Precious Petiamboh-Pekeleke | 04.2021
At SARAHAMA, one of our primary focuses as a team, set out by our Editor in Chief is our mental health. It is important to us to put these matters first. We previously spoke to our dear friend Zawadi, about life during Covid-19. Today we speak to Precious, CEO of Beautybypre. All communications were conducted virtually to support social distancing and lockdown restrictions.
Our inviting conversation with Precious is below. Read her story.
Precious
SRHMA:
How are your spirits Precious?
PPP:
Well I’m not going to lie, the first lockdown hit hard, because it felt so surreal. Everything we were able to have at arms reach was no longer available. I found it really hard to be creative, and motivated to post content. But the prayer I made for 2020 into 2021, was so powerful, that I told myself the spirit of procrastination and fear will no longer drag me down this year. I also started praying more and letting God be the CEO of my company, instead of myself controlling everything. So to answer your question at first it was challenging, but now it’s way more fun and less stressful.
SRHMA:
Good for you Pre! Have you always been a religious or spiritual person?
PPP:
Thank you! Yes I have! My parents introduced me to Christ when I was child, and I grew up in the church. However, I didn’t always have the instant connection with Christ. I grew up in church and loved God, yet it was hard to understand who he was what he did. It was two years ago, when I really took time to know him, and I’ve never regretted that choice.
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From Sunday school, to singing in the choir, to teaching. I am now Youth senator.
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Lifestyle
SRHMA:
How has your journey with spirituality and religion shaped your beauty career?
PPP:
That’s a really good question. Since I was a youth, I’ve always had a passion for makeup, fashion and all things related. My spiritual journey helped me, in the sense of having faith and leaving things to God. Like I mentioned before, I put God as the CEO of my company, and since then, my journey in makeup has been so blessed. Beforehand, I would always get so worked up and upset if things didn’t go my way, and blame God for things, such as having a low follow count, or not getting as many clients as I feel I deserve. The more my business and faith grew, the more it helped mould my beauty career.
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Instead of thanking him for what I did have, loyal clients, supportive friends and family, the ability of even knowing how to do makeup.
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Early Years
SRHMA:
How long has it been, since you first became a make up artist?
PPP:
I started at the end of 2018 and took it serious in 2019/2020. I’m 17, so from the age of 15 I started my MUA journey. With Beauty, I started on myself, due to having an accident. I shaved one of my brows off and had to use my mums brow pencil! In secondary school people would always compliment my brows, so I decided to browse into other elements of makeup. Once I found confidence in using makeup, I leaned into doing it on others.
When me and my girls went out and I’d do their makeup, people would always ask who did it? I had to opportunity to meet Ms banks, and she complimented the makeup I did on someone else. That was the ‘heads-up’ I needed, and it’s been two years since.
SRHMA:
You’re so young, you’ve got so much potential! Do you think the beauty industry is the one for you then?
PPP:
Thank you! Yes definitely, but in the future I hope to expand into fashion just like Rihanna. Multiple incomes and businesses that’s the plan!
Style
SRHMA:
Oh cool. How would you define your personal style then?
PPP:
I’d describe my personal style as abstract, modern and spontaneous. I love nudes, and experimenting with abstract patterns and colours. I’m definitely a sneaker head compared to heels but, after lockdown I’m definitely going to tap into heels.
SRHMA:
Which would you prefer. A gorgeous makeup look, or a sartorially perfect outfit?
PPP:
A sartorially perfect outfit for sure. With makeup even if it looks 11/10 if your outfit doesn’t blend well with the makeup, it could be a 3/10 real fast.
SRHMA:
So when it comes to makeup, do you experiment or do you prefer something toned down and soft?
PPP:
I’d definitely say toned down very soft glam, minimal makeup. Even on my clients, I feel like you can never go wrong with a cheeky soft glam, brown eyeshadow, nude lips. Lately I’ve been loving editorial looks! You can go as crazy and experimental as you want. Definitely love when my clients let me freestyle and go crazy, because that’s when my real creativity shows.
