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Q&A: Beauty Ambassador Eryca Freemantle Sets Up School In Nigeria

Q&A: Beauty Ambassador Eryca Freemantle Sets Up School In Nigeria

I said to myself there must be more of this in other African countries. I then coincidentally got invited to Nigeria five years ago and I’m telling you I’ve never looked back. I’ve been to Nigeria 18 times and I’m here with the view to set up my make up school, where there is a demand, to teach people how to become makeup artist at international and global level and giving them the gateway that they will qualify to enter into the international arena.

I’ve met with partners here in Nigeria that have supported me to make that happen. We are also launching the Nigeria hair and beauty expo. That is a hub to showcase the talent that is here in Nigeria for Nigerians and other Africans. It’s a gateway for African artists to show their professional side and also enable consumers to come in and see what’s in the market. Also we will be open for international brands to come in and showcase their products. There so many brand that want to come in to Africa but they don’t know how nor who. We hope to be a prestigious expo for this to happen to celebrate being African, the different shades, hues, aspirations of women of all ages. That will be happening in June of this year.

We are doing quite a few things in TV around the beauty industry. Things that have never been seen in Africa before. I’m sworn to secrecy but you’ll be hearing of those soon.

AFKInsider: Is Nigeria the last stop for the Eryca Freemantle School of Beauty?

Eryca:  I don’t think this stops in Nigeria. We are taking the same format to Middle east, we are taking it to Brazil, so I will be in those countries too as well as London. But I think Africa a continent on its own is big enough to be shared. I believe what we do and we are about to do will encourage others to come on board and see that they too they can do as well.

The beauty business after gas, oil, water and food is worth $400 billion globally. There need to be infrastructure set up in Africa for this to be even appreciated and recognized more. they say that in Africa the cosmetic industry is about $10 million, but I think they have got that wrong. I think it is worth more. I see someone showing the way on how it’s done and giving people opportunity and it will always grow. Where ever there are women, there will always be a market. The potential is huge. even a 10 percent infrastructure you’ll see a big difference it will make and it will create jobs.

AFKInisder: Will you consider starting you own beauty product line for black women?

Eryca: I’ve refused to create my own line at this time simply because if I created my own line I will be a competitor to everybody else and won’t achieve what I’ve achieved so far. At the moment I’ve worked on over 100 different lines but if I had my own they won’t take me up as a consultant. I would never say no if the right deal comes along at the right price then I will entertain it. My effort is very much about giving and sharing industry knowledge. Unless something really changes for me I will like to continue on the road that I’m on.