Meet Dennis Karuri a full time make-up artist who doubles as a model and a content creator

Dennis Karuri is a full time make-up artist who doubles as a model and a content creator. He chats with Allan Adalla about his venture and experiencesDid you pursue beauty in campus?

Not at all. After joining Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology main campus in 2013, I studied for a degree in Agribusiness Economics and Food Industry Management. 

Then how did you find yourself in the beauty world?

I lost my mum two years after I joined campus. This made me branch out to help support my dad and siblings as the going was tough.

I first joined modelling and through my journey as a model, I got into make-up artistry by default. I first experienced make-up in my second year in campus when I first joined modelling.

I was extremely excited when make-up was first applied on me. That’s what sparked my passion and interest in the artistry.

How can you describe your make-up style?

My make-up style is expressive, authentic, bold and professional.

 Where do you draw your inspiration?

Basically from my mood, other artists, the environment and from my amazing clients as well.

I am always researching on make-up and the issues surrounding the beauty community. I also follow a lot of make-up moguls, as they offer a great inspiration to me. 

How has been your experience working in a women dominated field, and how do you deal with critics?

To be honest, my experience working in a female dominated industry has been very educational and fun-filled.

Any criticism towards my personality is a fuel to my dreams and goals, as who I am is more significant than anyone’s opinion of me. 

What is your favourite make-up brand?

Unfortunately, I don’t have a favourite brand. Unless it has my name on it. Ha-ha-ha. 

Which big guns have you worked with so far?

The list is endless. I have worked with so many prominent people among them Zari Hassan, Tanasha Donna, Brenda Wairimu, Mitchelle Ntalami and Pierra Makena.

One thing you would tell men who want to venture in make-up artistry.

If you’re a man who wants to pursue this art, I totally recommend you to start it as soon as possible.

The harvest is surplus, but the harvesters are minimal. So, dust yourself up and do it!

Who do you look up to?

Locally, I look up to make-up artists such as Muthoni Njoba and Sinitta Akello. Internationally it has to be James Charles, Jeffrey Star, Lipstick Nick and Danessa Myricks.

According to you, what’s the biggest mistake that make-up artists commit?

That must be lack of enthusiasm and dedication to the craft. If you don’t put all your heart and mind in what you do, disappointments will be your forte.

So, your soul should be in what you do, and you have to do it with passion if at all you want to happily enjoy the fruits of your labour.

What are your aspirations?

To go global. But I don’t have limits to what I’d want to achieve in this life.