‘I have natural love for beauty’

Multi-talented Lara Tiamiyu is an outstanding photographer and a makeup artist. She is the Creative Head of La’ Royal Studios Limited in Lagos. The determined and focused young woman with passion for her job has shown that when you are good at what you do and commit your work to God, doors will open. Even in a male-dominated industry, she had been able to eke out a living and make success out of her career in photographic art and makeup artistry.

The Diploma holder in Public Administration from Kogi State University and English graduate of Imo State University, said that the makeup thing had always been in her but she used to brush it aside until she discovered that she could make it a career aside photography.

“The fact is that I first went into photography which I’ve been doing for five years. I believe that photography and makeup go hand in hand because usually after the makeup artist applies makeup on her client, the photo shoot is done. So, being that fashion person I thought about it because I love colours and transforming people. Making women more beautiful and not making them go out of who they are is what I love to do. All these made me go into makeup artistry and it has been an interesting experience for me,” Lara said.

The self-taught makeover artist added: “Being a photographer, I’ve come to understand the dos and don’ts of makeup artistry. I also did research and built myself. It is not enough for someone to go for training, but what you learnt on your own that counts because it sticks to your head. It is also about you perfecting what you learnt and adding creativity that makes all the difference. I’ve been in love with makeup for six years but went professional in 2013.

“I get inspiration from facial structure, eyes and skin tones because everybody has unique features. I look at a face and think of how I’m going to transform it. I also get my inspiration from colours and the environment. My natural love for beauty has kept me going, and not just money. There has been a bit of challenges here and there but I still managed to overcome them especially with the Nigerian economy. I love what I do because it makes me fulfilled. God has been so good to me.”

In the industry, she loves Banke Meshida Lawal and Tara Fela Durotoye because they are strong women who have endured and continued to be relevant. “I look up to these two women because they are courageous, creative thinkers and extraordinary. My works stand out because I give my clients quality service and make them look gorgeous. In this work I’ve received wonderful comments from people who love my work. I think my best is yet to come.”

“My clients are from different walks of life. Any lady that love makeup and want to look more beautiful is welcome. The Nigerian makeup industry is growing though so many people are abusing it. Most people ignorantly go into makeup artistry because they feel people are making money without understanding the basics. Having passion for the profession and going into makeup because people are doing it are separate things. This is affecting the industry but I hope it gets better. Five years from now, I see myself having a big beauty outfit where my photography, makeup and hairstyling studios will all be in one place,” she said.