role. This is just the beginning. It's your time and you truly deserve it.

Best wishes profound.

Photography...

I was given the opportunity to meet with one of Nigeria's most high in demand and sort after photographers. Many past and future celebrity weddings, you are certain to find this photographer there. I won't mention his name or put his picture up just yet.

To cut a long story short he stumbled across this profession by sheer chance, luck and more importantly opportunity. He has not looked back ever since he discovered his true calling. I think for those who know him will testify that it's probably the best thing that has never happened to him. His portfolio certainly speaks for itself.  

Gosh, it was an absolute delight that he took the time out of his busy schedule to meet with me. Our meeting literally took place a day before he was due to fly back to Nigeria. He made it very it clear to me a few weeks prior that it wouldn't be possible to meet at the very end of his trip as he had plenty to do. Our schedules clashed and it looked near enough impossible that we would never meet. All the same and for what it's worth I am indebted to him. Not only was it perfect timing but very coincidental too, he knows why. I believe everything happens for a reason. 

I took it upon myself to initiate this photographer into the world of Starbucks. After all, it was at the time the most convenient place to sit and talk in depth. I tried my best at convincing him to appreciate the hype of Starbucks brand as that part of it was clearly confusing to him. I hope his first encounter lived up to his expectations if he had any....lol. I'm sure it'll take a few more trips to the coffee shop to fully sink in.

I even went as far as describing my emotional connection and profound joy I experience whenever I go there. I'm sure he probably thought I was completely bonkers. It's a place I go not only to be alone but to absorb every drop of my favourite caramel hot chocolate with whip cream. I coincide my extra large extra hot drink with my favourite skinny peach and raspberry muffin. I often ban myself from going anywhere near their shops as I over indulge. It's not only delicious but also rich in flavour. If you ask me I'd say it represents quality and is unpretentious. Starbucks is so surreal and my intimate relationship is one of the best experiences that has never happened to me. Every experience differs from the last and every time spent will always be cherished. Anyone who is a fan will surely understand where I'm coming from or maybe not.

Moving along swiftly, I had been procrastinating for the longest time ever about buying a camera. Thank God I managed to discipline myself financially and buy a digital camera prior, else our meeting would have obviously gone in vain. One of the most valuable lesson's learnt is the importance of using natural light and avoiding the usage of the flash. I was keen to learn hence I took as much notes as possible. It was a slight struggle for him to get my undivided attention. I in the mean time felt an obligation to show seriousness through intense note taking. How silly of me not to digitally record our conversation. Hands up, I confess, I cheated the very next day. I used the flash at my client's traditional wedding. I hope he'll forgive me? Naughty? Yes, I'm guilty and feel really bad. I just couldn't help myself. I was under pressure to complete fifth teen ladies head tie and at the same time document my work. I was a little paranoid handing my new Cannon 600D over to a complete stranger to take the shots; but with the help of my intuition in full mode, practical guidance and other professional photographers to take over everything turned out well. 

For the record I just like to mention how awesome this photographer is. He is absolutely amazing and a pleasant delight to be around. Extremely humble and very grounded. I honestly cannot begin to express my gratitude all at once. I'm optimistic my work will eventually speak for itself. Even after his return back to Nigeria, he still took the time to forward me useful links. A pleasant surprise as I'm fully aware he has jobs back to back this month. He actually took these pictures of me during our one to one quick nip it in  the bud tutorial on photography. 

I love photography just as much as I love makeup, the two go hand in hand. I can't wait to develop as well as nurture my new found love (cannon 600d). It cost me an arm and a leg but it's worth every penny. I was really keen to show off my new toy and brag about all the potential accessories I was intent on buying e.g photo shop/extra lens etc. This is where he was firm and stood his ground. In his opinion it is rather unnecessary and in fact a complete waste money, he believes it is better to work with what I have. I will definitely practise in my spare time so I can get better. I want make both me and him proud.  It's not going to be a smooth sail but anything worth pursuing is worth pursuing well. I'm still pinching myself, it's too good to be true. All the same I'm fortunate and I know for certain the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong but by chance they happen to us all. I will try and make the most of the chance I have been given.      

You are an inspiration to me and of course to many others out there I'm sure. Every time I go through your work I get excited all over again. Oh God help me, I come across as an obsessed freak but I am and I'm not afraid to admit it either. When I see photography that tells not only a fantastic story but represents finesse effortlessly I get butterflies. Your lessons and advice will certainly not go in vain. I feel like delving into your pictures to be a part of that story. Your work for me represents excitement, potential and so much more. It comes as no surprise why everyone is buzzing around you. There is indeed so much to look forward to. I can't wait for the future to unravel itself but in the mean time I'll embrace my present.

May the Almighty take you beyond your own imagination. You deserve nothing but the best therefore this my friend is what I wish for you. Look forward to following your progress as well as working with you soon. I hope from time to time also you'll monitor my own progress also. 

Good bye for now and God Bless!!

Last Minute Makeover

Okay so I'm on my way back from a Traditional Wedding that took place in Broxbourne on saturday. I was exhausted and actually looking forward to running back to the safety of my own home. I get a call from my client (lady above) requesting I do a last minute makeover for her. I could not refuse as she is one of my regular clients. What I love about her is she calls me do her makeup simply because she is having dinner or has to attend a work party. More importantly she is very cooperative and sincere which makes my job not only enjoyable but worthwhile. A wife, mother and friend you are truly beautiful inside out. I absolutely adore your divalicious attitude towards life. Keep it up....nothing do you!! 

Woman's Dream

Okay so I mentioned I specialise in makeup and beauty. I could not resist the opportunity to high light personal issues that many of us women and men are faced with. My mother's beloved son Akin Al Ameen is on a mission to touch and inspire men and women around the world. It is therefore an honour to spread his message across. Enjoy...

The dream of every woman is to have a matrimonial home. To live happily together with her man and kids till the end of time. Most men see that as a weakness and take advantage of  her. Most women need just one man to satisfy her many needs. Many men need plenty of women to satisfy his one need. When all the responsible noble men are not available. The available disables treat women with no respect. Real men give... women all her due respect. Most men think they have nothing to loose when breaking apart, but a wise man knows he has a lot to loose. House and home is never the same. It is the presence of a woman that turns any house into a home. Unimaginable is the pain women go through from the wickedness of men. Some men will cheat and still demand for apology.Women endure unimaginable pain to save her home. So many faded dreams. So many broken promises. So many days of crying alone when there's no one to wipe her tears away. Behind the face every single mum is untold stories of betrayal and painful memories. Her heart bleeds from raising kids alone. While the father has moved on with his life. Many men are dead in their kids life while they are still alive. Most men blame the mirror for their dirty face instead of washing their face. If you are not ready to give your best to one woman don't try the rest, because every woman in the world want the best. A wise man remain faithful and dedicated to his wife and does everything to keep his family together, because he knows there are only two ways to regret in life. Those who choose to regret later in life may regret for life. GOD never takes for granted the tears of a woman in pain. Most problems of men were caused by greed. When the result comes he says its the devil or his enemies at work. A player is ruining his future thinking he's enjoying the game. He thinks he will remain the same for life. When old age takes all the abilities away that's when a player knows he's life is damaged beyond repair. A child you avoid when he/she was young may not be there for you when you are old and weak. Akin Al Ameen - my Mother's beloved son.