EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
WITH
LOLA IBEKWE C.E.O (LIBEKS BC)
Spotted! Lola Ibekwe is a london based beautician and make-up artist called Libecks. Lola has been very busy this year, beautifying our African Celebrities for movie premieres and events. She also recently beat other beauticians and scoped Beffta Awards Make-up Artist 2013. She is a wife, a mother and a proud hard worker who enjoys her work. Read the interview as she speaks out the first time to African Dazzle.
Introduce your self to African Dazzle readers: My name is Lola Ibekwe (Libeks) born 28th November 1982 in Lagos Nigeria. Happily Married and blessed with children.
How long have you been working in the beauty industry and what kind of service to you give to your clients?: I’ve been in the beauty industry for 11 years to be precise, right from my college days in 2002 whilst studying BTEC Dip in Health & Social Care. I offer Hair, Makeup, Headgear and Skin Care beauty service to my clients. Please checkout my website for more information.
When did you decided to be a celebrity makeup artist and why?: I decided to to follow my dream of becoming a celebrity Hair & Make Up Artist in 2010 after the birth of my daughter. I went on maternity from my job then as a Care Manager and realised how much passion I have for doing what I love to do. I resigned from my full time care job and went self employed in my passion and chosen career, I have been working hard and it has worked out today, to God be the Glory.
Who was the first celebrity you worked on, what did you do and how was the experience?: The first Celebrity I worked on was Niina Kabessa for her photo shoot after her movie “Cherie Bondowe“. I styled her hair and makeup, it was a fantastic experience. Then I met Omotola Jalade, Lanre Balogun, Moji Bamtefa, YQ Jubril, the PR Guru Theodorah Ibekwe Oyebade, Fatima Jabbe and many more.
Who are the celebrities you will like to work with in the future and why?: That’s a very big one. (laughs) If God tarries i’ll like to work with Oprah, Genevieve Nnaji, Nadia Buhari, John Dumelo, Beyonce Knowles, Mariah Carey, Jeniffer Lopez just to name a few, because these people are all icons and they have focused and worked hard to get to where they are today.
You recently won Beffta Awards makeup artist of the year, what was it like?: Very true, thanks to all who voted me in as Beffta Best MUA (Make Up Artist).I’m very humbled and glad i won, it makes me feel more stronger and focus to keep delivering. As an award winning MUA,the future is looking very promising, I’m hoping to organise more Masterclasses to empower everyone that have the passion for Hair & Makeup or Beauty in general,research continues on Beauty as i provide a more better service.
Celebrity or not, who was your worst client?: I have not really have a worst client reason been I bring my client into it. I do not allow them to sit and watch me do the transformation alone. We work together and create the look that perfectly works better on them.
How wide do you travel to give your service?: I travel miles within the UK, Outside and international upon request.
What advice about beauty will you give the lovely African ladies out there?: My advice for the beautiful ladies is to Drink lots of Water, avoid products with alcohol on your face, avoid going to bed with make-up on, especially foundation. Allow your face to breath some times and finally run cold water on your face after each wash before moisturising. All these will make you look younger and leave your face blemish free.
It was amazing having a chat with the beauty queen, who is also celebrating her birthday this weekend. Happy Birthday Libeks!
Lola is ever so humble and easy to talk to. We wish her very well in her business, we are also going to keep an eye on her as she transform more women into beauty queen. Check out her website here to see more of her work and book for appointments.
Interviewed by:Noellin Imoh
Photo credits to:
Libeks Bc
Nelsonspyk Photography
Ismile Photos
Micheal Tube Creation
