The Midweek Sun

BEAUTICIAN GUY MAKES STRIDES AS A MAKE-UP ARTIST

- KELETSO THOBEGA

Onkarabile Ramore Molatlhegi owner and make-up artist of the Beautician Guy is fast making a name for himself in Francistow­n and surroundin­g areas as one of the most sought-after make-up artists.

He is the perfect advertisin­g tool for his craft as he does his own make-up. To say that Molatlhegi is gorgeous is an understate­ment: he has been blessed with smooth soft skin and strong chiselled features that are enhanced by his careful and artistic applicatio­n of make-up. He undoubtedl­y has the golden touch that he uses to enhance the beauty of his clients who want to look amazing for special occasions. Molatlhegi, who hails from Mahalapye and is based in Francistow­n, completed a course in hairdressi­ng and beauty therapy at the Francistow­n College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE) a few years ago.

The make-up artist and beautician, popularly affectiona­tely known as ‘Papi’, started off showcasing her talent in a hair salon, offering free make-up services to customers who wanted to enhance their beauty. He earned an impressive clientele through word-of-mouth and he now operates a mobile salon, with weekends being his busiest when he attends to parties and weddings.

Molatlhegi said that his passion for make-up was spurred as a small boy when he saw his mother beautifyin­g herself. “Growing up as a little boy, I used to watch my mother applying her make-up while preparing for work; that’s how I started to admire makeup and the process of enhancing one’s facial beauty. I would play with her make-up when she was away, which sometimes got me into trouble!”

After completing school, Molatlhegi enrolled at FCTVE and also improved her skills by watching YouTube tutorials at home.

He said it brings him great joy to see someone’s beauty enhanced by make-up. “I am driven by the passion

for what I do... I don’t take it as a job but rather, as a calling; it’s something that runs through my blood.”

Molatlhegi swears by a beauty regime that he insists never disappoint­s. “I swear by washing, toning and moisturisi­ng the skin. It is also important to drink a lot of water, use quality make-up and avoiding sleeping with make-up on because it’s important to allow the skin to ‘breathe’ sometimes.”

Molatlhegi noted that there is still a bit of discrimina­tion against men in the beauty industry but asserted that everyone has the right to embrace make-up.

“There is still a lot of work to be done in terms of accepting that some males like and use make-up but as mentalitie­s and attitudes change, perhaps things will improve. At the end of the day, applying make-up is all about enhancing your beauty, so if you like make-up, wear it; be you, be brave and be happy.”

Molatlhegi said he dreams of seeing the Beautician Guy growing in leaps and bounds, and starting his own make-up line.

 ?? ?? FLAWLESS: Papi in his own make-up; he beautifies himself to show what he is capable of
FLAWLESS: Papi in his own make-up; he beautifies himself to show what he is capable of
 ?? ?? TADAA!: A client before and after face beat
TADAA!: A client before and after face beat

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