Impacting Knowledge On My Students Is My Greatest Achievement--Hawawu Akorede Shaba

Hawawu Akorede Shaba is a B.Sc Accounting graduate from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai.
The CEO of Hawa's Boudoir, a beauty parlour that has its base in Lagos & Abuja, had a chat with TMG

TMG> Why did you choose to become a beautician?

 Hawawu> Becoming a beautician has always been my passion; I've always loved beauty and henna artistry. As a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a part of the beauty world. One time, my Baba brought home a pack of make-up pencils for me and that was how it began. Thereafter, I would go to stores to buy eye shadows and lipsticks (instead of chocolates and biscuits) then practice on my Mama and sister's faces. In secondary school, I often used eye shadow and I would always get reprimanded for it but that didn't stop me.

TMG> What excites you the most about the world of beauty?

Hawawu> Making my client's face stand out in all the right ways.

TMG> Are you happy as a beautician?

Hawawu> I am super elated! And I love to make women look beautiful. 

TMG> What three words would you use to describe yourself while working on a customer?

Hawawu> Cool, calm and collected.

TMG> What is your philosophy towards work?

Hawawu> Creativity & uniqueness.

TMG> Where and how were you trained and what credentials did you earn through the program?

Hawawu> I started by teaching myself before going to a professional makeup school for two months.

TMG> What motivates you most about the business?

Hawawu> Getting to work on a new canvas; preparing brides to walk down the aisle and/or assisting in a photoshoot by bringing out the model’s most prominent features. 

TMG> How many employees report to you and how efficient are they? If you are alone, how do you manage? 

Hawawu>  So far, I have four employees since I'm a starter and they are very efficient. Whenever they are unavailable, surprisingly, I manage.. I manage just fine.

TMG> How do you manage if you have some problems? Do you seek for help from another professional?

Hawawu> Honestly, I have had no problems so far.

TMG> What do you do to stay educated about new trends?

Hawawu> Really, since the world is a global village, I simply surf the net for new inspirations.

TMG> What are your challenges and how do you handle them?

Hawawu> Constant changing of time and location for home services and not being skilled enough in negotiation to charge the rates I deserve.

TMG> Tell us about an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your career.

Hawawu> Impacting these knowledge on my students and staff.

TMG> Tell us about your management style and how you handle your Customers?

Hawawu> Well, I handle my clients quite nicely.. there've been no complaints so far. And I appreciate their patronage. 

TMG> Tell us something you would like to learn or improve upon as a Beautician?

Hawawu> That should be price negotiations. I still find it a challenging  billing my clients. 

TMG> How do you manage risk, in terms of damages or loss?

Hawawu> We created a risk management program because, not only is it essential to success, it is a legal requirement for employers. The main areas are the protection of the property from fire, natural hazards, and crime. 

TMG> What way can you encourage other youths not to depend on government for jobs but to be self dependent?

Hawawu> I'll simply encourage the youths to find a passion that energises them then turn it into making money!

TMG> Do you socialise and when?

Hawawu> I won't lie to you.. I'm quite anti-social. I only go to the movies during the weekends.