Michelle Ruwizhi (Mimi)
Age -24
Date of birth – 30 July 1995
Occupation – Make-up artist
Company name – Royal beauty
Who’s Michelle? – Michelle is a passionate, self driven kind young woman who strives to succeed in all aspects of her life. She enjoys encouraging people to become the best version of themselves.
Where did you grow up? – I grew up in Rusape under the care of my grandmother.
When did you realise your love for makeup and dream of being a makeup artist ?- From a young age I have always been into things that have something to do with beauty. I remember applying face powder when I was young but I never thought I would actually venture into it. It was in my second year in college when my friends kept saying you should do makeup because you do it so well on yourself that I actually started considering it. That’s when I started watching a lot of YouTube tutorials and practicing on my friends then I realized how much joy it gave me, I started getting clients which made me dream big and strive to become a makeup artist.
When you realized your passion did you have full support from your family ?-Yes I did my get support from my family. Most of it came from my friends they supported me from day 1.
What has been the biggest highlight in your career ?- Doing my first celebrity makeup, it was so exciting. I did Gemma Griffith’s makeup and attended her private Mambokadzi music launch. There I got to meet and connect with a number of celebrities who inspire me.
Did you go to beauty school or you are a self taught makeup artist?-
I practiced as a self taught makeup artist for almost a year then did my beauty training with Mbali cosmetics in Harare.
Which makeup artist inspires you the most? – Jacque Mgido. She recently became my mentor. Her journey and success as a makeup artist in Zimbabwe and Hollywood is such an inspiration to me. I look up to her.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? – I see myself as a renowned Makeup artist with a multipurpose beauty studio that aims at empowering women through beauty.
What is your biggest motivation? – The fear of being ordinary, need for success and making a difference in someone’s life. I want to make people happy. Nothing excites me more than a client who screams when they look in the mirror the first time after a makeover. Being the reason behind that happiness and excitement is what motivates me the most. Success means so much for me so I work hard to achieve my goals. Lastly making a difference in people’s lives, connecting and having deep meaningful conversations with the women I meet all the time is always a joy as I am able to also make use of my psychology background, which is what I studied in college.
What do you love about being a makeup artist? – getting to meet new people all the time. I talk to my clients during our sessions we laugh and share advices you know. It goes beyond business. With most people we become friends I guess the best part about being a makeup artist is it connects you to people and awards you the possibility of meeting great people out there.
Which celebrities have you had the privilege of working with? – I have had the honour of offering my services to. Gemma Griffiths, Feli Nandi, Simba Tagz, Comic pastor, Lorraine Guyo and King 98
What is the one thing you found hard to do when you started make up? – Getting my kit in order and acquiring everything that I needed.
What is your hobby?- listening to music
What is your advice to upcoming makeup artists? – Be kind ,be humble , never give up and invest in your art whether it is through training or mentorship .