Self-taught Make-up Artist Makes A Killing
Isaac Pinielo | Monday December 5, 2016 15:16
Many make-up artists have come before into the industry with their skills, but one outstanding young artist, Maxine Mooketsi, has made a big name for herself in the beauty arena.
The 24-year-old Gabane-born said she started doing make-up and hair on friends and family back in the days until she turned it into a business when more people came for her services.
“I did all of it at home and at other people’s houses before I got a studio of my own,” Mooketsi said with a smile.
Her beauty studio, called Maxine Make-up, was opened in March this year and is located at Phase 4 in Gaborone.
“The studio was opened this year but the actual business of doing make-up was last year February,” Mooketsi explained.
She noted that she has an associate company, Media Republic, which does videography and photography focusing on outdoor and in studio full shoots.
Maxine Make-up also offers hair styling services, which come with make-up only. She does most of her marketing on Facebook and on Instagram.
“We advertise on our social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram through pics and videos. That way we can reach people who are even out of the country,” said Mooketsi.
She advised people to get packages from both Maxine Make-up and Media Republic for their weddings or events.
Mooketsi indicated that she always had a passion for hair and make-up at an early age, adding that she loved looking good back at university.
With a mission to make other women look and feel good, she said money is not a priority but a bonus. This is evidenced by the fact that she sometimes does makeovers for free and post them on social media platforms.
“We offer make-up application services, wig making and retail, photography and videography,” said Mooketsi.
She said she decided to choose the current location because it is strategically in the heart of Gaborone next to the central business district (CBD), the bus rank and station, a school and embassy.
“It’s also very much secure so clients feel safe and comfortable when they are here and having their cars here,” she said.
Currently, Maxine Make-up employs one person doing make-up and has a co-partner who does the media side with three employees who sometimes assist at Maxine Make-up studio.
She indicated that they are yet to employ more people, noting that everyday they sit and conceptualise new ideas of how to film looks, where to do them besides in studio and in the country, and how to improve on what they already have.