“In my childhood, I always played with girls and this confused a lot of people on whether I was a boy or a girl”.  Inspired by how different and unique African women are which is seen in their beautiful nationalities and varying shades of skin colour, Tlhomamo, last born of Mr and Mrs Rapula Moje, decided to embark on a journey to enhance a woman’s beauty. He engaged himself in a path that is regarded as a job for women. Kgomotso Tshwenyego finds out further how he does it.

Tell us about your clientèle
I only do makeup for Celebrities.

Celebrities?
Yes, high profile individuals.  Celebrities always have events they attend and want to look good.  They come to me and I make them up the best way I can so that they can be outstanding among the crowds.

How about the ordinary person?
I do not want to compromise my standards.  My clientèle is strictly A-list.  I want to make it clear that I am very expensive.  I charge really exorbitant fees for my work.  Look, when you engage me to provide services for you, you have to be ready to part with large somes of money

How did you start in the makeup industry?
Beauty came to me as a calling.  In my entire life I have been blessed with good things.  People admired my good looks and asked me to beautify them the way I did myself.  It is then that I started a home-based business doing makeup.   With the little money I made, I invested in a very good makeup kit.  My Aunt Lesedi always advised me to make positive choices and be smart with money.

Did you have an artistic background growing up
I took my artistic genes from my mother. She is a successful business woman. Money often comes knocking at her door step because of what she does with her hands.

Any formal training?
I did my training at Shanaz Institute.  I also attend Workshops from World International Recorgnised Cosmetic Houses of Bobbi Brown, Loreal Paris, MAC and Iman Cosmetics to keep on point with latest beauty trends.

If we took a peek into  your makeup kit what would we see?
Bobbi Brown kit; mattifying 2in1 for men, Mascara, eyelashes, Iman, Black Opal.  These are the most expensive products in the world used by trained professionals. You will also find Signature products which I am currently promoting in Botswana.

What sets you apart from other makeup artists?
I’m very presentable and that makes people believe in what I do.  My physical image matches my profession.

Just your looks?
I am very passionate, determined, patient and creative. When I set out to work, I strive for the best.

Deciding to work with celebrities only is a business decision but it doesn’t necessarily make you the best or does it?
I know that I do the best and my clients are not scared to part with money.  I do the best beyond your imagination and therefore I expect you to pay for the best.

So it is about money?
No.  It is about having confidence in what I do and knowing that I am fully trained for it.  I give quality service.  With my skills and formal training I am the best of the best.  I wake up for a reason that many people look up to me as I mentor, teach and produce the best.

Who are your competitors?
I don’t know

But if you don’t know, how do you know you’re the best?
Beauty industry doesn’t have much competition except for new emerging salons owned by foreigners.  I am the only known male Makeup specialist in Botswana.  I have been the only one doing makeup for Miss Botswana since 2010.

Give Big Interview readers a “hands on” beauty tip to do at home
As winter approaches everyone becomes dry and it is a time where a healthy skin is very important.  Our skins tend to be dry during winter.   In order to keep your skin moist, get a little amount of Brown Sugar and Mix it with yoghurt and scrub for two minutes, this will break down pores and leave you matte.  This should be followed with a Moisturiser for an even moisturised skin.

How do you keep up with all the new trends and styles and incorporate them in your makeup repertoire?
Apart from attending workshops and being a Product Consultant, I am a Media Consultant Specialising on Beauty and Artistry on Print Media.  I experiment with the latest products, play around with ideas and once I get into the studio I know what I am doing and I’ll be quiet graphic designing people’s faces.

Being a male in the makeup industry, how has that been a challenge in a predominately female-based beauty industry?
Look, we live in the 21st Century so to me it has not been a challenge.  Let me say I haven’t encountered any hardships in the field. Women love me, I am always around them.  And I say I will never go without a job because everywoman needs a lipstick and that’s where I fit in.

Makeup artists are well known for loving certain makeup products, what are your favourite products that you’re never found without
Its Bobbi Brown 2 in 1 Mattifying Powder and Chocolate Lip Latte.  It’s very ideal for a get up and go person like me.

What is one of the biggest misconceptions about makeup artists?
That we make people look fake.  Well the Make up Artist that does not know what he or she is doing will make you look fake.  But our job is to make people look more beautiful, enhance their beauty.

What would you say to make-up artists that make people look fake?
I’ll say leave make-up to professionals and let them deal with it.  If you call yourself a make up artist and you don’t match the right colours with the skin, you don’t use the right products, please just close your make-up kit and go to school.

Talk to the women who cannot afford your fees.  Surely you can share something with them.
Black women struggle to find the correct colour foundations but please buy quality make up that won’t fade within five minutes of application and create a messy face.  These cheap powders and shadows damage your skin.  Rather look natural without them for your own good.  A groomed face and shaped eyebrows complete any look.  Do not shave off your brows and draw a line!  Once you find the right match, apply it lightly and let your skin Breathe. Invest in make up that gives your skin an even natural glow and radiance.  Bronzers and shimmers are really good for achieving this effect.

What is your take on the circumcision campaign?
I am not circumcised

You are not?
No, am just way too scared of pain.  But I do understand the importance of doing it especially at this time when we have a challenge of HIV/AIDS.  I am planning to do it very soon.  The message is quite clear although I want to believe that some men do not understand it very well.

Now time to brag!
I definitely am the best in the Country and because of that you will not hesitate to experience with me.   You will find my products everywhere and that will make you interested.  With me you will never go wrong.  You will never wonder what the best skin care regime for you is.  You will never wonder what shade of lipstick to wear to the office.  When it comes to all Beauty related issues, am the Diamond and definitely your go to Boy.  I don’t know anyone who can be better than me.  I am the guru..!  To anyone out there who wants to be where I am, learn from the best.

Your last words?
People think it’s simple to be a makeup artist. You must know your products, know if what you use is suitable for faces.  Be educated, understand makeup types, cosmetics.  Learn from the best and listen to professionals.  Makeup comes and goes, its seasonal, do not lack behind out of
ignorance.

How do you relax?
I go to my Celebrity Spa Corner to do facials and manicure then go out with my super A-list lamb, Mercy Thebe, me and her are inseparable.

PROFILE:

Full names:  Tlhomamo Thabiso Moje
Date of Birth:  01 June, Mochudi
Clients:  Zenzele, Women of Jazz, Bongeni Ngema, Zahara, Khanyi Mbau
Last thing before bed:  Wash face and pray
Church:  Winners Chapel International
Phobia:  Snakes
What is the one thing people should know about you: very humble and caring
Books currently reading:  In Bed with a Billionaire
Favourite Music:  House music
Favourite local artist:  Shanti Lo
Role Model Makeup Aritst:  Bobbi Brown