Who is the brain behind Anita Brows?
I’m Adetola Anita Adetoye, the creative director of Anita Brows Beauty.
When did you venture into makeover industry?
I kicked off my makeup business about seven years ago, 2010, in Dublin, Ireland. I then relocated to Nigeria, Lagos in 2014.
What other line of beauty sector are you involved in?
I’m an educator. I teach others makeup. I am also working on my product line, so keep your eyes opened for that.
What are the highlights of your career?
I have a lot of highlights in my career. One of them would be, when ex-model & owner of Iman Cosmetics, Iman Abdulmajid recognised my work and posted it on her social media page.
Another moment was winning a recognition award in Uganda as best Makeup Artist in West Africa. It is always nice to know that people recognise my talent, not only on the shores of Nigeria. Opening my Makeup and Beauty Studio in January was an amazing moment for me also.
Could you run through the list of your celebrity clientele?
I work with a lot of celebrities. The list is endless.
What makes Anita Brows Beauty outstanding?
I always say that having a signature to your work allows you stand out. I believe we have a style of makeup, which is clean, seamless and effortless and that makes my company outstanding.
Recently, you had a UK training session for budding MUAs, what informed your training academy?
I get so many requests for a makeup training session in the U.K. I had a bridal job there and I used that opportunity to cater for the huge request I’d been getting on that end. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It turned out really well and I look forward to doing more U.K. Masterclass tours in its various cities.
You started up in Dublin before relocating to Nigeria, would you say the business in Dublin shaped you to a bigger brand?
I would definitely say my kick-off in Dublin started me off, it’s where I started, it’s where I was appreciated first and it is what brought me recognition in Nigeria prior to moving here.
What informs your beauty detailing when it comes to high profile jobs?
Less is more. The makeup should never overpower their personality as that is what people are used to.
What’s fashion to you?
Fashion is an expression of how you feel. I dress according to my mood. I don’t have a set style. My favourite colours are black, grey and blush.
Where is your best holiday destination?
I struggle between Marbella & Cape Town. These are two cities I’ve been to, because of work. I’m grateful to God.
How would you describe the genesis of your career and your operations now?
I started off this journey as just a hobby. It was never my plan for it to turn so lucrative and I’m grateful to God for where it has brought me. I still find it difficult to be extremely serious. My job is my hobby and passion. I enjoy what I do.
What are your expansion plans?
As I said earlier, I will be releasing my line of makeup alongside beauty products. A bigger workspace by the grace of God for something even bigger than just doing makeup.
As a very adorable lady, who is the lucky man?
I am single until you see a ring on my finger.
What’s your relationship with Toke Makinwa and would you advise young ladies to emulate her lifestyle?
Toke Makinwa is strong willed and one of the hardest workers I know. She has worked hard to be where she is now and I believe every young lady should work hard and believe in herself. By doing so, people will respect your trade.
What’s your educational and parental background?
I spent a lot of time in school, studying different things and I believe it’s because I didn’t know what I wanted to do if I had to follow the status quo.
I started off my A-levels studying Journalism in Ireland. I then moved to London to study Media Production. I went back to Dublin, Ireland to study Marketing.
