Trailblazing Eastleigh makeup artist breaks barriers to rise to the top

In a small corner of Eastleigh in Nairobi, where vibrant colours meet bustling streets, resides a creative force that has revolutionised the makeup industry in Kenya.

Fatuo Hassan, a trailblazing makeup artist, graciously invites us into her world, sharing the colourful chapters of her life and career.

After the untimely death of her father and the relocation of her mother to Tanzania, Fatuo's aunts shaped her early years with love and care. Raised in a family of seven siblings, Fatuo, the fifth born, always had an artistic spark. Little did she know that her love for colours would pave the way for a ground-breaking career as a makeup artist.

"My childhood was a canvas of creativity. I loved colours and, looking back, it was like the universe was preparing me for this incredible journey into the world of makeup," Fatuo reminisces with a warm smile.

Her educational journey took her from the tranquil landscapes of Samburu to the bustling streets of Wamba, and eventually to Meru for high school studies. However, financial constraints prevented her from pursuing higher education after completing high school, setting the stage for an unexpected turn of events that would shape her destiny.

"With my father gone and my younger siblings needing to continue their education, college was a distant dream," Fatuo confides.

A chance encounter with the world of makeup came through a friend who invited her to TV commercial shoots.

"I didn't understand it at first, but it sparked a flame in me," Fatuo admits.

Embracing the world of brushes and palettes, Fatuo underwent a unique apprenticeship with her mentors, the late Hassan Mbaruk and Barbara Wanda.

"I never attended makeup school. Instead, I underwent a four-year training with my mentors, learning the ropes on the job," she reveals with gratitude.

Fatuo Hassan applies makeup on Tanzanian musician Ali Kiba during a session at Coke Studio.

Her mentors, benevolent in their guidance, taught her not only the art of makeup but also the business aspects.

"They taught me to make PowerPoint presentations for clients and also invoicing — skills beyond the brush," she states.

Fatuo's determination enabled her to find remarkable mentors despite financial constraints and a lack of formal education in makeup. Her determination led her to remarkable mentors.

"I walked from Eastleigh to Muthithi Road or Hurlingham where my mentors worked and lived. I wiped the dust off my shoes before meeting them," she says, vividly recounting her journey.

Fatuo faced scepticism in a community where makeup artistry was not considered a career.

"My family and community were shocked. People in my family and community were shocked by my decision to pursue an art career. Makeup artistry was not well understood," she reveals.

Breaking the norms and shattering expectations, Fatuo emerged as the first Somali woman in Kenya's film industry.

"I pushed boundaries, paid my dues, and made people understand the industry. Twenty years later, we have young Somali women in the industry as makeup artists," she proudly states.

Her journey reached new heights with projects like "Shuga”, working alongside renowned Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o.

"My family and community saw my name in the credits, and that helped in explaining what I do," she shares, highlighting the turning point.

Kalasha award

As the first female Somali to win the Kalasha Award in 2022, Fatuo's achievements are not just personal triumphs but milestones for her community and the industry at large.

Beyond the brush, Fatuo plays the role of a counsellor, listening to stories pour out when people sit in her chair.

"Being a makeup artist is more than just about colours; it's about connecting with people," she says with a smile.

Fatuo Hassan at the inaugural Women In Film Awards in 2020 where she won Best Makeup Artist. (Photo: Kenya Film Commission)

Peering into the future, Fatuo envisions making film makeup products available locally.

Beyond personal success, her goals include creating a more inclusive beauty industry and uplifting other women in the field.

"I aim to create a more inclusive beauty industry by challenging beauty standards and promoting self-love," she says, showcasing her commitment to a transformative future.

For young girls aspiring to join the industry, Fatuo offers words of advice: "Being a makeup artist requires hard work and patience. Take your time, follow the process and enjoy. It's fun on set."

