We had the good fortune of connecting with Fanta Soso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fanta, what role has risk played in your life or career?

So before being an MUA, I was a miserable student at OSU. I had parents willing to do anything for me as long as I got the degree THEY wanted. I understand that’s a blessing many people don’t get, but that wasn’t my path. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was quitting school and becoming a full-time Makeup Artist. In 2020, in the middle of the worst pandemic of the 21st century, I decided to throw away my chances of becoming an essential worker. I’m laughing now because it can sound ridiculous to some, but it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. After making it clear to my parents what I wanted, they cut me off completely. They could not understand why I would make such a decision.

Taking that risk festered into what I call one of the most challenging times of my life, but quitting school also festered into one of the most educative times of my life! That’s funny, right? Being that I was financially privileged growing up and then suddenly cut off, I knew that there was a certain kind of life I needed and wanted to attain. I also knew I had something to prove to my BSN nurse, professional, essential working parents. Taking the risk of quitting school ignited a different type of fire in me.

I became obsessed with getting better at my craft and growing. I also started researching and taught myself about credit and its power in this country. Something that 12-13 years of school had never done for me. Taking the risk of quitting school gave me a better scope of life and what I wanted out of it. It’s 2022, I’m still a Full-time MUA, and I’m STILL learning, growing, and getting better. What’s most important is I’m happy! The risk I took (even though rough initially) created more space for happiness in my life. It also taught me perseverance and how nothing will happen unless you put in the work for yourself. For example, I knew makeup was what I wanted to do, but the process toward independence was very hard for me. I wanted to quit a lot and give in and go to school, but I knew I wouldn’t be happy, so I kept going despite what I was going through because I knew I’d eventually get where I wanted. Some are blessed with blessings that fall in their lap; others have to get them out of the mud.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m different from other MUAs because I care about heightening other people’s confidence. My artistry is not just about a transaction or going viral; it’s about making sure every person I deal with leaves my chair feeling and STAYING more beautiful than when they came to me. I’m that friend that makes sure everyone is on point before we step out, which has translated into my craft. All my clients are friends, and I want to ensure they feel and look their best! Makeup has caused me to be a part of some of the most pivotal points in a person’s life, like baby showers, weddings, and graduation. I’ve learned all those events can come with stress, and I’ve made it my job to be the escape from those stresses in such beautiful moments.

Getting to where I am today has required impeccable amounts of perseverance and motivation. It is not easy at all, but I have tunnel vision. It’s taken hundreds of business cards given out by hand, thousands of dollars in free work and investments, and many losses, but today I get bookings in my sleep, and It no longer requires much work to be booked out for months at a time. Truthfully, none of this happened overnight, and it was a tedious process, but it’s attainable for anyone.

I’m still trying to figure out where I want to be 100 percent, and I’m still willing to make more sacrifices to continue and grow my business.

I’ve learned tons of patience in this journey. My costly makeup kit has been stolen twice during hectic seasons, so I’ve learned that you can lose everything tomorrow. You always need a plan A-Z. Life comes at you fast!

And I want the world to know that IM COMING! But I also want everyone to know that you don’t always need a degree, but you definitely need a plan. So in whatever you do, make a plan. A plan can take anyone from 0-100 in anything. And don’t stop! Keep going; I’ve learned failures can be the foundation of greatness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

In Columbus, Ohio?! Haha, everyone who knows me reading this knows I’ve outgrown the city, and there’s not much more for me here.

But there was a time when I felt like I owned the city, so here go!

Day 1

Breakfast: Waffle House

One of my favorite places; others will say it’s run-down and the food is basic, but sometimes that’s all we need in life.

Lunch: Hens Quarter Dublin

Great food, a nice vibe, and good music.

Dinner: Dabahk

I’m West African, Sierra Leonean and Guinean, to be specific. The cuisine in my favorite place, Dabahk, is a Senegalese restaurant, but we share many foods, and they might have the best food in Africa (In my opinion).

Nighttime: Casablanca hookah Bar

Great hookah, great people, great music

Day 2

Breakfast: Drunch

Good food and drinks

Lunch: African paradise (Somali food)

Again I love most African food, and I’d want my bestie to experience different things. So I’d get the rice and lamb with the ranch sauce, I don’t know if they make it or get it from a bottle, but it tastes amazing!

Dinner: DK KITCHEN! At Hyer hookah

So my friend is the owner of DK kitchen, her name is Diaraye, and she is a fantastic cook! I very much support black businesses, especially my friends. She sells plates out of a hookah bar called Hyer.

This is a 2-in-one because you can eat good food and vibe to Dj Babz while smoking hookah. They are also BYOB.

Day 3

Breakfast: the Woodbury

Good food, and I like places that have non-pork breakfast meats.

Lunch: forno

Good food and vibes; it’s cute, and you can take pics!

Dinner: chophouse

Good food and beautiful scenery to take great pics

Nighttime: we’d go out with a bang at the LivingRoom lounge. A nightclub with a diverse crowd and a good sense of music. Also very safe.

The short north is also really cool, and there’s a lot to do there as far as restaurants, museums, and bars go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to give praise to the most high, because without Him, I am nothing.

Second, I would like to thank my mom. She didn’t always support me as a makeup artist simply because she didn’t understand. But I thank her today because she put the fire under me that made me the independent queen I am. I also want to thank her for her ability to learn and grow. I love and respect that about her more than anything. It has created a space for constant communication, which is key to an amazing relationship. So first, she ignited the fire that led to my success, and now she IS the fire behind me that keeps me going and supports me in whatever I do! And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what a mom does!

Website: Slayedbysoso.as.me

Instagram: Slayedbysoso

Image Credits
@stevenovakk @jemausa_

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