THJ: It seems as if there are many MUAs in Cameroon (and Nigeria) which means that the competition is high. What do you do to stay on top of your game? What are the major challenges you have encountered while building and creating your make-up/beauty business/brand in and how were you able to overcome them?
Corine: My biggest challenge in my career as a makeup artist is being in a dominated country like Nigeria and earning respect and imposing myself was a big struggle. This was very difficult trust me. I was more than willing to put in the work to create my own reputation for being a hardworking young woman in my own right. To overcome this, I have had to learn to build my confidence and overcome my negative self-talk.
Those negative comments that have built up in my head are stopping me from reaching my full potential. To combat them, I joined a variety of women entrepreneur groups. These groups have provided me mentors and peers to inspire me, hit me with reality checks on my capabilities and successes and help be grow and learn from their outside perspectives and experiences.
THJ: Is your family supportive of your profession?
Corine: Yes! Very, very supportive.
THJ: Is being a MUA your only profession? If not, what else do you do to make money?
Corine: Being a MUA is not the only thing I do. I work in a communication company as a translator/ I do catering sometime… lol Naija is that place you hustle.
THJ: You have worked for and with so many celebrities from Cameroon which means that they know your work is great. Have you ever worked with difficult celebrities? Have you ever worked with or for someone who did not like the final product of your work?
Corine: Oh yes: sometimes, you really can’t please everyone but that was my fault because I didn’t use the right shade of her foundation and the lady was so upset and we had to clean the makeup…sad.! But since then, I learned a lot about; skin, shade… etc.
