We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Uduak Kingsley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Uduak, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

In 2021, I secured a makeup contract, to provide makeup services for four clients at their chosen location. As I began working on the first client, I eagerly anticipated the opportunity to showcase my skills. However, my momentum was interrupted when the second client arrived, followed closely by the third.

To my dismay, the third client seemed unimpressed, particularly because another makeup artist was present. Despite feeling a pang of disappointment, I maintained my professionalism and continued with my work. However, my spirits were further dampened when the third client began expressing her dissatisfaction in a language she assumed I didn’t understand.

Summoning all my courage, I addressed her concerns in her native language, surprising her. I gracefully withdrew my services, recognizing the importance of respecting both myself and my craft. Although the experience was emotionally taxing, I remained composed and later reflected on the incident.

Determined to turn this setback into an opportunity for growth, I reached out to the other makeup artist, seeking to learn from her expertise. Together, we embarked on a journey of improvement, attending upgrade classes that enriched my skills and techniques.

Since then, my work has evolved, reflecting the dedication and perseverance I’ve invested in my craft. This experience served as a pivotal moment in my career, propelling me towards continuous self-improvement and excellence.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Uduak Kingsley a gifted and passionate makeup artist who has been honing my craft for over a decade. As the Creative Director of Udeez LLC, I have built an impressive reputation in the industry, earning the moniker “House of Udeez”. My journey to become a makeup artist was not an easy one. I was raised in a family where times were tough, and I had to rely on my creativity to make ends meet.

My passion for creativity started at a young age. I learned to make beads and hats and even took a tailoring class to make dresses that I could sell. I was able to raise enough money to pay for my college education, but I felt that something was missing. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon makeup artistry that I found my true calling.

One day, while I was in my hostel, I used a razor blade to shave my brows and drew a straight line of brows with a black pencil. I then applied a red blush on my cheek and found that my friends loved the result. They started requesting makeup applications, and I saw an opportunity to turn my passion into a money-making business.

I was determined to succeed, and my fiancé at the time introduced me to a renowned makeup artist who showed me the ropes. My curiosity was aroused, and I felt that there was so much more to learn. However, I got married shortly after and got pregnant, which made it difficult to pursue my craft. Even during my pregnancy, I continued to watch my makeup artist friends in action until almost a week before her delivery.

After giving birth, my passion for makeup artistry was reignited. I was eager to learn and improve my skills, but I couldn’t afford the expensive makeup schools in Nigeria. A friend advised me to apply to a particular makeup brand in my country(Nigeria) and trust God. I applied and was accepted, and that was where my makeup journey began in earnest. I received free training that would have cost a lot of money, and that opened doors to work with major brands and celebrities in Nigeria.

In 2016, I opened my makeup studio, House of Udeez. My reputation as a skilled makeup artist grew, and I became sought after by clients far and wide. I continued to operate as a freelance makeup artist until I relocated to the USA, where I still work as a freelance makeup artist to date. My passion for makeup artistry remains undiminished, and I derive immense satisfaction from my work. When I receive a makeup call, my body adjusts even when I’m tired, and I feel fulfilled knowing that I’m making someone feel beautiful.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a social media following wasn’t my top priority, but after studying my clients’ preferences, I understood the importance of consistent content and tutorials. Analyzing my social media page confirmed that my audience prefers tutorials over regular client videos. I shifted my focus to tutorials while still sharing client pictures and videos, emphasizing the importance of consistency and focus.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey is a testament to my unwavering resilience. Amidst the challenges of my upbringing, I turned to my innate creativity, crafting beads and hats to fund my education. When I felt a void, the discovery of makeup artistry became a transformative moment.

Despite early hurdles, my determination led me to seek guidance from an experienced makeup artist. Balancing marriage and pregnancy, I didn’t let obstacles derail my passion. Even during pregnancy, I observed makeup artists, fueling my desire to delve deeper into the craft.

Postpartum, my dedication resurfaced, but financial constraints initially hindered formal training. With a leap of faith, I applied to a makeup brand and received invaluable free training, propelling me into the industry’s spotlight.

Establishing House of Udeez in 2016 now UDEEZ LLC marked a significant milestone, and my reputation soared as a sought-after makeup artist working with renowned brands and celebrities in Nigeria. The relocation to the USA didn’t dim my passion; I continued to thrive as a freelance makeup artist, maintaining the same enthusiasm and dedication that defined my remarkable journey. My story reflects a resilient spirit that not only overcomes adversity but transforms it into a platform for success and fulfilment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Houseofudeez
• Facebook: Udeez
• Youtube: Houseofudeez

Image Credits
Images photographed by @magicstudio_11 @clickmedia.1 and @leegrapie