Edith Oluchi Iheme
is the chief executive officer of Glam Makeovers, a company that
provides avenues for ladies to improve their looks. Established in
2010, Ms Iheme is an English Language graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo
University and holds makeup certification from House of Tara. She
speaks to X2 on the motivation behind Glam Makeovers.
What motivated you to go into the business?
I have always been
in love with makeup. Growing up, from my teenage days, I had
opportunity to play with makeup kits a lot. My mum had all kinds of
shades of eye shadows and I grew up watching her makeup. Whenever she
goes out, I would go to her room to experiment with her colours. So
when I got into the university, I became my own model; I was always
testing different things for myself, wearing different looks and I
always got good compliments. When I started receiving patronage from
friends and their own friends, I decided to register the company. That
was how it started.
Did you face much opposition before starting the business?
My family was very
supportive because everybody in my family knew I had the gift in me.
But one or two friends warned me that it was going to be a challenge
because we have so many people going into it.
Did you have a regular 9-5 job before starting this business?
Yes, I had. I just recently completed my youth service with the human resource department in Arik Air.
What are the upsides of running a business?
Doing what I love
doing is an upside for me. Makeup comes naturally and it is not like
some routine jobs that some people do without enjoying it. Glam comes
naturally for me and it’s something that makes me happy.
What challenges have you faced over time?
The major challenge
is clients not wanting to pay well for services because they feel
everybody is doing it. So they don’t appreciate standards. Sometimes
you can have difficult-to-satisfy clients, people who feel they know it
all, what you should be doing.
Ever thought of packing up in frustration?
There are times when the challenges get to me but I try to encourage myself and not quit.
What have you learnt that they don’t teach in books?
I have learnt how
to relate with people. To get people to believe in my ideas and also
trust that I can take care of their needs. Like getting a client to
trust that I can make her look good.
What projections do you have for the future?
I wish for Glam to
be more established than it is now. Hopefully, with our own cosmetics
line, studio, long list of clients, and maybe other things; not just
makeup because we would also be branching out.
What advice would you give potential entrepreneurs?
You have to be
prepared for the business. Be creative; bring up new ideas so you can
have your own signature because that’s what would separate you from the
flock. You need to have a strong passion for the art. That’s what will
keep you when the challenges come. Also, always upgrade yourself with
other things around you that don’t necessarily have to do with makeup.
