Today we’d like to introduce you to Ozichi Nnadozie.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ozichi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always had a love for makeup and all things beauty related, but wasn’t really allowed to wear makeup as a child. Despite that, I would constantly get into trouble for playing in my mom’s makeup kit and spilling her products. Finally, on my first day of high school, my mom took me shopping to get my own makeup products! I was so excited to finally dive into the beauty world and begin experimenting on my own face. The next year a relative got me a 144-color eyeshadow palette and my face became my personal canvas to be blended and contoured anyhow I pleased. I was initially taught that makeup was solely a way of covering up imperfections and correcting discoloration and should never be bold or loud. While it is great for those things, for me it would slowly evolve into a magic medium that transformed faces into the ultimate canvas.
Once I got into college, I began testing out my skills on my roommates to gain a better understanding of skin colors and textures. I would eventually progress to collaborating with fashion designers and photographers to create stunning work for fashion shows, photoshoots, and special events. This meant bolder, brighter looks, long lashes and plenty of glitter. I was like a kid in a candy store! A few of the highlights of my career include providing makeup services for Malorie Bailey from Real Housewives of Atlanta, becoming a published artist in a beauty magazine, and becoming a certified Sanitation Specialist. Like makeup, my style and talents are continuously evolving and changing to meet the current demand of the beauty world. This year I’ve expanded my business by creating general and custom video content on my social media platforms. This has been especially helpful when connecting with followers even during a global pandemic. It’s also allowed me to check in on those who have supported me over the years and offer them a more personalized experience.
Despite our current circumstances, I’m hopeful for the future of my industry and for potential clients. I can’t wait to ask the question “So, what look are we going for today?” to my first post-quarantine client. I can’t wait for that “hold your breath” moment when the client sees their face for the first time and exclaims “I love it!” In the meantime, I’m taking courses with some of the experts in the field and strategizing the best ways to effectively serve my clientele for when that moment finally arrives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like every other entrepreneurial venture, my journey has been filled with its fair share of ups and downs. During college, I dealt with multiple losses of family and friends to things like suicide, accidents, and illnesses. It took a toll on my mental state and ultimately, I got to a point where I had completely stopped doing makeup. Thanks to my community of loved ones and excellent therapy, I was able to rediscover the joy in doing makeup, despite dealing with so much.
Collaboration also became a double-edged sword for me. I’ve always loved being able to share ideas with photographers and fashion designers to create beautiful pictures and faces. The best part is seeing the final photo or video and taking in all of the elements that have birthed a work of art. Unfortunately, I would find out the hard way that not all collaborations were created equal and some would even sour due to eventual disagreements over proper credit and payment. Still, I am thankful for those negative experiences because they’ve taught me how to better protect myself and seek out like-minded professionals in the art, beauty, and fashion industries.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Opulent Faces by Ozichi – what should we know?
Opulent Faces by Ozichi provides a luxuriously custom tailored makeup experience to clients for a wide variety of occasions. Makeup services are available for events ranging from weddings to costume parties, all with a high commitment to hygiene, quality, and creativity. While I am able to provide a myriad of services, most of my clients come to me for glammed outlooks with bright color combinations and accents. What makes me most proud as a budding business owner is the growth that I have achieved and the growth that is yet to come. My journey has been bumpy, but it’s only up from here.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Undoubtedly, my determination would be the characteristic that has helped me push towards success. In Nigerian communities like mine, it’s common to hear folks say “jisie ike” (jee-see-keh) or “keep going.” At my lowest points, this became the mantra for my life and is still my go-to phrase when faced with obstacles. Life may get tough in the moment and I might even consider giving up. But, if I make the decision to keep going tomorrow may bring a blessing that I might have otherwise missed.
Pricing:
- Virtual Makeup Group Class – $10/participant
- One-on-One Tutorial Session – $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.opulentfacesbyozichi.com
- Email: appointments@opulentfacesbyozichi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentfacesbyozichi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/opulentfacesbyozichi/
Image Credit:
@juengelphotos, @themodel_pt
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