Mo’mi Dawodu, a professional make-up artist based in Calgary Alberta, Canada, has a long history of providing memorable makeovers. The dashing young lady, born of a Nigerian father and a Canadian mother, is exploring business opportunities since she came into the country this year to trace her roots. She talks about it all in this interview with DGossip247
Is this your first time in Nigeria?
How has your visit to Nigeria been? This is my second visit to Nigeria. My first time was in January this year. I was welcomed to this country with such love and respect that I decided to come back.
What has been your experience since your arrival?
I have had a really great experience since being here. On my first trip, my family was so excited to see me and know that I was here in Nigeria. I am born and raised in Canada to a Nigerian Father and a Canadian mother.
So it was nice to see where my father is from, it helped to get to know him better. Also, I have been on a journey of self-discovery, I knew little to nothing about my family here in Nigeria. This has been the most eye opening experience of my life. I love Nigeria!
Before coming, what was your impression about the country and what has been the difference between what you heard about Nigeria and your experience?
Before coming, I had many different opinions about Nigeria. Many people would tell me that it’s a horrible, dangerous place to travel to while others told me how great it is and how successful I will be if I bring my makeup artistry business here.
At the end of the day, I had to come see for myself. I had spent a lot of time in Tanzania, so I am very familiar with Africa. That prepared me a bit.
You mentioned that you plan taking the fashion industry here by storm. How do you hope to achieve this?
Well, to start with, I have been meeting so many people who have been kind enough to connect me with the entertainment industry and those who may need my services.
Also, I see people are impressed with people abroad, our fashion, our knowledge etc. I am coming with an attitude of respect for what Nigeria has done and still doing in the fashion and beauty industry. There are lots I can contribute and also so much for me to learn.
Are there plans to connect Canada and Nigeria in your projects?
Like I said, there are as much for me to learn about Nigeria as there is for Nigeria to learn from me. Through speaking to different women I have met here, they are unaware of certain products and services that are really popping back home and in America.
I think once they familiarise themselves with what I plan to introduce, it will also be very popular here. I have already got a few people excited for what I got.
What really is your passion and how has it helped in defining the real you?
I am a very passionate person. I feel responsible to live my best life and hopefully inspire someone else to go get theirs. I grew up thinking I was worthless. I really thought I would not make anything of my life.
But I found strength from within to start taking big risks and I started writing down my goals that I wanted to achieve. This led me to do so much more than I have ever thought. I have seen success through believing in myself. Empowering women who did not believe in themselves for whatever reason is my true passion.
What are your likes and dislikes?
One thing I hate mostly is people who do not respect other people’s time. I am a straight up person and I expect the people around me to be the same. Those people who are inconsistent with their words drive me bananas.
This just happened to me recently, someone seriously wasted my time. What I love most is easy people to work with, those that are not afraid to be honest with me. I love people that really want to get to know me rather than use me for what they think comes with my lifestyle. I love life and art. There is so much that I love in life.
As a young entrepreneur, what kinds of assistance are available in Canada?
Canada helps young entrepreneurs a lot. When I started my coffee and tea business, I was able to take advantage of a lot of services to get my business up and running. There are loans and services to help you write a business plan and find investors, especially if you’re under 30. I have to admit that Canada is a great place to be an entrepreneur.
If you are in a position to advise the Nigerian government, what will you recommend in areas of SMEs vis-à-vis employment generation?
I don’t know much about this. I’m just listening to the opinions of the people who live here for now. I’m not in a position to give my two cents. What I can say is, like most of the things around here there’s always room for improvement.
I think fashion is about self-expression. It is about how you carry yourself and how you view the world. To me, everyone should have their own fashion. I am aware of fashion trends, but I like my fashion to be timeless. I use fashion to make a statement, and to open a dialogue about something we are all trying to run from.
Would you describe Nigerians as being on top of it?
Okay, let’s just say this. Nigeria is leading not only Africa but in the world of fashion. I used to buy African fashion magazines and all you would see is fashion coming out of Nigeria. This country is full of innovative minds, talented designers, makeup artists, musicians. I am very excited to be part of it.
What is your idea of relationship? I mean your ideal man?
My ideal man is someone that is willing to get to know me for me. Relationships are tough, whether it be a romantic relationship or a friendship. If a man gets that you have to invest time and effort in a relationship constantly then that works for me. I love to have fun, I’m a people person, I love to cook, I love passionately. So to me, a good man will be able to complement me.
So who is Mo’mi Dawodu?
She is a young lady born of a Nigerian father and a Canadian mother. As a young girl, Mo’mi could always see the greater potential in people; and transforming friends and family was her absolute favourite thing to do.
In 2010, this hobby turned into a fullfledged passion, motivating her to seek out a career in the field, which she did accomplish by attending and receiving a diploma in makeup artistry from an accredited school in her home city of Calgary Alberta. Education is ongoing for Mo’mi, attending trade shows, seminars and keeping a good repertoire of current fashion magazines.
She always keeps herself on top of the latest techniques and trends. Mo’mi uses colour to bring to life an interpretation of her clients expressed vision.
By pulling inspiration from nature as well as fashion, she is able to create a variety of photograph worthy looks. Mo’mi prides herself on perfectly matching foundation for all ethnicities and complexions, connecting with individuals and artfully enhancing their physical beauty so clients not only look beautiful, but feel beautiful as well.
Mo’mi’s experience includes photo shoots for print, fashion shows, and special events/ bridal, as well as commercial, television and film, video production and special effect makeup.
Mo’mi’s work can be seen in independent films such as Treacherous Heart, Lifestyles TV series, Pardon My Garden, Fashionsign Magazine cover, Glacier Magazine, Airdrie Life Magazine, and others. A highlight for Mo’mi in 2012 was producing, coordinating and practicing her craft for Afrikadey!’s first international fashion show.
There, Mo’mi had the opportunity of working alongside one of her favorite celebrity designers –Romero B r y a n . Mo ’mi h a s a l s o b e e n f e a – tured o n t e l e – v i s i o n segments s h a r – ing colour matching techniques and tips for CTV as well as City TV in Calgary. In 2013, Mo’mi developed, instructs a n d continues to o f f e r ‘Glaminar’ programs.
This is not only for aspiring but, working makeup artists and those interested in becoming their own pro makeup artists. Mo’mi continues to make herself available for opportunities to express herself artistically.
