“I remember I always beg my roommates to use their faces for practice a lot of time and in the process I became better! Funny enough I never paid a dime to learn makeup; it was self-acquired from different sources” – Festina

One thing I have come to realize about creative people is this, if they are distinct at what they do, no matter where they are and the numbers of competitors around, when the chips are down, they standout. This is the tale of Okundia Isoken Festina, the buzz surrounding her various makeup jobs is louder that what two PR companies can put together. Her card-carrying army of fans are awesome. From beauty makeovers to special effect makeups, her works speaks wonders. If you haven’t read her profile, it will be hard to belief she’s young in the business. What makes her front-runner goes beyond the quality of her works, her attitude towards clients is admirable.

“’I’m a graduate from the prestigious university of Benin in 2017, from the department of English and Literature. I hail from orhionmwon LGA Benin City in Edo state, Nigeria and I’m from a family of 8.  I specialize in beauty, creative and special effect makeup. I also dabble into bespoke unisex footwear works.

The profession I’m best known for is my makeup business; I started off BrushnBlush beauty in 2015 while I was in my 200L. As a fresher in school I never liked make up until my 200L when I suddenly began to have a flair for the whole makeup thing, plus that was what was in vogue at that time. All of a sudden I pick up a deep enthusiasm and began watching videos, teaching myself, feeding on any beauty/make up related materials I find online and on ground; that was how it all began.

I remember I always beg my roommates to use their faces for practice a lot of time and in the process I became better! Funny enough I never paid a dime to learn makeup; it was self-acquired from different sources then. I went on striving, battling with academics and jobs I got called for at the same time. As time goes on, I grew a deeper passion for the more complex aspect of makeup, which is the special effects aspect that I picked up through online tutorials as well. Yes I made mistakes but it made me better! My profession went from one level of life to another; I had the opportunity of being part of the ‘AJEJI’ movie (produced by Julie Aiko) crew and ‘IDAHOSA’ movie (produced by Stanley Ohikhuare) as their makeup artists respectively; worked with Mr. Tolu Okoro on ‘Dinner with stars Talk Show’ starring Phyno, DJ jimmy Jatt and a host of others. I also worked with Harrysong for his ‘King Maker’ Album among others. It has been a glorious journey but there’s more to me and more to what I intend to achieve in the coming years” – Festina.

Socials – @festina_sfx & @brushnblush_pro on instagram). (@feet.fest on instagram)

Words by Sesan Adeniji