Elaine Shobanjo is a professional makeup artist. The founder of ShoMya is one of the most talented ladies in makeup business in the country.
One incontrovertible fact is that Elaine is blessed with both beauty and brain. Before she decided to follow her passion, she had worked as an asset/wealth manager. Since the start of her makeup business late 2008, Elaine has featured at several fashion shows, beauty shoots, in music videos, makeup workshops and continues to build her clientele.
“Working in wealth management taught me core skills that are beneficial to me till date,” she says.
Fashion or style, for me, is life. Both go hand in hand to complement personality. I like to look good and classy, I like being fashionable, I like bright colours and I like shopping for fashion accessories. I dress to suit every occasion, because I understand my body physique
Giving a brief about herself, Elaine says, “Life has been interesting. I was born in Lagos and went to high school (Queen’s College). I then moved to the UK, where I lived for 14 years. I studied at the University of Reading, where I gained a BA in Economics, followed by an MSc in International Business and Finance.
“Fashion or style, for me, is life. Both go hand in hand to complement personality. I like to look good and classy, I like being fashionable, I like bright colours and I like shopping for fashion accessories. I dress to suit every occasion, because I understand my body physique. When shopping, steer clear of clothes that are too clingy and too loose.
“Tailored pieces are the most flattering styles as they gently graze your body without clinging onto certain body parts. An exception to this rule is when you wear fitted trousers such as skinny jeans or leggings. In such cases, pair these fitted bottoms with a slightly looser top to balance out the look,”
On why she dumped a career in banking and finance for makeup artistry, she says, “I knew from childhood that my passion for makeup could not and would not be suppressed. At A-level college, I wanted all As. In the university, I wanted to be top of my class. During my banking career, I reached a point where things felt too repetitive. I just wasn’t as excited anymore.
“On the other hand, makeup books, videos or pictures would get me so pumped! The rush was refreshing! I never went to beauty school to perfect a “hobby”. I went knowing that I was about to embark on a new, productive career. Since we opened in Lagos, we have been blessed to win several awards.”
The beauty queen, however, advises youths not to compromise on the quality of their training for the sake of being frugal or saving money.
“Once you acquire the necessary skills, remain humble, work immensely hard, never get complacent, keep seeking more knowledge and refuse to be knocked down by negative comments,” Elaine says.
