Encomium
Maryam Odubena is the brain behind Colonie by Maryam Elesho, a make-up outfit. In a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly, she told us where the name Elesho came from and challenges of being a student and entrepreneur.
Where did you get the name Elesho?
My friends gave me the name, Elesho due to my fashion taste. I love accessories, clothes, make-up. Elesho is a Yoruba name for jewelry and every fashion item of good taste.
Tell us about your makeup line?
It’s called Makeup Colonie by Maryam Elesho. We are into makeup for all events, bridal, runway and so on. We sell all varieties of make-up items like Zaron, Flori Roberts, Mac, Sleek, Tara, Orekelewa, Iman, Milani.
How do you cope as a student?
It’s fun being a student and an entrepreneur at the same time, shuffling school and business. I try to manage my time. Most of my clients require my services mostly at weekend. For students, I sort out their requests after lectures.
What has been the challenges?
The competitive list of makeup artists here and there. You can’t really differentiate between professionals and the quacks. Dealing with students could be frustrating some times.
What has been the pains and gains?
(Laughs) It is one venture that requires creativity and no pains, no gains. I call both experience.
Would you say, you have had your big break in the industry?
No. But on my way to the big break, I am getting there soon.
So, what has been the high and low point of your career?
No regret, no low point and high point. Life is short and I’m living it curiously.
What are the dos and don’ts of makeup?
Don’t wear your makeup to bed. Try as much as possible to take all makeup off your face before bed time to avoid it clogging your pores and leading to break out. Makeup is meant to enhance your pretty face. Go for what fits you and suits your skin.
Black pencils as lip liner or eyebrow liner is a big don’t. Don’t share your makeup with anyone just like you can’t share your undies. A good sunscreen is the best face protector for the weather (SPF 50) and take water often. It cleans every part of your system. The outside is a reflection of what you take.
When is makeup excessive?
When you over use makeup items. They are meant to be used in moderation. So little makes so much.
What makeup do people get wrong?
Their eyebrow and powder shade. Most ladies or women are ignorant, they rarely seek the advice of a beautician when choosing the colour of their makeup items to know which colour and shade that will suit their face.
What are the basics of makeup?
A complete makeup purse should have the following items: lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara, brow brush, powder, foundation concealer, if required, blush, bronzer, eye shadow.
How affordable are your services?
We are very affordable.
How is the ASUU strike affecting your business?
It has really affected my business o, 70 percent of my customers are students. You can imagine what that means.
What year did you start your business, and how much did you start with?
2009. I can’t recall, it’s a little money though.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I’m Maryam Odubena, also known as Maryam Elesho. A student of the University of Lagos, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts.
– AJOKE ONITOLO
