My second week of January usually is the beginning of my wait on God for guidance and direction.

How do you start your year? kindly share in the comment section. Lots of love. Misykona

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I will return anywhere I have a good buying experience. I was at Sephora last week for ‘Black Friday,’ even though I had no intention of purchasing anything, I just wanted to look at new releases but the fragrance aisle caught my attention, so I strolled over and tested perfumes. I got confused on which to pick, when I glanced behind me, I saw her with a wide smile on her face saying, “Can I help you with anything?” She was understanding, patient, and knowledgeable about the products. She guided me in selecting what I was looking for.

The display unit had gift ideas for your loved ones for Christmas which made shopping pretty easy. The gift card is also and option to consider. Meanwhile you can also get signed up for Sephora Membership card which allows you shop at discounts.

Lastly, I noticed this Display stand called “The next Big Thing” which was introducing new brands into the retail market. This way you can test and patronise indie beauty brands. There was another shelve for minis which I t aught was a smart business idea, you could get some of your favorite brand in travel size if you dont want to commit to the big size

I got myself a travel size perfume from Juliette has a gun Lust for Sun. Looking back on that experience, I can see why SEPHORA invests so heavily on training their staff. This is to let you know, a business is only as powerful as its consumer service representative. Is good experience with business important to you ?

Till my next post, lots of love. Misykona.

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Hey beauties, I never talked about why I shut my down my beauty brand 6 years after and moved abroad. Here goes my story … It’s been 434 weeks (8.32 years) that I launched our first collection at Beauty Essentials by Nsure (BEN) in Nigeria , at first, it was clear makeup pouch, bag and eventually expanded into hygiene products which was the formulation of our very first Brush cleaner which has since become a staple in Makeup kit. I still have the pictures of the first prototype and remember how I couldn’t sleep due to anxiety and excitement prior to the launch at Lagos Makeup Fair 2015 at Ikeja ,Lagos.

How did I start BEN ?

Surprisingly, it was from seeing a problem, being a makeup artist, I didn’t want to carry bulky makeup box that already weighs a tonne around, not to mention setting up in clients location and trying prevent messing up my client’s expensive furniture . I was burdened with how to make life easier for makeup professional / makeup lovers. It started with organizational tools, then hygiene because I hated the sight of dirty, crusty makeup brushes .I knew it could spread bacteria if not properly cleaned and disinfected .

Meanwhile note that I was a successful and experienced freelance makeup artist and had worked with so many local and international brands e.g MAC, Maybelline, Lancôme and so on this helped my confidence and urge to start my brand.

It wasn’t easy but all in all very worth it . Here are what I would advise you while you are planning to move to a new location.

Lesson 1: Sell the Products and Myself

The products are the area of focus, make sure the product developed meets a need and is affordable. Eventually people saw how successful the brand was and wanted beauty business consultation with me which was a total different market and I should have explored. Occasionally, I consulted in beauty and various unconnected industries. If I were to go back, I would develop being a consultant as well. Knowledge and expertise make you money and can be done anywhere via consulting.

Lesson 2: Exploring other sectors in the beauty industry (Hygiene, tools and accessories)

There are categories in the beauty industry that I find very lucrative, low competition and sustainable. I went all out manufacturing locally in Nigeria, I started with organization tools ,pouches etc and Brush cleaner spray as I saw the need. The idea of developing a product to solve problem was exciting. Though being a makeup artist is highly competitive and slightly saturated in Nigeria, Bridal makeup artistry pays highest because all that is required really is your artistry skill but owning a makeup brand / retailer will task you. The sustainable way to remain in business is to make sure you cater to makeup artist needs and also to end users thus you have enough customers to service.

Besides, I should have taken my online store more seriously than I did, its important, the Direct To Consumer (DTC) business model helped with feedback, connecting, educating and improving our product offering. to have control over distribution channel and attending makeup fairs were great platform for reducing how quickly our products were copied and meeting new clients.

Lesson 3: The pain in weathering the unexpected health concerns

When I started, we were team of 5 which wasn’t a big team. My loving husband helped me with everything and anything, not too long after I got pregnant and I had to stop business due to health challenges and COVID 19 happened in 2020. I urgently had to travel out of the country in 2021 July for intensive medical care. The unexpected move made me take a break I Hence, quickly consolidated and valued the business and sold it off or handed it over to a trusted employee to continue.

Lesson 4. Work on my Career goals and Develop myself

While I was in living in Nigeria, I was more interested in Sales and Research. I had just two business training and that was it. The knowledge I got was useful and helped with making better business decision and direction. I wasn’t thinking about the international market just then.

In the meantime, I concentrated on growing my career and took some International Certification in Luxury – Retail & Customer Experience in 2022 and Creation & Branding, Operations & Supply Chain 2023 (Inside LVMH Certificate) and Master’s in Business Management and Commerce (UK). And Global Sustainability and innovation (Australia) and before I get my global role.

There was no way to continue as my core customers was in Nigeria and faced with new realities I had to adjust .

