Giving Patience Jonathan a makeover was a pleasant experience –Banke Meshida

BY CHRISTY ANYANWU

Among Nigeria’s cutting edge makeup profes­sionals, Banke Meshida Lawal glows like neon light. She is the brain behind BM Pro, a successful indigenous range of makeup products, which is fast making inroads and getting a seeded place in the makeup chest drawers of middle-upper class Nigerian women who treasure quality that gives their lips, brows and cheeks that in­viting attractiveness that most men find irresistible (and their wives worry about if the ladies happen to be their secretaries or single colleagues). For the woman that wants a sis not a new name to women, espe­cially those who want a beauti­ful, attractive and inviting face. Her beauty products transform the face totally, producing a beautiful, attractive and inviting face. One particular person, who will totally agree with this is Dame Patience Jonathan, whose previously drab look Banke Meshida turned into a Sweet-16 attractiveness that drew rave reviews from fashion writers.

Meshida is an English gradu­ate of the University of Lagos, who is married to Lanre Lawal and blessed with three children. She the daughter of two acad­emicians and grew up at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where she had a fun-filled childhood and loves to play violin. Meshida was one of the exhibitors at the Dental and Beauty Seminar/Fair held at Eko Hotel & Suite, recently. She spoke with Sunday Sun at the event.

Excerpts…

What is the secret of your brand’s success in Nigeria and Africa?

I think its consistency in being a make-up artist and creating makeup looks; added to this is the quality of BM Pro products, which keeps getting better. People are drawn to products that deliver what they want and this is what I strive to do with BM Pro range of beauty products. We are not perfect but I strive for excellent customer care; I appreciate feedback from customers, so that I can take corrective steps.

What makes your brand of beauty products stand out?

I think it’s because I have retained the look of my make-up. I have kept it soft and wearable.

I try to do makeup that I don’t need to explain the reason for putting one item where I put it. I just want to create a beautiful face that the woman would be confident and excited to go out with and show in public. That is what has been accepted by my clientele and I think I have kept that style.

How has the business terrain been?

We have had ups and downs; we have had periods where we were actually not doing any make-up because of the way things were in the country. For instance, during Ramadan, some people don’t bother about having their makeup done. We have our low points and we have our high points. But during December we work more.
I heard that it was you that gave Patience Jonathan a makeover.

What was it like working with her?

It was a fantastic experience. I felt so happy doing her makeup. Until then, she was sort of faceless at the beginning. Somewhat drab, but lurking under that was a face that become really attractive. By the time I did the makeover and then we had the photoshoot handled by TY Bello, a brand new person emerged.

You could say that we re-presented her as an attractive first lady to Nigerians, and a lot of people liked what they saw. I think that is what good make-up and good photography can do to a person’s image: you present your subject in an appealing way. I get to meet people in their private life and I must confess that working with the former first lady was a

new experience.

As a wife, mother and businesswoman, how do you juggle all three roles effectively?Simply, the grace of God makes it possible. The Almighty has given me a good support system. On the home front, I try to make sure that everyone is taken care of and my husband sorted out.

When you have a good support system and people do what they are supposed to do, then everything falls into place.

What has life taught you as a person?

Well, I have learnt a couple of things. One thing is that you can create your own destiny.

Luck, opportunity and the grace of God play different roles in what a person turns to be. So there are different facets to being successful. Different things propel success your way but you also have to be ready to accommodate whatever is coming. Be prepared. I work in beauty therapy a lot. I have worked with a lot of brides, making sure that the bride is happy, that the client is happy. Those are the things that are paramount to me. I want the makeup I do for a client to be something that she’s confident and happy wearing. I have learnt that you could create your destiny. Your life should be the way you want it to be and if it has not become what you want, you then keep working at it.

Is makeup really ideal or a must for women?

I believe everyone should wear makeup. Makeup is something that it boosts your confidence.

If you like attention, when you wear makeup people tend to be drawn to you.

Beautiful people make headway. If a beautiful woman walks into a room, everyone will fall over themselves. But if a drab looking person walks into a room, everybody is asking what is she doing here. There is actually no need for anyone to look rough and grumpy. You need to make the effort. A word for women: in as much you are looking for luck to help you

out in some areas of your life, you should also make the effort. Look beautiful, wear makeup, put on the lipstick, pick your eyebrows, and if you can’t do it, get a professional to do it and let the professional show you the products to use, so that you could go away with the item and do it yourself. When my girl is doing my makeup, if I’m going out, my husband

would say, ‘Eeeeh, you look beautiful. I look at myself in the mirror and I am pleased with what I see. You walk into a room and everyone is saying wow. That is what makeup does. It gives you a boost in confidence.

What’s your fashion idea?

I like easy flirty pieces. I don’t want to constrict myself in a corset or tight-fitting clothes, just to create a straight silhouttte look. Occasionally, I would wear it but if it’s going to make me uncomfortable I take it off and wear loose comfortable pieces.

So you don’t wear girdle?

No, because when you see me you don’t expect to see a size four woman; I will look strange if I wear that. You can’t hug people, because they will feel the bag, so there’s no need. In fact, girdle is excess baggage I would rather not carry on my body.

Do you do any extra thing to look beautiful?

I exfoliate my skin. I use the mask and muse foundation. When I know I have a big

event I use the mask for my face in the morning and that would give me an instant glow.

Your makeup is mild and sometimes you don’t even bother, why?

I used to wear a lot of makeup but these days I tend to be more subtle. I’m always on the move. I try not to make my face the focus.

I want to walk into a room quietly. When you are fully made up, it can be quite intimidating. It seems you paid a lot of attention to your face and God bless you that you don’t do that makeup right. Rather I try to focus attention on the bride, not on myself.

Then who is Banke Meshida Lawal?

Banke Meshida- Lawal, went to university of Lagos, I studied English, I have three children.

I’m married to Lanre Lawal. I play the violin. My parents are academicians and I grew up in OAU Ife. I had a fun childhood.

Any memorable experience growing up?

We used to go fishing. There was a day that we had to cross this pond and the water was gushing. I remembered that I nearly fell into water but I managed to cross. Also the memory of plucking almond fruits and guavas throwing sticks and all those funny things.

Source: Sunnews