Bimpe Onakoya @ 50 – THISDAY Style

The Make-Up Impressiario!

When talking about the Nigerian Makeup Industry, one name that invariably comes to the forefront is Bimpe Onakoya. With over two decades of experience, she has not only carved a niche for herself but has also become synonymous with excellence and innovation. Her journey began over 20 years ago, and she has consistently remained in high demand. As a testament to her prowess, she served as the Artistic Director of Maybelline New York Nigeria, a position that speaks volumes about her skill and influence in the industry. Her portfolio boasts an impressive array of work spanning television, print, editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, bridal beauty, fashion shows, and events. Whether creating striking looks for magazine covers or transforming faces for high-profile events, Bimpe’s artistry knows no bounds.

Her contributions extend beyond the confines of Nigeria, as she has also made waves internationally. Bimpe has keyed major shows both in Nigeria and at New York Fashion Week, showcasing her talent on a global stage and cementing her status as a powerhouse in the makeup world. Recently, she turned 50, and we caught up with her. The conversation was centred on her first love – makeup, how far the industry has gone from when she started and her plans for the future.

Happy birthday, Bimpe. Turning 50 is a significant milestone. What are your reflections on reaching this point in your life and career?

I am so grateful to God. You know, I have always worked behind the scenes. I have always been a creator. Making people look good on their special days. Initially, I didn’t want to celebrate, but my friends and family insisted, saying it was time to celebrate myself – to be the Queen. Instead of my usual role of getting queens ready. And it’s been a beautiful experience so far. I’m going to celebrate with a few friends and family; I’m a quiet person, so even now that I’ve decided to celebrate, I still want to do it quietly in my own way.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my career journey and initial goals. I will say today I’m a complete woman, complete because I have my children and my family, and I have a career that I’m very proud of from when I started to being the Creative Director of a Global beauty brand to working with some of the world’s biggest models and designers. Career-wise, I’m complete, and family-wise, I’m complete. I will say I’m in a good place, and it’s just the beginning for me.

Your journey in the beauty industry spans well over two decades. I still very much remember the Bayo Hastrup days. What initially drew you to the world of makeup artistry?

It all started when my best friend went on a vacation to Paris and came back with different makeup palettes. We went to work painting our faces!!! She also came with different magazines, ebony, vogues, etc.; it was such a beautiful moment to discover all the black beauties, Nia Long, Halle Berry, Toni Braxton!! I looked at their faces and makeup, which ignited a fire within me. I felt they were so beautiful, and I had a burning desire to recreate those looks; even now, that fire is still burning!! I want people to look their best ever but in a classy way. I wanted to make Nigerian women look that beautiful too. And I believe I have done that. 

So, what has it been like so far? How have you seen the beauty and makeup industry evolve over the years, and where do you see it heading?

I’m so glad to be part of the past and present of the Nigerian makeup industry because sometimes, as a pioneer, you need to evolve. 

It’s been over twenty years for me, and I tell you, Nigeria has changed so much in that time. I still remember when scrambling to buy makeup products, waiting for someone to travel to come back with products, or even people only liking a specific type of makeup. But over the years, so much has evolved – there are so many people I have even trained and worked with. When we first started, there weren’t so many of us. Just myself and other pioneers within the industry, and we helped evolve and create this industry. Nowadays, most women can’t go out without makeup; back then, it was only for celebrities and photoshoots. Not many brides were concerned with having professional makeup on their big day. 

A lot of things have changed, and I’m so happy to be part of it! From the type of fashion shows we did then to now, everybody wants a makeup artist. Even the international exposures that I’ve had. Having to do Naomi Campbell’s makeup and traveling around with her. Yes, a lot has changed. A lot of young people are creating their own brands. I am also working on my brand. I’ve been working on it for years, but I will speak about it when the time comes. 

The biggest when it comes to makeup Africa was South Africa, but Nigeria is taking over. I see more expansion. I also see more international brands coming to Nigeria. It’s going to keep getting bigger. 

You’ve had the experience of working both locally in Nigeria and internationally. I remember your New York Fashion Week days. How does the makeup industry differ across these environments?

When I did New York Fashion Week, the Nigerian makeup industry was still in its infancy stage. Trying to play catch up to an international industry that has been doing it for decades and has mastered its artistry. So, there was literally no basis for comparison. I remember doing a lot of masterclasses when I got back to share my knowledge and educate aspiring makeup artists. Things have changed now. We have makeup artists who are going global and indigenous makeup brands which can compete with foreign brands. Yes, we have not fully levelled up yet, but we are definitely in the same room now. 

The beauty industry is becoming increasingly saturated. Almost everyone is now a makeup artist. How have you managed to stand out in such a competitive market? And what exactly is the competition doing for the industry? 

To be fair, I wouldn’t say that it’s saturated. We have about i

There are two hundred twenty million people in Nigeria, with the figures for women taking the lead. So we are still enough to go around!! 

One thing that keeps me going is my hunger for knowledge. I want to always be better than I was yesterday and build relationships. I also try to learn from my environment and my clients. I’m not too old or too big to learn, so that has kept me fresh. 

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not badass. It just means I’m badass enough to know that I know my shit, but I don’t have to be arrogant about it. Humility takes you a long way, and

 opens doors to places you won’t normally have access to. 

Let’s go personal. You were very open about your struggles with childbearing. How did the journey influence your perspective towards life? 

Hmmm. As a young woman, you assume you will get pregnant in a couple of months after getting married. It didn’t happen for me like that; I tried so many different ways, but once that didn’t work, we decided on the best way to do it. So my husband and I decided to go the IVF route, and I’m so happy we have our triplets; they are seven now, and I am so happy and grateful to God.

I was an older mom, and I was very comfortable with that.

So how’s it going now? The joy of welcoming triplets must have been very immense. How do you balance motherhood with the demands of your career?

The truth is that it’s not easy, but one of the good things is that I’m freelance. I own and run my own business, so it’s more flexible for me. I think, like any woman or any mother, it’s never easy, but it’s what we do, and it’s something I love; I love my children as much as I love my career, and I also have a great support system that makes it easier.

What does 50 feel like? Would you say you are fulfilled? 

50 is just a number. How can I feel 50 when I still feel like a teenager with more responsibilities? The only thing is that my body reminds me sometimes with the unexplained back pain and knee pain. 

Fulfilment is a state of mind, and it is not permanent. It’s like a river that flows. I am content and grateful for everything that I have achieved so far. Appreciating life is one of the most important life lessons!!

Breath, Love, peace of mind,

Can you share a moment in your career that you consider a turning point or milestone?

It was when I made up my mind to leave banking to follow my passion. At that time, I didn’t know where my next paycheck was coming from!! But I knew I would do everything possible to make it work.

What are some common misconceptions about working as a professional makeup artist?

 Low-level entry: People consider it a hobby, not a career; they believe just anyone can do it!! You are undermined, undervalued, and underpaid.

When I started, some people used to ask me what else I did apart from makeup because they thought it was not a sustainable career.