Suzie Wokabi takes risks. She’s also very determined. And she is the founder of Kenya’s first professional make-up line, SuzieBeauty. The make-up industry is largely centred in the spheres of media, advertising and film, so Suzie wanted to bring quality make-up to the people. “SuzieBeauty is specifically targeting African women, so it’s selling point is colour tones and textures,” she says.

Since its official launch three-and-a-half months ago, the line—which includes lip gloss, application brushes, powder, lipstick, eye shadow, liner, foundation, concealer and blush—is selling in ten outlets around Nairobi. “We have lots of interest and people love the product. We also have international distribution interest, so we are working on a roll-out strategy that will make sense,” says the curly-haired, fair-skinned entrepreneur, who has worked as a professional make-up artist for over ten years.

Suzie started her career in the U.S., working for the famous make-up line Clinique for one-and- a-half years, then as a freelance make-up artist with MAC. Suzie is also a certified media make-up artist and did a stint at the Award Studio in Los Angeles. And when she came back to Kenya four years ago, she went into the profession full time. Greatly inspired by such successful icons as Bobbi Brown, Suzie set out to join their ranks. She started her research online in 2009, and spent the next three years working with a cosmetic chemist and product testing. “I wanted the quality of my product to rival MAC’s,” she says. “The line comes from a space of professionalism in the industry.

My experience in the U.S. working with different brands has helped with the research. Being a make-up artist, I know what works on people’s faces and what does not.” Suzie has a team of make-up artists and a general manager working full-time to assist with the make-up jobs and in promoting SuzieBeauty. SuzieBeauty is also available online at www. suziebeauty.com.