Mbali Nyikiza, a qualified beautician and make-up artist with exceptional skills, makes a living by using her talent to embellish the country’s television broadcasters, actors, local film stars and beauty pageant contestants.

Mbali has launched a beauty and make-up school, Ladymbals Makeup Services, in Katlehong, and the school helps her impart skills and knowledge to hundreds of unemployed and underprivileged young women, to help create employment for them.

As the CEO, Mbali invited Kathorus Mail for an exclusive interview where she spoke about her humble beginnings.

She also spoke about the Ladymbals 4 Day Makeup Masterclass which she officially launched in February.

“I started the programme because I wanted to empower women with make-up artistry skills so that they can start to become professional make-up artists and create their own businesses or find job opportunities. In the process my aim is also to build a sisterhood group where we can share beauty ideas and tips about make-up jobs and skills.

“Women are the pillar of every community and I know that if I empower them I will be empowering the whole community,” said Mbali.

She said her classes have equipped 39 women with beauty ideas and make-up artistry skills since its inception in February.

The classes are conducted in four days on a weekly basis. Upon completion of their training, the students get certificates as proof of having accomplished their training.

“The training courses are conducted from Tuesday to Friday each week. The training commences at 10:00 up to 17:00. On the first day of the classes, women learn about beauty theory and information about make-up,” explained Mbali.

She also mentioned that thereafter the trainees progress to doing practicals about the art of beauty make-up.

“The remaining three days I teach them about how to mix colours, work with different skin tones and how to apply different types of make-up on different skin tones. They start to practise how to apply make-up on their own faces first, then when they have mastered that aspect of training they do it on other people’s faces,” Mbali explained.

She said the beauty and make-up industry is awash with opportunities.

“People can work in production companies or open their own beauty and make-up shops in the comfort of their homes.

“I started in 2003, then in 2007 I enrolled for beauty and make-up course and when I completed that I was awarded a certificate in beauty and fashion make-up artistry,” shared Mbali.

She said that she has worked on some of the best TV and film productions in the country and abroad as a make-up artist.

“I love what I’m doing and I’m passionate about it, and I now have a mentorship programme for aspiring make-up artists,” said added.

One of her trainee students who received a completion certificate, Mpho Nkosi, also of Katlehong, said being in the programme has taught her that she can easily start her own business with the skills and training she acquired from Mbali’s beauty school.

“From here I’m planning to buy a make-up kit and start my own business, because I have noticed that people are willing to pay to be embellished to look beautiful.

“The programme has been helpful because I have learned a lot about make-up and I’m going to use the knowledge I have learned to earn a living,” Mpho explained.

“I don’t regret enrolling in the programme because Mbali teaches us a lot of different make-up techniques. “She taught us that make-up is applied differently to various skin types, which is something I didn’t know before coming here,” said Julia.

Julia said she was already operating a manicure and pedicure salon in Vosloorus and she is going to incorporate make-up into her beauty shop.

“My customer base is now going to increase because I will also be doing make-up,” she added.

Simphiwe Matsheke, who also received her completion certificate, said she has learned a lot about make-up colours during the programme.

“Before I joined Mbali’s classes, I never used to put on make-up. I have learned how to play around with the foundation and eyelash colours. I’m more confident and comfortable using makeup on my face,” Simphiwe concluded.