I want to Introduce to you a major player in the Makeup and Beauty industry in Nigeria, Mrs Funke Tonye-Preghafi. A graduate of Accountancy.Internationally Trained Makeup Artist and Beauty Therapist.
We have been friends for a long time over the phone before we finally saw ourselves @ BM Pro Ikeja Studio Launch (pleasant experience)
Funke is very versatile and passionate about makeup and beauty things, she has got a lot of exposure both locally and internationally. She even attended the just concluded IMAT London. Her passion for makeup artistry and Beauty has taken her all over the world, to acquire more knowledge. We are both incurable makeup addicts (lol)I visited her store in port harcourt during the Christmas holiday and I must confess I was very impressed. Her studio is classy, organized, stocked with a clean environment, and cozy ambiance with helpful and happy staff.Gifty Daughter studio is right in the heart of PH. I can compare it with the Sephora store abroad. I saw a wide range of collections of products, from High end brands to drugstore brands such as black up, MAC, Nouba,Nyx, Black radiance, sleek, Black Opal, Bobbi Brown, Iman, Tara, BM PRO, Zuca backpacks, makeup boxes, makeup tools, fragrances, skincare, Makeup brush set, bath, and body lotion to mention a few.
I was so happy when she agreed to interview her
A.My name is Olufunke Tonye-Preghafi.
What are your hobbies?Researching for new makeup & Beauty trends.
When and how did you start your business?
A.I. started by retailing makeup products and later went to beauty school.
Can you tell us about Gifty’s daughter?
A.Gifty’s Daughter is a Beauty company,we are not only makeup artists but experienced and trained professionals in Facial & Body Therapy, Body Piercing, Permanent Makeup, Semi-Permanent lash extensions, and beauty Educators. All this is achieved through knowledge acquired From trainings in different parts of the world, UAE, UK, USA,Ghana,South Africa & Nigeria.
How has the journey been so far?
A.I will say the experience so far has been fantastic, it hasn’t been without its share of heartbreaks and disappointments. I have made a lot of great friends through Giftys Daughter and have also lost some too.But in all, I am ever grateful to God for sustaining the business for so long.
How do you balance motherhood and business?
A.Balancing anything with motherhood can’t be easy motherhood itself is a full-time job. Somedays I feel guilty for not spending weekends with them or my husband because weekend are busy, but I am fortunate to have a wonderful husband and a great family support system that carries me when I fall short.
Can you mention names of MUAs that inspire you globally and locally?
I am inspired by the creative directors behind the makeup brands because we won’t have good products to work with. I love all MUAs cos we have unique areas of strength.
What inspired you to develop your own brush line?
A.I was tired of waiting for friends who travel out of the country to buy me quality brushes. I did a lot of research asked a lot of friends and customers what they wanted and ran with the vision.
What are your favorite international makeup brands? A. Nouba, Tasmerah, Zuca, and Black opal to mention a few.Are you a makeup artist or just an entrepreneur?
A.I am both cos I am making money from my passion. Makeup and all things beauty excite me.I eat, breathe, read, talk, and live makeup.5 years from now where do you see Gifty’s Daughter studio?A.5 years from now, Giftys Daughter will be on the lips of every makeup lover all over the world. We plan to conquer the world, one pace at a time.
You are located in Port Harcourt, does that affect sales positively or negatively?
A.I have been privileged to participate in a lot of events all over the world,and also sell all over Nigeria. I think being in PH is just the icing on the cake.
What do you think about the makeup industry in Nigeria?
A. The makeup and Beauty industry in Nigeria is growing. We still have a long way to go, talents, creativity, diversity, and exposure.I would like to see more creative hair shows,makeup shows, beauty awards of excellence and generally celebrating the beauty industry more. I also hope that we are able to get better beauty education, educators, and investors in this wonderful industry.
Any advice to people who are aspiring to be like you?
A. Don’t stop believing!When I asked for a loan to buy makeup to sell from my mum in 2005, she told me no.I sold everything I had, even my clothes my dream didn’t die. My mindset was to follow my vision to the end, if I didn’t make it,at least I tried. I am grateful that 6yrs later I am going strong, and I named my business after my mum(Gifty).
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| Funke (Middle) at IMAT londn with friends |
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| Funke working on a client. |
Studio Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria Address: 48 Khana Street,stop over the plaza, line.
Postal Code: 7653. Tel.: 08033368927.
