Style Star – Nthato Mashishi
Nthato Mashishi uncovered
Where did your journey as a makeup artist begin, and what's been the highlight so far?
It all began in my 'hood, Alexandra, Joburg. I worked at a salon called Step Ahead, for nine years as a qualified hairdresser. I completed a National Diploma at Johannesburg Technical College, and also attended the Black Like Me Beauty Palace. I then joined showbiz because I'd always known and felt that there was more to me, and what I wanted to achieve. I registered with an agency, Professional Bookings, which used to represent some of Mzansi's top photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists. It was a dream come true! My highlight to date was styling (make-up, hair and outfits) Mafikizolo for the BET Awards in LA. Their main red carpet look caused quite a stir! The second highlight was my appointment as African brand ambassador for Iman Cosmetics, Elizabeth Arden and Motions Hair Care.
What sets you apart?
My signature look is “High Fashion Evolution". I love creating and learning because I've never been a follower. If you look at all my work from then until now, the evidence speaks for itself [chuckles]. And I say this humbly!
How many hours do you work a day?
It varies. I create and decide my working hours, which can be anything between one to 12 hours a day. When I get home, I do my admin work, because I don't have an agency or management.
How do you generate new ideas?
I'm not influenced by new products. I always travel to new places to see what beauty and fashion is gravitating towards, then come back home and interpret it the Mzansi way so it resonates with us.
Which famous make-up artist has influenced you, and how? Pat McGrath. Not only is she a leading artist worldwide, her work ethic is inspiring. She's a black businesswoman with stature and grace, and owns a beauty cosmetic empire worth over a billion dollars. I aspire to be like her and have my own empire one day, made up of a make-up brand, clothes, TV and radio productions, as well as art lessons. Tell us about the fashion design competition Raw Silk, and what future endeavours you'd like to have in television. I love being a judge on Raw Silk, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. People's lives depend on me giving a fair, objective and honest deliberation. Being part of a reality TV show is hard because it has so much to do with who you are — you always have to be authentic. I'm thankful to SABC 1 and the production company for trusting me with this show. One day, I'd love to have my own reality programme about make-up. I think TV loves me as much as I love it, which is why I believe I got another TV gig, Love At Second Swipe on DStv Lifetime. How bad is it to sleep with make-up on?
It's truly bad for your skin as it clogs up your pores. Make-up is for enhancing your beauty, not sleeping in. How do you keep your fears in check?
My biggest fear is to stop being a dreamer, or have no passion at all – that would be the saddest day of my life. I manage fear by working tirelessly to achieve my dreams. Being in business can get very vulnerable at times as the environment is never stable. Right now, we're all affected by the fluctuating global economy, but we shouldn't stop working hard towards our goals, especially young people who want to make it as entrepreneurs.
What entrepreneur? do you enjoy about being an Definitely know it all . learning, because I can never
What are the five products you can't live without?
1. Avène Spring Water
2. Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color
3. Smashbox Primer
4. Black Up CC Cream Foundation
5. NYX Strobe Palette What's your most important beauty advice?
Take care of your skin — nourish and hydrate it at all times. By doing that, you will have a beautiful canvas to work on for the rest of your life. Name one thing you'd like the world to know about you.
I'm pro-African, meaning I'm inspired by all-things Africa. And I indulge in local cuisine daily. If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Kenya would be my other home beause I love the Masai Tribe! I suspect I was Masai in my past life [chuckles]. I also love Scotland. My other dream destinations include Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Cuba. Favourite food?
Sour pap with morogo (spinach or pumpkin leaves), mashonzha (mopane worms) and slaughtered 'hard body' chicken. What items dominate your closet?
I love collecting “can't get, can't tholakala” make-up products to help spice up my make-up creations [chuckles]. I also have a huge collection of shoes and sunglasses, and love collecting flower vases and painted art. What movie do you never tire of ?
The Devil Wears Prada. I know every line!
What I love hanging “old person” around thing gogos do and you soaking enjoy? up completely their wisdom. on another Their level! fashion sense is Which celebrity is the most down-toearth?
Kelly Katherine Lang, aka Brooke Logan.
What was cool when you were young, but isn't now?
Definitely music and the quality of life. I still enjoy old school music and have been doing research on my old favourites, Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. What outdoor activities would you like to try?
Bungee jumping and hiking.
What tips have you picked up in your career?
To speak with authority, to always be present, authentic, and not be afraid to fail.
What advice would you give to future make-up artists?
Talent is not enough. Education is the key to equipping yourself with life-long skills. Treat yourself as a business first, then a creative second. Treat make-up artistry with the utmost respect and watch it pay off. What have been some of your challenges, and what have you learnt from them?
My challenge is being labelled a 'follower of celebrities'! What people don't know is that I've contributed to so many celebrities' careers — from collaborating with and learning from them, so I truly don't have any regrets. If you could start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing at all. I've achieved so much and yet I am still working as hard as I did when I started out. I treat every job as the first and last opportunity I'm given.■