Our June issue focuses on the Kenyan Creative Economy, we delve into the vibrant world of Kenyan artistry through an exclusive interview with Nzilani Kimani, a renowned Makeup Artist who has been redefining beauty standards and setting trends in the creative industry. Her work has not only garnered her a loyal clientele but also positioned her as one of Kenya’s go-to Makeup Artist. In our conversation, Nzilani opens up about her artistic journey, shares her take on the Kenyan creative economy, and offers sound advice to aspiring Kenyan Makeup Artists looking to make a name for themselves in the beauty industry.
Who is Nzilani?
Did you start your career as a Makeup Artist? If not, what were you doing prior?
No, I didn’t start my career as a Makeup Artist, I used to work for an NGO. I studied business administration and that’s what I was doing at the NGO before deciding to quit. I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do but I’ve always loved makeup so I sort of stumbled into the beauty industry. I never thought in a million years that I would be doing makeup professionally.
Tell us who Nzilani is
My name is Nzilani Kimani, I am a Makeup Artist and Beauty Educator. I teach women how to look beautiful and how to show up for themselves. I also own a studio where I do permanent makeup like microblading. I’m a girlie girl; I love color, I love looking good and most importantly, I love making women feel beautiful…that’s my job. I make women feel beautiful every day.
Nzilani on her artistic journey
What was it like leaving behind your previous career to pursue a more creative endeavor and when did you decide to make the transition into a full-time makeup artist?
When I quit employment, my babies were young at the time and the plan was to start a business. I wanted to start an event-organizing company. However, we got an emergency and the money that was meant to be used was diverted. I found myself staying at home without anything to do and you know you need your own money so I reached out to my friends asking them to pray for me because I needed God to direct me on the business that I wanted to do.
One of my friends suggested that I should try out makeup because I had previously done her makeup for her Ruracio(traditional wedding), and that’s how she planted that seed in me. In retrospect, I realized she was right.
I’ve always been the friend who is always touching up people’s makeup. Even way back in high school when we were going for funkies, I was always the one with a lipstick or eyeliner handy. That’s how I made the transition into a full-time Makeup Artist, and this is my 9th year in the industry.
I love making women feel beautiful…that’s my job. I make women feel beautiful every day.
What would you say was the hardest lesson you learned on your journey?
Our business is in the service industry and with that, you get to experience and interact with a lot of people. I’ve learned the importance of being humble because you will meet everyone. You will meet different types of people with different temperaments, and backgrounds. From the super-wealthy to the middle-class and even young girls. You really need to learn how to be humble and how to treat people with respect.
How do you stay inspired and continuously innovate your makeup techniques in a competitive market?
You have to be a humble student of life because makeup trends are constantly evolving. I keep learning, I keep trying to grow my skills by watching makeup videos, I keep researching to see what is currently trending, and I also challenge myself to try new styles out so that I’m not artistically stuck in a box.
Nzilani’s take on the Kenyan creative economy
How has the makeup industry in Kenya evolved over the past decade, and what key factors have driven its growth?
The Makeup Industry in Kenya has definitely evolved, it’s not the same as when I started. I started my makeup career almost a decade ago and back then, we didn’t have YouTube or all these platforms where people can learn how to do makeup and how to pursue it as a career. I remember when I started doing it, even my husband couldn’t understand.
But now with the way technology is advancing, the industry keeps growing and people are more open and have embraced looking good. You don’t just have to get makeup done on you only when you are getting married. I love that the industry has grown, and the more social media grows, the more the makeup industry in Kenya grows as well.
Has social media and digital platforms impacted your business’s visibility and overall success?
Social media is my key marketing tool. I’ve grown immensely on Instagram. I feel like social media is quite important to my business, it’s an integral part of my business.
The Makeup Industry in Kenya has definitely evolved, it’s not the same as when I started. I started my makeup career almost a decade ago and back then, we didn’t have YouTube or all these platforms where people can learn how to do makeup and how to pursue it as a career. But now with the way technology is advancing, the industry keeps growing and people are more open and have embraced looking good
What role do collaborations with other creatives (photographers, fashion designers, influencers) play in enhancing the makeup industry in Kenya?
Collaborations are a must! They are quite important. I remember when I started, Victor Peace who was a photographer at the time was the one who held my hand. He actually made me delete everything that was on my page and showed me what type of content to post in order to position myself professionally as a Makeup Artist. That collaborative effort and of course the grace of God is what made my name grow. Collaboration is what gave me that favor in the industry.
What advice would you give to aspiring Makeup Artists in Kenya who want to make a name for themselves in the creative economy?
I would advise them to first invest in their work. Make sure that you are consistently growing because makeup artistry is a skill, and you need to continuously hone that skill. Practice your artistry, ask your friends or relatives if you can practice on them, and then post that work. Another thing I would advise is to consistently make sure that you are posting good-quality images and videos.
You don’t necessarily need to invest in a camera for this, you can take the pictures and videos on your phone. Just make sure that someone is angled where there is great light. Avoid the temptation to over-edit your images/videos or to post work that is not yours.
Also, collaborate with people in the industry. I know we are all against this whole issue of working for exposure but sometimes, that’s how you get your name out there. If you are consistently working on your craft, consistently posting, and consistently learning how to collaborate and work with people in the industry, then you will definitely grow.
Makeup artistry is a skill, and you need to continuously hone that skill. If you are consistently working on your craft, consistently posting, and consistently learning how to collaborate and work with people in the industry, then you will definitely grow
