My names is Nimaro Precious. I dropped out of school because there was no money, but life could not stop because I couldn’t get a formal education. I had to find ways to earn a living. I loved makeup. I always admired the way TV stars looked glamorous on the screen, and I wanted to be one of those people who did their makeup. So, I thought I could get into the beauty industry, learn to plait hair and do makeup to earn an income.
I was inspired by a friend called Carol, who works in Kampala in Mukwano Arcade. I went to her place of work, and she taught me the basics. When I returned to Gulu, I continued to teach myself. I’d send Carol photos of what I had done, and she would give me feedback. I started to earn a bit. Many friends who wanted to look good would come to me because my prices are not overrated. Every weekend there are gigs, not just weddings, but many kinds of parties happening. There is a daily demand for makeup, more than for hairdressing, for someone can do their hair only once a month, but they will want to do their makeup so often.
I was not satisfied with doing just beauty make up. I always wanted to be in film, and so when I saw a call for this training, I applied, and I hardly regretted it.
The training turned out to be a steppingstone. It forced me to push myself far. It created a path for me, opened opportunities, and gave me exposure. What can I say – it helped me network and meet people who have helped me a lot. Gulu Film Production are always recommending me to other producers, and, as long as there is film work, I’ll show up, even if there is no money. Film has become a passion. An obsession. I’ve been in situations where I give up good paying makeup gigs because I have to do something on film, which is not paying. I don’t know, is that a good thing? You can’t eat passion.
In a recent short film, I was the only woman in the crew. I did make up, but I also cooked for them, all because of my love for film. It’s crazy. But in this industry, if you are only after money, you can’t go far. There is need for patience, and I’m building for myself a name. Though there is little money at the moment, I’m creating networks, and I know one day it will pay off.
My big turning point was when they recommended me for internship in a TV series. There was a lot of pressure, and I had to learn very quickly, but because of the passion I had, I kept going and learned so much. Though I dropped out of the internship due to personal reasons, a door had opened up for me. Somehow, my name traveled, and when I returned to Gulu other producers called me to their projects, seeing the experience I had on the TV Series. I’m now building a brand for myself, and I want to be a recognized name. In the next five years, I want people to associate my name with beauty and make up. I know I’m in the right track.
Written by Nimaro Precious.
Precious was as a participant in the 2022 Mobile Film School training in Gulu. She worked on the Tv Series Storm on The Floor as the makeup artist. She now has her own makeup shop in Gulu.