Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Ibe
Hi Shirley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had an interest in makeup. I started at a young age to play in my moms makeup, when and when she wasn’t looking. After many requests from friends and family to do their makeup, I decided to become a makeup artist. I sought out the best makeup artists to learn from and be mentored by. I’ve had the honor of learning from the makeup greats such as Scott Barnes, Mario Dedivanovic, Priscilla Ono, Keita Moore and more. Over the years of working as a makeup artist the biggest thing I noticed was how much I mix and customize a lip color for my clients , especially people of color. As much as I enjoyed the artistry of a custom mixed lip, I saw the downside for a client who wanted to purchase that shade and I’ve mixed 5 lipsticks from 4 different brands. It’s from this gap that Madeup Beauty was born. I wanted to created a lip line where people of all shades could find beautiful shades that worked for them without having to mix 5 shades. Madeup Beauty has grown from a lip line to include eye makeup and most recently face/cheek products. Madeup Beauty is also available exclusively online at Shoppers Drug Mart and I’m so proud of that partnership!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My take on entrepreneurship is, that if it’s a smooth road, you’re not doing something right. Haha.
Entrepreneurship comes with so many struggles but they’re also the best learning points and teaches so much endurance and resilience.
Some of my struggles was definitely financial. Not having the finances to launch my brand in the capacity I wanted- but it taught me so much about growth.
Another struggle, just like with most business was staying above water during covid. Having to modify my marketing strategy to be ‘covid friendly’, promoting my lip conditioners. It worked out though because they became my hero product.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats currently. I’m on maternity leave now but I was working full time as a Patient Food Services Manager at a local hospital. I also work as a makeup artist and run my cosmetic business, Madeup Beauty!
As a makeup artist I specialize in skin looking natural and color matching and my clients seek me out specifically for that. I want my clients to look and feel like themselves. I also bring that mentality to my brand, Madeup Beauty. It’s inclusive beauty for all people.
I’m most proud of Madeup Beauty getting into Shoppers Drug Mart. It’s been such an amazing journey and experience!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I feel like I’ve had a lot of good luck, but I also believe I’ve laid the right foundations in my life and business to succeed with or without luck!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madeupbeauty.com
- Instagram: @madeupbeauty_
- Facebook: Madeup Beauty Cosmetics
