OK, so it has been a while since the last post, so in case you need a recap, we have spent the last few weeks visiting some of the most amazing black women, asking them questions that get to the heart of who they are and what experiences have shaped them. We called the series Open Book.
We continue Open Book with a chit chat with Chido, a certified animal scientist and makeup artist from Zimbabwe. We get open and honest about poultry farming, the current pandemic and girl empowerment. Everything Chido had to say was a sermon! Brace yourself because you will see images of Chido’s wonderful artistry as you progress through this post. By the time you’ve finished reading this interview, you will feel energised, motivated and inspired.
Ready? Get comfortable and hang on.
Open Book with Chido
Thanks for meeting with me Chido. Please give me a brief introduction about yourself.
My name is Chido Prisca Mukamba. I’m 23 years old, and very energetic, enthusiastic, results-oriented and focused. I’m a Zimbabwean citizen, born and bred in Zimbabwe (Southern Africa). By profession, I am a certified animal scientist and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Animal Science) from the University of Zimbabwe. I’ve practised in that field for almost two years: I assist poultry farmers in their projects and work as a livestock consultant at a stockfeed manufacturing firm called Capital Foods. I love my profession – it’s noble yes, but inside myself, I discovered something else!!
This brings us to Deck of Priscae. Tell me more about that.
I have always loved makeup right from high school! I used to sell small lip balms, glosses and mirrors, would always force my friends to buy. I had always felt excited about discussing beauty and looking good with other women: my friends and the ladies at church. In early 2020, I saved up $150 and I made my first big order of cosmetics from China; I was so excited to start selling and even branded some of the products “Deck of Priscae”, a name I created for my business which derived from my name Prisca. It was amazing how fast those products moved, the support I got was overwhelming!
“I used to sell small lip balms, glosses and mirrors, would always force my friends to buy.”
One day someone said to me, “Chido, I bought eyeshadow from you but I don’t know how to use it!”. It was on this very day that I decided to intensively watch tutorials, enrolled on a makeup masterclass for a week, and get trained by the best makeup artist in our town and that totally changed the game for me.
Then lockdown happened.
But I took that as an opportunity to up my game; I would practice every day on myself and on my friends, I started getting hired for weddings and parties to do makeup, I grew my kit bit by bit until I became a whole makeup artist!
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You mentioned Covid affecting your line. How so?
Generally, we can’t really separate makeup and events, so with this pandemic, our government has banned events: there are no weddings, n shows, or parties, henceforth no business. I get clients here and there and at times none at all, however, I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I’m using this trying time to perfect my skills, and grow my business. I started a nail business, so now Deck of Priscae also has a nails category. I hired a qualified nail technician to run it, so we rent a salon where she does the nails, and I get to pay her on commission. It’s is nothing big really, but it gives me a bit of income since the makeup side has been impacted by the current environment.
“I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I’m using this trying time to perfect my skills”
So how do you intend to revive the makeup side of the business in a post-Covid world?
I have so many plans for the post covid world. I now want to grow it into a proper beauty bar: a fully furnished parlour that offers makeup, eyelash extensions, microblading, nails and full-body massages. That’s the ultimate goal. I want to empower my fellow girls to join my team since I can’t do it all alone.
Tell me about being a makeup artist. Who are your clients? Where do you operate this business?
Initially, my clients were family and friends from school, work and church. I then developed a good social media following on Instagram and Facebook. My advertising was on fire so much so that I managed to penetrate into a market of people I don’t even know! People I do makeup on bring referrals and now I have quite a huge following. I also try to partner with photographers and they also end up bringing clients. My target market is mainly the young: between16 and 35 years old, as I do modern makeup techniques. Being a makeup artist is really fun, I’m loving it more and more every day; it gives me so much pleasure just to enhance someone’s beauty and boost their confidence.
Are you currently taking on new clients?
Yes, I’m taking on new clients
You’re also an animal scientist. Tell me more?
I was quite sharp in school. I did sciences and followed the agriculture path because our Zimbabwean economy is quite agro-based. I mainly assist small scale farmers in their projects, advising them on how to sustain their business; and supplying stock feeds, veterinary supplies and agricultural equipment when required. I love my job but I feel like I fell into that path just because I could. But my passion doesn’t lie there, this is a truth I rarely say out. Lol!
“I love my job but I feel like I fell into that path just because I could!”
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’m generally a person who cherishes, values and treasures passing on information. The knowledge I have means nothing if it’s going to stay with me. It becomes meaningful when it’s imparted onto the next person and I feel like my job gives me that platform and I love that.
What challenges come with juggling everything you do?
With all the juggling I do, 24 hours can feel inadequate. Sometimes the pressure is so much that I get overwhelmed and end up not meeting my targets. Sometimes my clients end up not getting a chance to book makeup slots. My job on its own is also very demanding. As a makeup artist still growing, I do not have all the equipment, I’m still trying to get it all in place but I guess that’s the process
“In the end, I just want to win. I really want to make it in this world.“
What scares you the most?
My greatest fear is failing to distinguish myself from the rest. In the end, I just want to win. I really want to make it in this world. I want to be remembered as the Zimbabwean Madam C J Walker!
What motivates you to keep going?
The vision I carry is what keeps me on my toes. I’m determined to build a long-lasting brand and become a world-class makeup artist who is thorough and excellent.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a business?
Just start. Never wait for someone or something. What you already have is exactly what you need to start. If not now then when? I’d also encourage them to never underestimate the power of networking. We live in a global village. Put yourself on the map and market yourself! Make noise! Believe me, the world is watching!
“Put yourself on the map and market yourself! Make noise!”
Any career advice for people at work?
To the working class, I advise them to be consistent and hardworking and no matter how good the salary is. Never stop developing yourself. Your children will not inherit your job, but your hard work and your connections.
Outside of work and business, what else do you enjoy doing?
Outside work and business, I enjoy cooking, I love discovering and trying out new things in the kitchen. I’m not an excellent cook but I believe I’m a good one!
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What is next for you as a business and career woman?
The next step is Greatness. Greatness delayed is not greatness denied!
What was the last book you read? (Hello, this is a book blog!)
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. My boyfriend made me read it. I guess there is a concept he wanted me to grasp. I totally enjoyed it and drew a lot from it.
Where can we catch up with you online?
My business accounts are – Instagram: @deckofpriscae, and Facebook: Deck of Priscae
My personal accounts are – Instagram @chidoprisca, and Facebook: Chido Priscah Mukamba
How can someone wanting your makeup services get in touch with you?
Call me on +263 777 916 988
Thank you!
I told you you were in for a treat! Chido spoke about the pandemic allowing her to reinvent herself. How has the global pandemic shaped you for the better? Sound off below. in the comments section.
