Meet Teni Olasimbo | Entrepreneur, Makeup Artist & Content Creator

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

Hi Teni, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I really enjoyed watching makeup videos and tutorials and would always try to recreate looks on myself (even though I wasn’t that very good when I was younger). I just grew to have a passion for makeup and its art. I started playing around in makeup on my friends, family, and myself and I began to realize that I was starting to get pretty good at it. My freshman year in college at Howard University, people grew to love the art I created on myself and the makeup I did for others who came to me and asked for help. My closest friends began realizing how great my work was and suggested that I start my own business- especially because there were no makeup artists in our dorm that year and there were limited makeup artist in D.C. at the time. I was hesitant at first, because I was not yet that confident in my work on others and I was in fear that I would possibly mess up or a client wouldn’t like my work, but I had to conquer that mindset of being judged by others because that’s what holds entrepreneurs back from reaching their full potential. I thought of the root of why I wanted to start makeup in the first place- to enhance the beauty of all females’ skin tones and skin types, which soon became my mission statement and the beginning of Faces on Ten.

What should our readers know about your business?
Faces on Ten is a makeup artistry business located in the DMV area that aims to enhance the beauty in all female skin tones and skin types to boost self- confidence. I govern a client base of 200+ different customers by creating an effective communication pipeline from the company and our constituents. What I’m most proud about is the fact that I put myself out there, you know? Most people aren’t that confident in themselves or even their work to do that. It was far from easy to get to where I am today, but through prayer, exposure and referrals from my friends and family, and hard work and dedication, I got the clientele that I love and that loves me! This journey has taught me that you should never doubt yourself and your capabilities because the sky is truly the limit when you know your worth- and I indeed know mine now through growth. I would always tell myself that there are other makeup artists out there and that the world doesn’t need more but the truth is the world doesn’t have a you yet! Don’t stop your passions because there are other people out there doing the same thing. You haven’t showed the world YOUR talent yet!

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?
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, but I attend school in Washinton, D.C. and the first on the list would be CREOLE ON 14TH of course! If you want a spot that has amaazingg Caribbean food and great drinks this is the best place you can get it! I am someone who is a fiend for food spots and D.C. has some that are to die for. Jerk at Nite, The Carolina Kitchen and Heat Da Spot Coffee Lounge are great spots if you lovee Jamaican food, soul food, and Ethiopian dishes! Brunch spots like Madhatter and Kitchen Cray are also at the top of my list. And you can’t come to D.C. without seeing the city and all its history it has to offer. I would take them on a night stroll to see the National Mall and the National Harbor.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my creator, my God, who ordered my steps, who only has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future. I wouldn’t even be here or have the idea of starting my own business if it wasn’t for Him. I want to next give a shoutout to my parents for always being the backbone and the reason I have the business mindset I do. Next, my best friends, siblings, and family- this couldn’t be possible without any of you guys! And I want to finally thank the Howard University community for always supporting and rooting for me. I started with one foundation and a few palettes in a small dorm room to having my own home studio, all because of how much Howard University supports small business owners on campus!

Website: https://facesonten.as.me/schedule.php

Instagram: @facesonten / @tenixola

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwateniola-olasimbo-0b22941b4/

Twitter: @tenixola

Image Credits
Angel Williams, Caitlin Ukpong, Ayanna Snead, Mary Koku, Patience Okwor, Christian Balemlay, Hiwot Balemlay, Gabby, Helina Woldeamlak, Mikael Selassie, Miguel Djontu, Mesus Studios, Mide O.