Fatima Mamza On Working With The First Family, Her Pay Cheque & More!

I had a very beautiful conversation with Fatima Mamza as we waited for the studio to be set up for her interview. We had spoken a few times over the phone prior to our eventual meeting but I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I mean, this is the first family’s go-to person for all things makeup, arguably the most sought after beauty personality in the northern part of Nigeria and – I have to mention – a rich kid!

But nothing could prepare me for the woman who walked into our office that morning. She exuded class and grace in a subtle but unmistakeable way – the type that is neither bought nor learned.

My brief and insightful conversation with her as we waited, was the most profound, awakening and at the same time calming chat I’ve ever had with anyone. I didn’t want it to end. And as we made our way down to the studio for her interview, I couldn’t help the little regret that I didn’t get that conversation on camera. I was worried that she might not be able to show this part of her when the harsh studio lights turn on her but, I was wrong.

It turned out to be one of the most beautiful interviews I’ve ever conducted. Fati was honest, thorough and absolutely brilliant.

We talked about everything from Zahra’s wedding makeup to her controversial 2015 trip to New York with the First Lady – which she insisted she would do all over again.