Sep 30th, 2013
Beauty, courage and brains is what comes to mind when you hear the name Fatima Mamza, who is the muse behind Mamza Beauty Limited
and believes in naturally enhancing a woman’s features, bringing out
one’s innate beauty. Her holistic approach to make up has endeared her
to a number of clients. Inspired by photography, fashion, art, history
and culture, she thrives to establish a signature look for her clients
while staying on the cusp of beauty and fashion trends. From her start
as a wedding makeup artist while studying Biochemistry at the University of Zaria,
she has branched into fashion, print/media, special effects makeup,
skin care consultation and most importantly training and empowering many
young ladies in the art of makeup…Tell us about Fatima Mamza
I am Fatima Mamza a young, ambitious and focused makeup artist from the north-eastern part of Nigeria with close to five years working experience in the makeup and fashion scene. My work aims to bring makeup artistry to the door step of every Nigerian woman in its purest form while utilizing western techniques. Also to create more awareness on the benefits and needs of makeup as an artistic tool that helps to enhance beauty, hence confidence.
How did your career begin in the world of beauty?
I was always obsessed with makeup and fashion, but I never thought it could be an actual job. While I was in college I helped a few friends in doing makeup for a few of their special events or weddings and a few of the girls I worked on thought I did a great job, then later I found a mentor online who was so incredible. I was intrigued by him and thought he had the most amazing job. I ended up deciding after college to go into makeup, skincare, beauty and the rest slowly evolved from there.
A look through your portfolio reveals some familiar faces. Tell us about some notable people and socialites you’ve worked with?
A few governors’ wives, a former 1st lady, women ministers, Sheila Kwamboka of big brother Africa and so many high profiled northerners who prefer to remain anonymous.
Are there any notable people whom you would still like to work with home and abroad?
Oprah Winfrey, Iman the Model, Beyonce, Bianca Ojukwu, Alex Wek and so many others.
I am particularly intrigued by this body art you do on the hands and feet of brides. What is it called and what is its significance?
Henna/Lalle is a widely known decorative material used to beautify hands and feet. It is fetched from a bush known as Lawsonia Inermis, Henna leaves are dehydrated and crushed to form henna powder, then water is added to form a thick Henna paste. In the north, “Henna ritual/Kamu” is celebrated by the bride’s family. The ritual is held one night before the wedding. It is looked at in the form of party or family gathering to enjoy the moments, wherein Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet. Contrary to the earlier times, now even many of the female family members and friends of the bride are keen for applying Henna on their hands and feet. Engraving initials of groom’s first name on bride’s hands is also becoming very common. Once the Henna designs and patterns are created, the skin is kept untouched for a long duration and the bride does not do any household work until the Henna/Lalle completely dries up. After all the designing of Henna is done, the Henna/Kamu night is enjoyed with traditional music, dance and dinner.
For many who haven’t had a chance to experience life in Northern Nigeria, what is the typical northern woman’s disposition to makeup and beauty?
The northern woman perceives beauty as something that comes from within with confidence and positive attitude emerging as the main themes defining inner beauty. Northern women are very fashionable women while bearing this in mind, makeup should enhance your beauty and should be tasteful without being too much, as it is said, “there is beauty in simplicity.”
What is the most memorable moment you have had while doing a bridal/socialite’s makeup?
I have been very blessed in my career with so many memorable moments, but one of the biggest was a photo shoot for Mrs Shimite Katung, She was so much fun, no drama, no ego just an amazing woman who strives to build and encourage young people. She usually does her makeup very well, but fell in love with how I enhanced her face without it looking like she made a huge effort and has hence become a ‘Mamza Beauty Ambassador’. Also for bridal, when I was done with the Bride’s makeup and told her to go look in the mirror. The reaction I saw and how her face lit up with a new found confidence and excitement makes what I do worthwhile.
How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?
The brows which I believe are the main frame for the face and how we create your skin to look flawless and most importantly, our holistic approach to beauty and skincare.
Do you feel that looking and feeling beautiful is important in regard to a woman’s confidence and self-esteem?
Beauty is a state of mind. It’s not question of whether you’re “pretty” or “plain”, young or old, thin or not thin… it’s a matter of your self-image. When you look good, you feel good. when you feel good, you look even better. Makeup enhances your own natural beauty, it calls attention to your best features and it can conceal or deemphasize any flaws. It helps you to project a more confident and beautiful you, when it is done tastefully and skillfully.
While applying makeup, a lot of women believe in the adage that “less is more”. Do you believe that sometimes less is actually more?
Beauty us in the eye of the beholder and there is no right or wrong makeup, it just depends on what the occasion /purpose of the makeup is? Although for the older women, less is always more. Makeup and cosmetics should make you look like an amplified version of yourself. Wear the right amount of makeup to where you need it most, don’t let the makeup wear you.
Do you find it frustrating to walk down the street and see badly applied make up on women?
I actually enjoy teaching people about how to enhance their features and work on their skin. I delight in guiding people who are open to learning and also learn from them.
In your opinion, what are the most common make up mistakes that women make?
Wearing the wrong color of foundation, wearing a lip liner that is too dark, grooming the eyebrows too thin, not blending makeup properly, over application of blush and sleeping with makeup on.
What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to women?
Water! We all desire beautiful skin and for anybody to have flawless makeup you need to have a flawless canvas. Adequate water consumption is essential to healthy skin, not to mention critical to the proper function of all not some but ALL systems of your body. Your skin is a reflection of your health or should I say window. Because if you are unhealthy your skin will show that. You have to do things right, you exercise moderately, eat healthy and sleep.
Who are some people that have inspired you throughout your career?
I have several mentors such as Sam Fine, Pat McGrath, Bobbi Brown, Iman, Oprah and Eve Pearl.
Do you see yourself someday creating your own line of makeup?
Yes, in the very near future.
What are some of your favorite products in your makeup kit?
Mac mineralized powder, Makeup forever foundations, Black opal foundation, Ben Nye foundations, Nars/sleek blush, Urban Decay eyeshadow pallete, Vaseline/Carmex lip balm.
What products do you think should be a staple in every woman’s purse?
The correct foundation and powder, mascara, eyebrow pencil, lip gloss, eyeliner and makeup wipes.
Do you have any other creative outlets other than your work?
I love to sketch and design outfits, decorate homes and I find cooking therapeutic.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The best part is I get to meet different people on a constant basis and interact with them. Also as a makeup artist I love the challenge of being constantly creative which is the best part.
What is a day in the life of Fatima Mamza like?
One thing I love about my job is that there is no normal, but often I start the morning facing about 30 -45 emails. I try to answer the ones that need immediate attention, then once I pull myself together, I load my car with makeup kits, and setbags then head off to location. At location I get set up, chat with the client, art director or photographer to get a feel for the look or directive they want. If the model or client has not arrived or is not ready, I go into work mode again returning emails, coordinating and confirming clients with my bridal team, and touching base with PR contacts/event planners for upcoming weddings, photo shoots or features for magazines or blogs. Once the job wraps up 4-8 hours later I head for a meeting with a prospective client or home, check emails again, confirm with upcoming clients, clean and organize my makeup tools and supplies, write Company goals and then relax over dinner with friends. This is often followed by a movie or I get in touch with my friends on blackberry and social media. Then off to bed to start all over again the next day.
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