From 0 to 10K Followers: Real Story of a Lagos-Based Makeup Artist
As Told To TheKclaut
From 0 to 10K Followers: Real Story of a Lagos-Based Makeup Artist
As Told To TheKclaut
I didn’t start out wanting to be a makeup artist.
Back then, I was just a girl making her friends’ faces for parties, weddings, and school dinners, not for money, just vibes. But people kept saying, “You’re so good at this!” and planted a seed.
I opened an Instagram account in 2021. At the time, I had less than 200 followers, mostly friends from uni and a few family members. No fancy ring light, no professional camera. Just natural light, my old Android, and a window that gave decent 4 p.m. lighting.
The first time I posted a bridal transformation video with a trending sound, I didn’t expect anything. But it hit over 2,000 views in two days, I was shocked. That tiny moment showed me what was possible.
How I Grew — In Real Time (Not Overnight)
Week 1–4:
Cleaned up my IG feed. Removed blurry, inconsistent posts.
Added a proper bio with my location, niche, and booking link.
Started using hashtags like #LagosMakeupArtist, #BridalGlamNG.
Month 2:
Created a content schedule: 3 posts a week (2 reels, 1 carousel).
Used trending audios on reels, nothing fancy, just voiceovers or soft music with makeup transitions.
Shared client testimonials in my captions.
Month 3–5:
Bought a mini ring light (₦7,000 from Jumia). Game-changer.
Began documenting my process, not just the final look. People loved the “skin-prep to setting spray” clips.
Started sharing value: tips on foundation matching, beginner brushes, oily-skin hacks.
Month 6+:
Did a “Giveaway for 1 Free Makeover” to increase engagement, gained 300+ followers in 48 hours.
Collaborated with a local photographer for a styled shoot. We tagged each other, cross-promo helped.
Created a “before & after” highlight to act as a mini portfolio.
The Breaking Point
There were days I wanted to delete the whole page.
I’d post something I really loved, and it’d flop. Meanwhile, someone else would post a blurry video and blow up. I stopped comparing when I realized: Growth isn’t viral, it’s layered. Most people follow after seeing your work 3–4 times.
The real turning point? A DM from a bride who found me via Explore. She said, “Your style feels real. I’ve been watching your page. Are you free next month?” I wasn’t the biggest page, but I was consistent. And that mattered.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Now, I’m at 10K+ followers, and most of my clients come from IG. I’ve even started getting booked for out-of-town weddings and teaching beginners.
I didn’t pay for ads. I didn’t have a manager. I just kept showing up.
Would I do anything differently? Maybe I’d have tracked my content performance earlier. Maybe I’d have built an email list. But honestly, I’m proud of how I figured it out as I went, and I'm still learning.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
Platforms like TheKclaut are giving real creators space to speak without fluff. It’s not about chasing overnight fame, it’s about being seen and building something that lasts.
If even one makeup artist sees this and decides not to give up, that’s enough for me. I used to think you needed a studio setup to grow. Now I know? You just need to start and stay loud about your work