By Sunkanmi Adewunmi and Chiagoziem Laurina Abosi
In Nigeria’s ever-evolving beauty and fashion landscape, more young women are harnessing their creativity and resilience to carve out successful careers on their own terms. One of such inspiring voices is Harry Violet, the founder of Viols Artistry, a fast-growing makeup brand rooted in love for all things beautiful. From humble beginnings to bold dreams of owning a full-fledged studio, her story is a refreshing look at what it takes to build a beauty business in today’s competitive market.
A Passion for Fashion and All Things Beautiful
“I’ve always admired women who look good,” Violet says, her voice filled with conviction. “I love everything fashion, everything pretty, everything beautiful.”
Her journey into makeup artistry started when she noticed her deep admiration for aesthetics—how people dress, carry themselves, and present their faces to the world. This admiration sparked conversations with friends and her sister, who became her first support system. “Everyone started being supportive in their own way,” she recalls.
The Beginning: From Learner to Artist
In 2017, Violet made a deliberate decision to take her passion seriously. She enrolled under a professional makeup artist with a studio in Yaba, Lagos. By 2018, she had launched Viols Artistry, turning her skills into a service.
“I paid to learn it,” she says, showing the dedication many young creatives have when transforming dreams into reality.
Challenges: The Struggles Behind the Glam
Despite her love for the craft, Violet has faced multiple challenges in building her brand.
1. Staying consistent:
“Consistency is what keeps any business moving,” she explains. Being a student made it difficult to constantly create content and promote her work. Filming in batches at home helped, but staying active online was tough, especially during long school sessions.
2. Pricing and undervaluation:
Like many Nigerian entrepreneurs, she’s struggled with clients who try to underpay. “When you tell them your price, they want to negotiate it down,” she says. Yet, she carefully calculates prices to reflect material costs, transport, electricity, rent, and time. “You put all these into consideration, and still, some clients want discounts.”
Finding Balance: Faith and Planning
So how does she balance life, school, and business?
“First of all, it’s the grace of God,” Violet says. “Without God, your life won’t be balanced.” She’s intentional about planning her schedule and facing one task at a time, avoiding burnout by not overloading herself.
Over time, she’s developed a rhythm. “What I do now is plan ahead,” she shares. “If one thing is demanding my time, I focus on it and make sure the other doesn’t suffer.”
Celebrating Milestones: A Free Masterclass in Lekki
Her most memorable achievement so far? Winning access to a highly coveted free masterclass in Lekki. “I was one of the lucky few chosen,” she beams. For her, it was a moment of validation and growth in a competitive industry.
Marketing Her Magic: Collaboration and Content
Violet’s marketing strategy is built around collaborations and content creation. She works with hairstylists, gèlè artists, and traditional fashion designers to produce high-quality shoots. These collaborative efforts don’t just create beautiful images—they showcase her talent and attract new clients.
She also earns income by tying gèlè and offering makeup services for clients across various occasions, from weddings to traditional events.
Looking Ahead: A Studio, Students, and a Bigger Vision
In the next two years, Harry envisions Viols Artistry growing into a full-fledged studio. “By God’s grace, I see myself owning a comfortable, conducive studio,” she says. A space where she can create content, welcome clients, and teach aspiring makeup artists.
Her dream is not just about personal success—it’s about empowering others to learn and thrive in the industry she loves.
The Power of Support Systems
From the beginning, Violet credits God, her family, and her friends for keeping her grounded and encouraged. “There were so many times I thought of quitting,” she admits. “But the support I’ve received has kept me going.”
Advice to Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
Violet’s advice is rich with experience:
- Be prayerful: “Put God first in everything.”
- Be consistent: “Consistency takes a lot. You’ll almost run mad. But it pays.”
- Know your worth: “Don’t let anyone undervalue your work. Once you know your worth, you’ll attract the right clients—even if it takes time.”
Violet’s journey with Viols Artistry is a testament to the power of purpose, prayer, and perseverance. From learning in a small Yaba studio to dreaming of a full-service beauty space, her story shines a light on the new generation of Nigerian women who are defining success on their own terms—through creativity, community, and unshakeable self-belief.