What now?

My love and passion for the beauty industry is still alive despite living abroad , I have managed to attend one  Beauty Expo Australia too. My advise is to keep improving and getting better and preparing for the perfect fit in the global market (AMEN). I have refused to be stagnant and found other ways to evolve and remain relevant without feeling unproductive. There are times I wish I could share the knowledge I know with fellow brand owners, Makeup artist and brainstorm on how to move the African Beauty Industry forward I guess I will start blogging more on that here.  If you don’t know how to start take baby steps by subscribing to Beauty industry Newsletter, Cosmetics News etc

These are my honest emotions and I don’t know if anyone can relate, I do not have any regrets, it was a phase of my life that I gave my best and had fun doing so. I thank God for his mercies and grace for without him, it would not have been possible.  Running my business opened me up to great friendship and opportunities. It’s an emotional roller coaster being away from routine of doing what you love, thank God for technology helping us keep in touch with lovely family and friends. such great emotional support system. My Keyword right now is intentional living, I am much more aware of my time and picked up new hobbies such as gardening, cooking, writing and exploring the city I live in.

Do you find it easy to settle into a new location or it takes time to settle, kindly share with me in the comment.

Until next time.

Misykona.

The post Why I shut down my beauty brand 6 years after and moved abroad. appeared first on Misykona | Top Beauty Blog Nigeria|Makeup Artist in Lagos Nigeria.

I am inspired by how quickly K BEAUTY has grown, due to significant investment and support from the Korean government, its entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the patronage of Koreans. How did Korean skincare products gain popularity in the globally? Korean pop music (K-pop) Musical groups like as BTS, EXO, and BLACKPINK had massive global followings. This growing interest in Korean culture, beauty, and fashion. These K-pop artists promote these on social networking sites. Korean dramas have gained a significant viewership all over the world, platforms like Netflix, Amazon prime and other streaming services have made a variety of Korean dramas accessible to all.

Korean cuisine, especially dishes such as kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean barbecue, has grown in popularity in some urban areas, promoting the growth of Korean restaurants, street food, and food festivals showcasing Korean dishes, resulting in more exposure. Korean beauty is well-known for its excellent ingredients, innovative skincare products and formulations, and attractive packaging. They pioneered the well-known 10-step skincare steps. They developed the sheet mask, serums for glass skin, and dewy look, which have become standards and trends in the global beauty and skincare consumers. Korean fashion trends focus mainly on street style.

Consumers may now easily access and purchase Korean skincare products thanks to the rise of e-commerce platforms and online beauty retailers. This accessibility has undoubtedly contributed to the rise of Korean beauty. The global appeal of K-pop and Korean dramas has undoubtedly contributed to the market growth of Korean beauty products. It’s fascinating to see how the entertainment business affects consumer behaviour and trends. I’ve tried a number of Korean brands but my favourite is Laneige  lip sleep mask is very effective, and I strongly recommend that you try it. I couldnt get one from MECCA MAXIMA .

I What are your thoughts on the Korean global invasion ?

Till my next post, Misykona.

The post How Korean skincare has taken over the globe in recent years. appeared first on Misykona | Top Beauty Blog Nigeria|Makeup Artist in Lagos Nigeria.

The layout of the products and brand exhibition was excellent. There were numerous exhibitors, both international and domestic. It wasn’t only makeup brands; there was also salon and spa equipment. The event lasted two days and included cosmetics demonstrations, competitions, and masterclasses.

It was also ideal for networking, education, a fast demonstration, and face-to-face interaction with brand owners. I made a point of collecting business cards from everyone I met.

Exhibitions and tradeshows are critical, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, because they serve as a gathering place for industry professionals. This platform provides the quickest path to brand growth, visibility, credibility, and exposure. It also provides industry knowledge and demonstrates what the competitor is doing.

Products receive instant feedback, marketing ideas are communicated, and customer data is shared. During fairs, sales and package deals are made. Partnerships and collaborations are developed as well. Retailers, distributors, and suppliers form important commercial relationships.

By the time I was ready to go, I felt overloaded and overstimulated. I didn’t notice any brands handing out samples or testers. I attended a masterclass on sustainable beauty and how to use omnichannel to grow your brand. The makeup masterclass demo was on how to achieve glass skin using minimal products. I learnt a lot from both classes.

.I had a great time at Beautyexpo Australia and cant wait for the next edition. If you’ve been to an exhibition, please share your thoughts in the comments section

Till my next post, Misykona.

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After 2 weeks haunt, I finally got one from a Pharmacy . It is recommended to get the 100% organic , Cold pressed ,Hexane free. On day !, I applied a 2 drops of the oil on my bellybutton and on my surgical scars and there was slight bleeding and my bloating reduced. It helps to break down lumps, blood and heal scar tissue. It worked for my hair growth as well .

it is a thick oil and it takes a while to penetrate into the skin layer . This Brand Life and pursuit castor oil is fragrance free and not messy. Have you tried this oil before and what were your observations? Drop comment below.

