Startup Story
Obizo (Ruth) Chiamaka is the founder of GlambyRuthie in Nigeria, a brand focused on providing the best makeup services for women across the nation and the training of aspiring makeup artists. She is also studying accountancy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and currently pursuing her ICAN qualification. Ruth founded GlambyRuthie in 2020 and is focused on growing her brand, getting involved in fashion shows, and looking for collaborations in the beauty industry.
LoA spoke to Ruth Chiamaka this month to learn more about this growing specialist brand and her aspirations for the future.
What does your company do?
GlambyRuthie is focused on providing the best range of specialist make-up services for women across the nation and also partnering in fashion shows. However, I also train aspiring makeup artists.
“As I have embarked on this journey as a make-up artist, I dream to be a successful one. Every day I work towards making my business and brand a huge success.”
“I dream of employing individuals to work in my organization and making my mark in the beauty industry across Africa.”
What inspired you to start your company?
As a child I read fashion magazines and shows and I loved the art of make-up and always played dress-up during my leisure time. After my mum saw my growing interest in the fashion industry, she purchased my first ever make-up kit for me. Those helped me improve my makeup skills in the early years. However, after the Covid-19 lockdown, I went further to acquire my make-up skills professionally by attending a make-up academy in my state and I launched my own brand immediately after in 2020. I love the confidence and gorgeousness a woman acquires with her make-up on. I will say I love the art of make-up in total.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
GlambyRuthie pays special attention to customer service. I consistently work towards the satisfaction of my customers after each service delivered. Because of my special attention to my customers, I make sure to provide quality make-up by making use of the best make-up products available.
Tell us a little about your team
My team currently consists of one person which is me, the brand owner. I attend to both walk-in clients at my apartment which I converted into my mini studio and clients who equally booked appointments before time. I am constantly working towards an expansion of the business.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey has been an interesting one so far. I a constantly meeting new clients and collaborators. These have actually helped in growing my brand massively and developing me personally, as the owner of the brand. However, my entrepreneurial background has helped me to be accountable in money management and financial development.
“My business won't just be a profit making one, I aspire to becoming equally involved in empowering women and joining movements that are focused on uplifting women.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
As I have embarked on this journey as a make-up artist, I dream to be a successful one. Every day I work towards making my business and brand a huge success. I dream of employing individuals to work in my business and making my mark in the beauty industry across Africa. My business won't just be a profit making one, I aspire to becoming equally involved in empowering women and joining movements that are focused on uplifting women.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Independence I will say gives me the best satisfaction being an entrepreneur. The opportunity to be my own boss and maximize my ideas, the experiences of harnessing my fear and courage, together with hard work has shaped my life in several ways.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
To everyone looking forward to starting up, never give up on your dreams. Work towards it every day, be consistent and work hard. Opportunities always work out for those who are prepared.
Contact or follow GlambyRuthie
INSTAGRAM | EMAIL ruthchiamaka524@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it…
At Lionesses of Africa, we love to see young women entrepreneurs following their passion and building businesses that create economic opportunities for themselves and others. Ruth Obizo is one such young woman, and her specialist expertise, combined with her love for what she does, is sure to be a winning combination. We look forward to seeing this young business grow over the years and fulfill its potential. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa