With the jobs not coming, Oluwaseun undertook makeup training, driven by the mantra “the way you look is how you will be addressed.” Today, as CEO of Shimmer ‘N’ Glow Makeover, she has carved a niche in the competitive beauty industry.
By Eberechi Obinagwam
Oluwaseun Ologunja Adegbenro, a Computer Science graduate of Ekiti State University, started a petty business after completing her National Youth Service in 2017 while searching for a job.
With the jobs not coming, Oluwaseun undertook makeup training, driven by the mantra “the way you look is how you will be addressed.” Today, as CEO of Shimmer ‘N’ Glow Makeover, she has carved a niche in the competitive beauty industry.
In the beginning
In 2018, Oluwaseun took a bold step into the makeup industry after struggling to find a paid job. Her motivation was clear: “I am inspired by improving social milieu in our society and the need to invest in our creative looks. I am often driven by the expression, ‘the way you look is how you will be addressed.’ Facial outlook occupies an integral part of our overall outlook.”
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To hone her skills, Oluwaseun registered with Dazzle Beauty Palace in Lagos for three months. Impressed by her progress, she extended her training by another three months. During this time, she built a strong relationship with her boss, who eventually chose her as a Personal Assistant (PA).
“I became her PA to learn the intricacies of the business,” Oluwaseun explained. “Serving as her PA for two years between 2019-2020, helped me develop my brand and skills.” With this valuable experience, Oluwaseun established her own business, ‘Shimmer ‘N’ Glowmakeover, in Lagos.
Oluwaseun said that she continually upgrades her skills through training to stay ahead, as complacency can lead to being left behind, given that beauty industry is constantly evolving.
Sourcing for capital
Oluwaseun said securing capital was not a challenge, as she received financial support from her family and friends.
“Our business is capital intensive and requires modest investing. After my apprenticeship, I realised the importance of investing hugely from the start, which would add more flair and colour to my business. While some will take loans from merchant and commercial banks, I had the support of family and friends. Today, my success and progress have largely justified their investment.”
Penetrating the market
Oluwaseun said it took her a year to penetrate the market. According to her, she came into the beauty industry prepared because she knew what was a stake for her.
“I won’t say I had much challenges because I knew before venturing into the beauty industry that it is an atmosphere more saturated. No room for rocking boats or messing around. You either come in to fail and be set aside, or be ready to break the chains and barriers. I came in handy and I was ready to master my craft well daily. The market is competing and to stay afloat you must be ready to match it with creative ideas. However, it took me a year to break into the market.”
While establishing her brand, Oluwaseun told TheNiche in an interview that she accepted available offers, determined to give her best, even when they undervalued her skills, to gain entry into the industry.
“It had been an underpay for my values worth with so many clients while trying to establish my brand. I remember I had to settle for what I was offered to break into the circle while giving my best. Like in our market, retainer-ship in beauty and makeup is not guaranteed. With skills and extra work, my value chain changed and I have built a circle around my client,” she said.
Breakthrough
The CEO, Shimmer ‘N’ Glowmakeover said her breakthrough was her contract with Believers Loveworld, “I have had engagement with many corporate organizations but Believers Loveworld gave me my first lucrative gigs in 2022. After that, I had a time out with GTBank fashion show, Clothing companies like, Ellismama UK, Flint fashion and Fegiro clothings line. These contracts fueled my confidence to excel and propelled my brand to new heights. I strongly believe that sooner we will add more flair to that.”
Doing business in Nigeria
As a business owner in Nigeria, Oluwaseun said a peculiar challenge is funding, “Here in Nigeria, at first, you will need to handle everything yourself. But as your skills and expertise improve, your business will grow, and more people will join your team.”
Despite these challenges, she emphasised the importance of trust. “Trust is crucial at this stage. It’s essential to build a team you can rely on.”
Japa
Oluwaseun said she cannot leave her business to travel to a place where she is uncertain about the outcome, unless for a better option, “For now, I stick to what I know and what I believe,” she explained. “I believe that if we work together in unity, we can create a better future for our country.”
Oluwaseun is a certified beautician, professional makeup artist, and gele stylist. Her business encompasses make up accessories, wigs sales, face scrubbing and wig revamping.
She has trained numerous individuals who are now thriving in the industry. She employs a team of staff, testament to her success.
Oluwaseun’s achievements demonstrate her unwavering dedication and resilience to a vocation she loves so much.
