Zimpapers Logo

Swagga T
BEING a teenager comes with it with a lot of challenges especially when it comes to making the right choices about choosing a career path.
In countries like the United States some teenagers have gone out of their way to write their own piece of history especially in the arts field. Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Willow and Jaden Smith among others, have become household names in their chosen lines of field – acting and singing – and earning big buck out of it – sometimes even becoming employers to their parents out of it.

In Zimbabwe, the likes of singers Gary Tight, Spiderman, Ras Pompy and Munyaradzi Munodawafa have not let their age stop them from joining the list of unforgettable names in Zimbabwe’s “Hall of Music Fame”. Of course, we hear a lot about kids who excel academically and in athletics as well.

But little has been heard of success stories in other fields chronicling the achievements scored by teens.

As usual CLS sets out to raise the bar by finding those teens who are following different roads. Meet teenage make-up artist Stephanie Joseph whose finesse in this field will leave adult seasoned make-up practitioners green with envy.

It is not everyday that you come across the likes of teens like Stephanie who are so dedicated, focused and put their all into their profession in a way that belies her age.

At the green age of 17, one would think that she would be busy chasing the fun and idling her time on petty things, but not with her.

“I started doing make-up just for fun. I discovered that it was an art that enhances a person’s facial appearance, and coupled with the right hairstyle, nail lacquer and such other related accessories, make-up is a great enhancer of one’s appeal,” she said.

Stephanie said she chose to be a make-up artist because she loves colours.

“I chose make-up as a job because I have always wanted to do something that could put a smile on someone’s face. I believe everybody should feel beautiful in make-up. I am now enrolled with Vault Cosmetics Academy,” she said.

Her mum is her role model.

“My mother is optimistic. She never gives up on what she believes in,” she noted.

Steph, as her friends call her, recently relocated to Zimbabwe from South Africa where she studied visual art.

“I went to Port Shepstone High School where I studied business studies, visual art and consumer studies,” she said.

Acceptance and limited opportunities are the two major obstacles in her chosen career.

“Often, at first sight, people have doubt about my ability and look down upon us teen make-up artists. It is not only me but we are many. But once I convince them that I can do a good job for them, they then let me try it out and the result often hits them hard,” she said.

Stef is not content with being placed inside a box and does not limit her talents to one interest. To date she counts her greatest achievement as her modelling career.

“I am the teen brand ambassador for Econet Zimbabwe and I appear on their billboards. It is also an honour working with Jackie under the Teen Vault. I see myself as role model to other teenage girls as I am a dreamer.”

According to Steph eyes are the most prized possession when it comes to make-up. She shared a tip for all those interested in the art of make-up, either on their own faces or putting it on someone else.

“Keep your eyebrow game strong as it finishes a look completely,” she noted.

Of course, the sky is the limit for her and the future is bright because she is working to make it so.

“I haven’t stopped studying and I am taking this career further while at the same time exploring other avenues. This world needs people who are adept in various areas,” she concluded.