Today we’d like to introduce you to Chidimma Ekwem.
Chidimma, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Picking up my first $1 charcoal black eyeliner and applying it thickly to my waterline at 13, I looked in the mirror and told myself, “This is the most amazing thing ever.” Although I looked like a raccoon, from that day forward, I knew Makeup Artistry was my calling. Born in Charlotte, NC I am a first generation Nigerian America in my family and the first one in my family to take the unconventional career route. Growing up, I was giving 3 career choices by my parents a doctor, lawyer or engineer, makeup artistry not even being considered as “hobby” to do. I knew where my career passion was but pursued a degree in finance and ended up working in the social service sector, meanwhile, as years went on, my love for makeup artistry still burned strongly.
Working through the years, I found myself continually being pushed into what it was I truly wanted, opportunities to pursue a career in makeup artistry would consistently present themselves in the most unique ways! I began to question it out of fear and doubts, but I did not allow that to stop me! In 2015, my husband asked me, “Are you sure you’re happy with where you are at?” and I couldn’t answer that with a yes or no. So, I did what I knew best, I wrote down what I wanted in life, where I wanted to go and who I wanted to me that’s when the name “Ugo” popped into my head.
“Ugo?” I thought to myself.
Digging more and more into these 3 letters I found out why Ugo was giving to me, by definition in Igbo language (one of the spoken language in Nigeria), it is defined by the terms Royalty & Purity. That is when Ugo Artistry was born.
Ugo Artistry was created to give clients a relaxing experience away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives while enhancing beautiful features and nurturing every client needs. I studied the art form of Makeup, took classes and now I’m 1 week away from receiving my Esthetics license to pursue not only Makeup Artistry but to dive into the beauty business of Skin! My brand, Ugo Artistry, has truly been wonderful for me being the artist for all my clients is something I will forever be thankful for. Making those timeless memories of my art form sealed in a photo is one of my greatest achievements. In all the greatness of my brand, I want to extend a thank you to my husband who continues to push me to believe in myself and my children who tell their friends “My mommy is a Super Hero Makeup Artist.” I would not be the woman, nor the artist if not for them.
As I come to an end, you may be asking yourself why all this?
Well, because…..
“Beauty has a lot to do with the character.” – Kevyn Aucoin
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any road that is too easy to travel is a road that does not build character. Being your own boss in an industry that many women choose is not always easy! There have been times where I questioned if I’m doing this right or where can I improve. Taking ideas to the chalkboard and having to re-brand and start all over constantly was the most aggravating yet building moment for me. It has not always been as smooth but the struggles are what built my brand to where it is now.
My advice to other women, especially my young women, although it may sound “cliche” Never GIVE UP! No matter how many other people are doing the same thing the only difference that gives you an advantage over anyone is no one can be you.
That is your power, now live in it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ugo Artistry – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a makeup artist and skin specialist. I currently work in the makeup artistry field specializing in bridal work. My work is most known for being “light and natural where the skin is the focus.” Making sure clients are not “transformed” but enhanced through my makeup artistry is where I thrive in this industry. This is what sets me apart from other artists, while there are so many talented makeup artists around, my work continues to speak for itself. Many of my clients continue to choose me because they aren’t big on makeup until ONE session with Ugo Artistry. Then, they continue to come back time and time again.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Definitely, growing up in a Nigerian household, my career field wasn’t an option. Even as I grew into an adult and told my parents what it is I wanted to do, they scoffed at the idea. This disapproval only made me want to go harder and do more with my brand. After working so many gigs and with so many clients, now, they tell all their friends how I’m one of the greatest makeup artist in the area.
Contact Info:
- Website: ugoartistry.com
- Phone: 704-492-3068
- Email: ugoartistry@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ugoartistry
- Facebook: facebook.com/ugoartistry
Image Credit:
Ugo Artistry, LLC, Ugo Beauty & Artistry
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