SRHMA:
Did the pandemic, affect the business?
PPP:
The pandemic has definitely reduced the number of clients that I normally have. I do more photoshoots than standard bookings, as it’s quite hard to respect the government 2m distance guidelines when doing make up. However, I have more time to plan and create content, and allow my followers to see the face behind the brand from time to time, with mini make up to tutorials.
Beauty By Precious
SRHMA:
If you could only carry three beauty products in your bag all day, with no makeup on your face, what would you bring?
PPP:
Vaseline (I can’t stand dry lips); Mascara (just for a cheeky pop), and Eyebrow Gel. I love laminated brows.
SRHMA:
Favourite make up brands of the moment?
PPP:
Toofaced (concealers); Laura Mercier (‘translucent’ loose powder); Juvias place (palette foundation and concealer), and Kiko Milano (‘02’ 3D lipgloss).
SRHMA:
If you could only have makeup products from luxury brands, which two would you choose?
PPP:
Definitely NARS, and Fenty Beauty.
SRHMA:
Fenty Beauty because you love their products, or because it’s Rihanna?!
PPP:
I love their products, and the range that they have they cater to the lightest to darkest of complexions. There aren’t very many makeup company’s who do that. Similarly, I just love Rihanna. She’s equally as talented in the music industry as in Beauty and fashion, and made it known that she doesn’t just have to do music.
Inspiration
SRHMA:
Who would you say are some of your favourite people to follow, for inspiration purposes?
PPP:
Oooo that’s tough, but ok let’s see. Danessa Myricks; Mahina Makeup, and Lake Sanu.
SRHMA:
Why?
PPP:
Danessa, as she’s not your typical MUA. She oozes creativity. There’s no right way of wearing makeup with her and I love that. She can literally use concealer, to fill in your brows or lipstick as mascara. She really tests her boundaries with makeup and I believe that’s what makeup should be about, having fun!
I’ve been watching Mahina’s work for years, and you know a good MUA when you’re able to distinguish their work, from a client’s face. Mahina’s business mindset is also what I love, as she doesn’t only do makeup. She sells lashes and lipgloss. I love how she ventures out with makeup and is not just confined in a box.
Last but not least Lake Sanu. her work speaks ‘SKIN SKIN SKIN’, and I truly believe she’s an amazing makeup educator. A lot of people can do makeup, however not necessarily know how to teach, and pass their techniques on to people. Like Mahina, you know when it’s a Lakesanu beat!!
The Future
SRHMA:
What are you most looking forwards to when lockdown ends, and we can go back to social distancing, with a complex approach back to normality?
PPP:
Definitely taking more bookings; a lot more photoshoots, as I love networking and meeting different people who I can learn from and gain knowledge. I’m also looking forward to achieving the goals which I set myself for this year. With restrictions slowly easing, my work rate is only going up from here. Also going to university. A-levels are killing my people!
SRHMA:
What are you looking to study at uni?
PPP:
Midwifery.
SRHMA:
That’s so cool! Good for you Pre. Finally, can you give us a beauty tip that you follow religiously!
PPP:
Thank you. Oo yes, before filling in my clients brows I ALWAYS use the soap brow method or gel depending on how I’m feeling that day. This trick makes it very easy for me to find the shape of my clients brows for a natural look, and it requires minimal brow product to achieve!
Precious
Precious and our Editor-in-chief have finally had their log awaited sit-down (albeit virtually). They have both worked together on a few projects, ever since the brand first came into existence. Precious is amazing at what she does, and we love her for it. Her diligence to makeup, and goals for the future, is what inspires us most about her. Some of you may follow Precious on social media, so hopefully you can find comfort, in finally seeing the face behind the brand! Thank you to Precious, who has made a significant contribution to our first season.