Embracing change is at the core of Fatuo's philosophy. She, along with her contemporaries, is tirelessly working to transform the makeup industry, not just through artistic prowess but by demanding fair pay and acknowledging the dedication that goes into their craft.

"We are trying to show the new generation that when you come in, these are the hours we work and this is the pay. Being a makeup artist is not just about holding a brush. I always tell those I train that it's more than holding the brush — you need to know how to present yourself, how to get these jobs, how to invest for these jobs and finally how to do the makeup," she emphasises.

Fatuo believes that the role of a makeup artist extends beyond the application of cosmetics.

Beyond personal success, Fatuo's goals include creating a more inclusive beauty industry and uplifting other women in the field.

"If you don't teach them how to present themselves and put yourself out there, then you won't be able to get these jobs," she adds.

Being a makeup artist is a nuanced skill that involves navigating various challenges, from working in different cities to adapting to diverse cultures.

Speaking about the struggles in the industry, Fatuo champions equal opportunities, representation and combating discrimination on the job. Her commitment to uplifting fellow artists and advocating for their rights is unwavering.

Impressive portfolio

Despite the hurdles, Fatuo's impressive portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned African musicians, thanks to her work at Coke Studio. From Sauti Sol and Nyashinski to Rayvanny and Stone Boy, the list is endless.

"Being on set is the happiest moment of my life because I am just playing with colours. I read the script and break it down so that I can give it the desired look for our project. It feels good to bring the characters of the script to life," she says, expressing her passion for her craft.

Her love for the job goes beyond the aesthetics; it is also about connecting with people.

"Being a makeup artist is like being a counsellor. When people sit on that chair, they open up and just pour their hearts out. So, you have to listen, keep the conversation going and make them feel better," she says, emphasising the intimate and therapeutic side of her profession.

Fatuo finds solace in the world of cinema, exploring the magic created by fellow artists.

“When I am not on set, I watch other movies at home to observe different shooting styles, which greatly boosts my creativity. I love watching behind the scenes because that is where a makeup artist's work will be shown very well," she shares with a gleam in her eye.

But it's not all about work for Fatuo; she also values her free time.

Makeup artist Fatuo Hassan at work.

"I also love spending time with my friends and going out. I use my free time to plan for my next project, research and refill my makeup set. Other times I just drive out of the city and relax somewhere to re-energise," she adds, highlighting the importance of balance in a hectic industry.

When she's in the midst of a project, Fatuo immerses herself completely.

"When on set, my world is crazy. I do about 12 hours per day. When I am doing movies, I have about two weeks of preproduction, just preparing everything that I need," she confesses, showcasing the dedication that goes into bringing characters to life on the big screen.

Fatuo envisions a future where women hold leadership positions in the beauty industry, driving innovation and progress.

"I want to use my platform to support and uplift other women, providing mentorship and opportunities for growth and success," she adds, emphasising the importance of collaboration and empowerment.

Fatuo's determination enabled her to find remarkable mentors despite financial constraints and a lack of formal education in makeup.

“I have achieved numerous accolades, including Best Costume at the Kalasha Awards, Best Makeup Artist at the Woman in Film Awards and Best Makeup Artist at Almuslimah. Additionally, I have an extensive portfolio, having worked on over 500 TV commercials and billboards, showcasing my expertise and success in the industry.”

She has an impressive portfolio, having worked on various projects such as Arday (a Somali word for student), a 10-episode series that delves deeply into issues surrounding friendship, forced marriages, violence, insecurity and substance abuse.

You can also find her works, like Ayaanle, on Netflix. This is a story about a 21-year-old man from Nairobi, Kenya, who dreams of becoming a successful Hollywood actor. But a series of events turn his life upside down, leading him to become the most wanted man in Kenya.

Her next big project which will be released in 2024 is “The Village Next to Paradise” a drama film directed by Mo Harawe and starring Axmen Cali Faarax and Canab Axmed Ibraahin. It was shot in Garowe Puntland, Somalia.