Wake up and Make-up!

Over the decades, makeup has evolved to be an integral part of expression, dressing up, marriages, other formal and informal events and the entertainment industry. You may think that teaching yourself new skills is a waste of time. But it’s the total opposite. It shows that you are disciplined and able to motivate yourself when faced with a task. Port Shepstone born and talented Xolani Ndovela famously known as Madame Ayo, shared his passion with UNIQ Magazine and how he is ready to share his skills with other ambitious young people like him.

Madame Ayo has made his name in the makeup industry through social media, where he is showcasing his stunning talent. Coming from a difficult background, as a first born among 3 other siblings, Madame Ayo was forced to find ways of earning an income so he would support his mother at home.

He started his schooling at Enkoneni Primary School and matriculated at Bheki Secondary School. From high school Madame Ayo had piece jobs of doing hair around the area he lived in and that really helped, he says it made him really proud that he could assist since he was raised by a single parent. He has not worked outside the beauty industry, and he loves it and does not see himself being anywhere else, he just wants to keep inspiring more and teach more on permanent makeup.

“Makeup boosts self-esteem, which is closely related to confidence. When we look good, we feel good, and our self-esteem gets a boost. This can help us feel more confident in our abilities and more comfortable in social situations. This is exactly the reason I love what I do because it contributes to my client’s wellbeing and self-confidence. When my clients call me and share some good reviews, I feel complete” says Ayo.

Imagine turning your favourite hobby or self-taught skills into a career. Although it may sound too good to be true, it really is possible. Madame Ayo is proof that your tenacity and ability to learn and improve allows you to perfect this skill.

Madame Ayo, said, though he didn’t study beauty, he made it his job to upskill himself by enrolling on a few courses to sharpen his abilities and he has even bagged a few awards along his entrepreneurship journey.

His message to young people including the queer community: “Take your time with everything, don’t let the pressure get to you, don’t allow yourself to lose the person you are to make other people feel better” he concludes.