Makeup by Nikki

“I would practice different makeup trends on myself and catalogue it in my makeup folder. But it wasn’t until my mom was getting married and she needed someone to do her makeup. She gave me the opportunity and from then I realised I could actually do makeup because it came out pretty good.” Nicole’s passion for creativity was fuelled during her years at Barataria South Secondary School, where she studied art. She is currently a Year Two student at the University of the West Indies pursuing a degree in Management Studies.

“Youtube provided a good foundation for me to start learning more about makeup. I watched a lot of tutorials and looking back from where I was then to where I am now, there is a complete difference.

I have grown in creating unique and beautiful looks for my clients, from cut crease eyeshadow to double cut crease, smoky eyes and natural looks.” Among her favourite Youtubers is Jacki Aina, who creates videos for women of colour and who also recommends certain brands and shades of makeup for dark skin tones.

Nicole started her own business, Makeup by Nikki in 2015 and began making a name for herself on Instagram and Facebook, by often posting images of her work on models and herself, gathering over 1,300 loyal followers, and growing her clientele of women between the ages of 18-48, many of whom contacted her for makeup jobs via social media.

One of her goals is to establish her own booth, but until then she is capitalising on house calls. She has done makeup for weddings, New Year’s events, Carnival makeup and is already receiving bookings for graduation months in advance.

Nicole’s calm yet fiery demeanor shined through as she spoke about her talent. “It takes me approximately one hour to do a client’s face. When I get to my client’s location, it is necessary that I do a skin analysis of her. I ask questions about when last she waxed or shaved her eyebrows, any allergies, skin type and preferred makeup brand and if she knows her shade and I also make recommendations about makeup that would best suit her skin type and skin tone.” Nicole uses brands ranging from BH Cosmetics to Anastasia Beverly Hills.

As part of Nicole’s routine with clients, she often uses a clay mask for those with oily skin and a polishing mask for those with dry skin in preparation for makeup application. “I always make sure their skin is moisturised, and having a sanitary environment is essential.” Asked by WMN how she funds her business, she said, “I am able to support my business because I save the money I make from doing makeup jobs. I have also built a large collection of makeup, so when someone wants me to do their face I do not have to spend excess money on supplies. From my savings I was able to purchase a digital SLR camera to take pictures of a higher quality for my portfolio.” I am grateful for having a strong support system comprising of my mother, Juliana Jones-Belfon, step-father, Franklyn Belfon and my best friend Suzie Gajadhar. They have always supported me, from the beginning.” “I see Makeup by Nikki reaching far, as I have a different approach by focusing on house calls till I am able to have a fixed location for my business.

I also intend to incorporate classes into my house calls, geared towards teaching working women with hectic schedules, who would like to learn about proper makeup application, but have limited time to do so.” Her advice to young aspiring young makeup artists is to be confident. “If you want to do something do not depend on anyone else’s advice to do it. Your work is just as good as anyone else, so don’t sell yourself short. Do your own thing and see what works for you, let the critics talk, you just have to be consistent in working towards your goals. Practice makes perfect.”