Till my next post, Hugs Misykona.

The post Castor Oil benefits I saw after one month use. appeared first on Misykona | Top Beauty Blog Nigeria|Makeup Artist in Lagos Nigeria.

I had a great time getting familiar with the lots of local brands and trying them on. I love the store layout m very easy to navigate and not overwhelming. They had an aisle for TREND product which were items that were recent and had great bargain on and another for gift ideas to give to loved ones. The price point was relatively fair compared to some other stores and you can get a membership card which allows you discounts on products .

Have you shopped at MECCA MAXIMA before and what was your experience like/. Kindly share with me in the comment section.

Lots of love , Misykona.

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introduces the Oladupe marketing campaign. The all-time greatest dupe campaign.
Let me begin by describing what a ‘Dupe’ is. Dupes are things that appear and feel like high-end products but cost a fraction of the price. Duplicates are positioned as “alternatives” to the original offering. Most time people capitalise o n the hype around a brand and want to pay less to get same value. Another brand I loved here

Olaplex is a leading hair treatment brand that just launched the ‘Oladupe campaign,’ which is both interesting and controversial. It was primarily intended to prevent the selling of counterfeit products advertised on social media.
Olaplex built the unreal Oladupe.com website with the goal of marketing the dupe product Oladupe No.160”. The dupe product is claimed to be a knockoff of Olaplex’s Hair Perfector No. 3, however when you click on buy, you are sent to the Olaplex website and offered

Olapex addressed the tendency of #dupeculture, to which tiktokers have gotten addicted. They raised awareness and underlined that, while dupes are inexpensive, they are not the same. This was a bold and unusual move. Tiktok was used to organise and dismantle information in order to reach the intended audience.

Some important takeaways from this advertisement include that influencers and technology played a significant impact in how rapidly the Tiktok campaign spread and took off.
This timeliness and information shared on their Tiktok platform connected them directly with the consumers, keeping them close to their hearts and giving them a voice to address their customers directly and build trust.
Last year, Olapex was involved in a litigation, which had a detrimental impact on sales.

What lesson did you learn and please  leave a comment to share your thoughts?

You can follow me on Instagram and YouTube as well.

The post Olaplex and Oladupé Marketing Campaign #dupeculture appeared first on Misykona | Top Beauty Blog Nigeria|Makeup Artist in Lagos Nigeria.

I had the privilege of participating in The Inside LVMH certificate program, which has been an enriching experience. Through a combination of articles, videos, and seminars, I’ve delved into the fascinating world of luxury, gaining a profound appreciation for the craftsmanship, heritage, and detailed strategies that lie at the heart of these esteemed brands.

Inside LVMH Certificate program was A 8-week program featuring inspiring talents, teams and leaders from LVMH, professionals from consulting firms (Bain & Company), as well as experienced professors from renowned international business schools and universities (HEC Paris, Università Bocconi, Harvard Business School, New York University, Sciences Po).

It was an opportunity to deep dive into the world of luxury, and learn more about the fundamentals of the LVMH ecosystem and luxury industry through 4 modules:

• LVMH & The Luxury Industry
• Luxury & Sustainability
• Creation & Branding
• Retail & Customer Experience

They are the parent company of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Loewe, Bulgari, Tiffany’s, Sephora, Moët & Chandon to mention a few.

You could specialize in Retail and customer service OR Operations & Supply Chain.

The classes are online and you can take lectures at your own convenient time (at least one hour per class). You are required to pass the examination if you want the certificate ????

It’s free and provides opportunities for internship. 

It’s not limited to beauty industry, you can also apply if you are in the fashion industry or just want to broaden your knowledge. The previous batch was May, click Here to read up. I think the next batch should be September or October

I hope this answers all your questions and good luck. If you have any question , kindly drop as a question below .

Tag someone who might need this too ????

P.S if I can do it ,then you can ????.

#insidelvmhcertificate

Although i took this certification Last year, I highly recommend .It was part of my goals before my birthday . See Here

Till my next post ,love….Misy.

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Hey beauties, it’s my birthday and i am sharing 2 Life Lessons I’ve Learned at 40-Something.
I am loving it here on the 4th floor to be honest.
Firstly, social media is causing you to believe that one getting older is scary or you’re not enough if you fail to comply with some beauty / lifestyle standards remember the goal is not to fit in, but to be unapologetically YOU.
Secondly, this phase is all about living intentionally and creating lovely memories.
I am a full pledge rich African Aunty now ???? and I unashamedly love God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit of God.
My prayer for you is that you get to where God wants you to be .My joy comes from the Lord .Nehemiah 8:10. The beginning of the year started out blessed and eventful. I shared my thoughts here.

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear (name)
Happy Birthday to You. From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too.
How old are you?
How old are you?
How old, How old
How old are you?

Feel free to rate my Rich Aunty vibe over 10. See the video on my instagram Lots of love from the birthday girl, Misykona.

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