Young and In Charge: Zainab Idris

Parents are gradually becoming more accepting of careers that were hitherto seen as unserious and unprofessional, as we have seen with our recent YICs, parents of the YICs have given them the support and the platform needed to pursue their dreams, and where the support wasn't there at the beginning, they eventually gave in and supported the dreams of their children. Our YIC of the week, had the support of her parent from the get and has perfected her craft to the the point that she now teaches others the business, meet out inspiring young person of the week, Zainab Idris, makeup artist extraordinaire.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Zainab Idris, from Kogi State, I am Ebira to be precise. I am the third out of four children.

What was growing up like?

I come from a very large family, so I grew up having so many people around: cousins, aunts, uncles e.tc. That has taught me how to live amongst people. My parents have always taught us, my siblings and I, how to be independent and that has helped me in becoming who I am today.

Tell us a little about your educational background.

I attended Queens Science Nursery and Primary School Suleja, afterwards had my junior secondary education at FGC Kwali Abuja, after which I proceeded to Bishop James Yisa Memorial Secondary School for my senior year. I have a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Abuja. I also have a diploma in customer service and relationship management.

The courses you read in school and your present career path, are on different ends of the pole, most people would have expected you to end up in Nollywood, what led to your choice to follow you current career path?

I have always loved makeup, not making people up though, but I found out I could do what I love as a career.  I could still be in Nollywood but behind the scenes. 

How do you balance what you studied with what you do presently, have you been able to apply them to each other and what has the experience been like so far.

Costume and makeup are part of the course I studied in school,  so am not far from what I studied in school, just that this time around I do more of beauty makeup. I hope to delve into theatrical makeup in the nearest future.

How was it like when you first started, what challenges did you face, how did your parents deal with your decision and how did you win them over?

Makeup artistry is an industry that has come to stay in Nigeria and is making its impact rapidly. One of the challenges of being a makeup artist is that people see you as someone who is not educated (more like a school drop out) who just want to do something thereby making them treat you like a nobody. Well it still boils down to how you carry yourself. My parents never had an issue with me becoming a makeup artist since they had always encouraged self-reliance.

What has the whole experience been like?

Trust me it has not been easy, but looking on the brighter side, it’s been fun. At least I get to meet a lot of people, who in a way have been able to teach me a lesson or two.

What do you love most about what you do?

The fact that I make people beautiful, it puts smiles on their faces and that is fulfilling. 

Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams?

No way! Instead I’m making myself better at what I do.

Who or what motivates you?

My mum. She is one selfless being I have seen

How does your typical day go?

I currently work with House of Tara int'l, so I go to work in the mornings, attend to my normal office activities (which includes make people pretty), after the close of work, I hang out with friends if need be.

What do you like to do for fun?

Hang out with friends, see movies or go for salsa.

Are there any other hidden talents that we should know about?

I dance

How do you intend to inspire or bring about change with what you do?

I plan to be an inspiration to other young women through teaching the art of makeup.

With the level of success you have achieved, we are all itching to know how old you are.

I was born Nov 3rd 1990

The makeup industry is presently one of the industries that has helped make a lot of young ladies independent, keeping them away from a lot of vices. What’s your take on the industry and what’s you advice to anyone that wants to go into the industry.

It should not been seen as a way to while away time rather, it should taken seriously as it has brought financial security to many, me inclusive.

A word of advice to young Nigerians with dreams that they are yet to or afraid to pursue.

I once heard something on radio and it is ' it is true that you never know what you have until you loose it, but it is also true that you never know what you have missed until you have it' so never give up on your dreams, you never know, it could bring you financial independence. 

Where do you see yourself on a personal level and as an entrepreneur in the next five years?

I see myself as an industry trendsetter by the special grace of God.

Zainab can be reach on:
Phone: 08060797491
Facebook: Idris Zainab
Twitter: @purpledrape
Instagram: @purpledrape