Young and In Charge: Teju Tobun

As I interviewed Teju all that came to my mind was "here is a strong willled lady". Teju came across to me as one who sees no barriers, everything about her screams, "go for your dreams!" I must say, I am greatly inspired. So I bring you Teju Tobun, whose love for make up is taking her places, and I am sure I am not going to be the only lady who would be wowed by the pictures of her works... I have just this to say about them "Simply Beautiful!" Enjoy.

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Oyeteju Tobun, a Christian, from Epe town, Lagos State. I love Makeup up, Fashion, Music, Poetry, I can be very friendly and blunt too.

What was growing up like?

Growing up was good, I'll just keep thanking God. I am from a family of four, being the first female, with two sisters looking up to me, I grew up with a lot of responsibilities, looking out for them and all. I lost my Dad while I was in junior secondary school after a brief illness, but my Mum is a Strong woman, and I just Thank God for her and where I am today. 

Tell us a little about your educational background.

I attended Liham Preparatory School for Primary education and the prestigious Queens' College Yaba Lagos (set of 2006) for Secondary education. I Graduated From  UNILAG in 2011 with a Degree in B.A(ed) with a Second Class upper, yes! I read a lot, balanced my life, beauty and brains *winks* and did have fun too. I was the Faculty of Education Social Secretary at the time, and just made the best of it because, I didn't plan to study Education but ended up there. Life is about making the most of every moment. God always has a plan.

What is Make up by Teju about?

Make up By Teju, yeah, I am still Original with my name because all the ones that came to mind were either taken or sounded absurd. Then I thought, my mentors Tara and Banke Meshida use their names, why can't I just stay with it?... So, I Do Makeup for  Brides, Photoshoots, VideoShoots, Tv Productions, Bridal Hair, EyeLash fixing, Headgear and Beauty Consultancy. I have many talents. Besides makeup I Work with an EventPlanner (Oasis)and get hostesses for events,as well.

How did you go from getting a B.A (ed) in Adult Education to being a make up artist?

Wow, I actually didn't go from it, let me just say I was doing makeup right from Unilag, because I would put up write ups on my room door for ladies to come in and shape their eyebrows or have their makeup done if they were going clubbing or wanted to tie their headgear... I made small money then oh! and from there I just went for training @ Beautycook studios and started out on my own. 

What is your typical day like?

I pray, attend meetings with brides or clients for shoots to see my portfolio... Get necessary products I need for my box...bla bla. Lol.

What do you love most about what you do?

The joy and satisfaction I feel when a client looks in the mirror and sees the depth of the beauty they never knew they possessed.... I love that.

What has been your best work ever?

In this field, there's no best work for me, because I cannot say I have arrived. Humility is key, every makeover I give a client is the best!!!

What are the difficulties involved?

There's room for so many entrepreneurs in Nigeria now, and the issue of underpricing is something I and a lot of people out there face, many still don't see why they should pay to get their faces done. Though, I keep reminding them what's the essence of buying that expensive Lace, wedding dress or headgear, and not investing in a professional to Makeup Your Face that your guests want to see which will eventually compliment your attire?

If you were not doing this, what would you have been doing? 

Hmmn, I would be singing big time am sure... yes its still in my plan though.

Have you ever felt like giving up on Make up by Teju?

Yes. I am human, we have our ups and downs, but thank God I got through. Nothing good comes easy, but With God all things are Possible.

Who or what inspires you?

My Mum is my number one inspiration, then the key players in the field, awesome people that have shared their knowledge like Ewar, BmPro, Beautycook.

Considering the level of success you have attained, youths out there would be itching to know how old you are.

*shy face*...I was 23years old on the 22nd September 2012. 

Asides work, what do you do for fun?

Work. Ha! My work is Fun, I love it....I Have fun while working, I make people smile and make the money..Finito!

Advice to youths that wish to follow in your footsteps.

Hope and Pray. Hope is when you nurture a dream, and work towards it, even when it seems you're not close to it, hope is what keeps you going when you wake up in the morning. Prayer!!! God will back that hope up, just keep Praying... Let every youth out there see the best in him/herself and not dare give up!

Where do you see yourself and Make up byTeju in the next five years?

I see myself on the best platform, the best horizon and being the best MakeUp Artiste in the nation and beyond. Yelz! its my vision, you're allowed to have yours too!*wink*

Having heard from the amazing Teju, let's feed your eyes with pictures of her works...

Teju can be reached in the following ways: 

Address: 1,Tobun street Onike yaba Lagos. 

Phone no: 08038010569 and 08188179505

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tejuspluge

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbytejutobun