Who Is She: MUA Moshoodat Sanni

WHO IS SHE? 
She is Make Up Artist (MUA) Moshoodat Sanni and she is someone you NEED TO KNOW! Moshoodat embarked on her journey as a Make Up Artist as something she just did for fun. However, over-time she realized that she was blessed with a gift and decided to use her gift to "put a smile on people's faces." Thus far in her career, she has been so fortunate to work with a variety of talented photographers, crews, clients, and agencies. Because of the variety in her exposure, Moshoodat has experience working with clients of all skin tones, skin types, and ages. Her skills have reached many weddings, special events, magazines, celebrities and even music videos. Check out my interview with MUA Moshoodat Sanni below! The interview portrays examples of some of her work.

1) How did you get your start in the make up industry?

I went to a community college and studied advertisement and design. I loved how hands on arts and craft can be, but when it was time to get on the computer I absolutely hated it! I started to do my research for a career that I felt would always be hands and allow me to be creative! That being said, I got my hands on the legendary Kevyn Aucoin's makeup book "FaceForward." After reading that book, I knew that I wanted to be a makeup artist! This realization was kind of weird for me since I was a huge tomboy before makeup came into my life! 

2) What types of occasions and events do you work and why?

I absolutely love doing weddings! It is a blessing to be able to contribute to one of the most important days of someone's life! I love seeing how beautiful the bride looks and feels! I also have a love/hate relationship with fashion shows. The thing about fashion shows is that they are always intense and you have to constantly think on your toes! I always freak out during the process and ask myself " Mo what the hell were you thinking!!'" However, when its all said and done and I witness the finished product,  I have the urge to do it again! 

3) How do you keep a loyal and steady clientele?

Be you! As cliche as that may sound, people love knowing that they aren't dealing with cosmetic robots! I hate going to a makeup counter and hearing too much information! It pushes me away from the product and the artist! 

Also, treat every client like they are Beyoncé! This is very important. You have to make your clients feel like they are queens! Of course things happen but remember they are always right! It takes one bad experience to ruin your name! and reputation. Bite the bullet!

4) Describe the process behind working an event. What do you do to prepare for an event? What is your role during an event? 

I think I speak for all artists: makeup artists, apparel stylists, and hair stylists, when I say I play the role of a therapist. For example, when a bride is freaking out on her wedding day, it is my job to constantly remind her of how beautiful she looks and to ease her stress. Also, when my weekly client is having relationship issues, while I am doing her makeup, she is probably going to talk to me about it. It's not only important I leave my client looking great but I think its more important that they also feel great! What's the point of wearing red lipstick is you don't show of your beautiful smile?

5) What qualities do you believe a person who wants to get into a career in the Make Up Industry should possess?
You definitely have to be Resilient. It is a very saturated industry so you have to bounce back through it all.

6) When you work bridal events, what is your main objective as you prepare the bride and/or her bridal party.  
My main objective is to make everyone feel at ease and of course to make them feel fabulous! I also seek to keep the energy positive by cracking some jokes. Oh and of course I aim to do a wonderful job with the makeup.

7) What is a common mistake women make when applying make-up? 
Picking the wrong foundation shade for their face! Too may times women pick the wrong undertone. 

8) Are there any helpful beauty tips you have to offer to women of color? 
Yes! When buying foundation, test it on your neck! It's always important for your face to blend in with your neck. 

10) Today, the average woman is on-the-go and very busy. How would you recommend transitioning a day-time look to one that can be used for a night out? What are the best long-lasting products?

The easiest way to turn a simple and quick day-time look into an evening look would be to either 
1) pick a sexy evening lipstick. Or 
2) Get a little sultry and smoke out your daytime shadow with a dark color on the crease. 

11) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

 I see myself owning at least one standing store of my own (beauty bar), gaining some fame, and traveling to clients all over the world! 

  

12) Would you ever consider launching a line of cosmetics some day? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes of course! It would probably consist of a very wide range of foundations! I usually can never find my perfect shade and I always have to mix and match different products to get the perfect complexion! I would love to make it easier for the everyday woman to find the right shade for herself.

13) What 3 Make up items should every woman have in her purse? 

Mascara

Lip balm

Gum/candy ( makeup for the breath lol ) 

14) A lot of people think that the make up industry doesn't require any education. Can you help enlighten us on this? Does this field require a certain degree?

Yes and no! You just really need experience! Experience is the best professor on planet earth! You have to enlighten yourself! I read a variety of makeup books and asked a diverse group of other makeup artists around me for advice! Even till now I always ask. You are never too experienced to learn

15) What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your pursuit to become successful in this career thus far? 
Support! This was a huge issue!  Being that I'm Nigerian, my parents weren't too keen on my dropping out of school to become a makeup artist! This took a huge toll on me. With that being said, I thank god I'm a very stubborn in nature because I still continued to follow my dreams. My experiences only made me stronger and I learned to be more independent. All that said, this past summer a lot has changed and my family members are my number one supporters!! 







She's So Me would like to thank Moshoodat for taking time out of her busy schedule to speak with us! Make sure you check Moshoodat out on her website www.moshoodat.com and follow her on  twitter @moshoodat. You can also check out more of her work on Instagram @moshoodat. If you are interested in booking Moshoodat for your event, you can email her at moshoodat.mua@gmail.com.