Suzie working on a model at FAFA
After a 10 year stay in the US, Suzie Wokabi moved back to Kenya in 2007, with a career as a make up artist. Suzie had graduated with a degree in International Relations but went on to pursue what her heart had desired the most, a career in the fashion industry. Her interest in fashion had not just sprung up, but it’s something she had really wanted to do from her late teens, where she actually, modeled.
Her aspirations led her to start doubling work in the fashion industry with no clear line for specialization, but an utmost desire to satisfy her ego. Wokabi later realized that she had a true passion in the cosmetics sector where she had worked for different cosmetics companies like, CLINIQUE and MAC cosmetics where she was also trained. According to Rateitall.com, MAC cosmetics is rated number 4 in the world against other cosmetics companies. For Suzie, it was her stepping stone to be at MAC. It was not all smooth to get that job, because she had to prove herself first and when she was in, she got intensive training and experience. In Los Angeles, AWARD STUDIO presented a certificate to Suzie for media make up after a short course. Media make up is the make up done in the media industry, for all sorts of camera, film, weddings, runway fashion, magazines etc.
“The basis for a good make up application is always a clean well moisturized face, the foundation should be the right color for the skin to have one even tone and if you are someone who doesn’t like to wear a lot of make up you can use probably powder rather than foundation, you can use a little of eye shadow, if you are not well versed on how to apply it, do a little as possible, don’t overdo it. Getting your eyebrows professionally shaped can make a huge difference to you face. You should never have a plain face; just add on a little powder for your nose, a little bit of mascara to brighten of you eyes or maybe lip-gloss, just a few basic things that a woman should have” explains Suzie.
“It was always my plan to come back home, and when opportunity came, we packed up and moved with my husband after he got transferred by his company to Kenya” said Suzie with delight. To her surprise, things in Kenya were not the same as when she was last here. The beauty industry had grown and many activities including runway shows, designers and even some established make up artists. A market Survey by Euro monitor says that the Kenyan market is vibrant and has generally improved with the continued liberalization of the economy. There has been increased demand for cosmetics as consumers have become more affluent and better informed through advertising and marketing. Even with these stats, Suzie will honestly say that there is still some form of stigmatization towards adopting new trends in make up artistry. Kenya’s fashion industry is developing and Suzie says, “I wouldn’t be anywhere else because I am part of a developing movement, in my home.”
In her short stay in Kenya, Suzie has had local and international, big and small clients like, Mnet’s ; Catwalk Kenya 2007, Idols, Patricia Show, Face of Africa boot camp and fashion magazines such as True love, Adam, Drum and Upscale, for fashion events like FAFA 2009, Advertising agencies and weddings.
It was once a dream but now Suzie wants to make it a reality. For the past year, she has been working in creating her own cosmetics line, to be called SuzieBeauty. She has been researching and visiting different countries to find manufacturers with all the help from her close relatives, she describes the experience as exciting. After its launch in two months time, it is expected to be Africa’s first cosmetics line. She hopes to do an aggressive marketing and also do individual make up consultations to enable those interested to learn how to do make up for themselves.
No boundaries for her, she expects to spread the brand to the Eastern Africa region and other parts of Africa as soon as possible after the launch. According to Suzie, Africa has a lot of talent in the industry that is beautiful and needs to be recognized globally. To see Suzie’s portfolio, visit www.suziebeauty.com
“Its one word, capital ‘S’ capital ‘B’ SuzieBeauty.” Says Suzie Wokabi, as she smiles.