POLOKWANE – Being a man in a female-dominated industry is tough and challenging, physically and emotionally, says Reuben Mahlakwana. The 26-year-old perfected his makeup skills through watching YouTube makeup videos.
“I started out by doing makeup on my sister. She was getting married and as we were busy planning the wedding, we realised that we did not have enough money in the budget for everything. I therefore suggested that I do her hair and makeup, as I already knew how to do hair by then. We bought the makeup tools and products we would need. I secretly went onto YouTube to try and understand how to achieve the perfect look and then I tried it on her. It took me five hours to achieve the face-beat look,” he explained.
Reuben says they uploaded the wedding photos onto social media and the response it received was unbelievable. He started receiving messages from women across social media platforms, who would ask him to come and do their makeup.
“At the time I was not sure about the makeup industry, as I had no idea what it takes for one to make it in the industry. I was still deciding what I wanted to do for a living. A friend of mine asked what I love and enjoy doing and my only answer was beauty. I did my research and found out that there is a somatology course, which I am currently enrolled for at Tshwane University of Technology,” he added.
Reuben says the course teaches him about makeup and other forms of beauty, from contouring and highlighting to putting on eyelashes.
He then realised that anyone can enter any industry and excel in whatever work they do, because all that is needed is passion and hard work. “Men in this industry fear being judged and undermine their sexuality, but sexuality has nothing to do with one’s profession or success. I never took the criticism I received in a bad way, instead I took it as stepping stones to become who I am today. In my line of work I used my gender to stand out as one of the few males who embrace their talents and skills,” he concluded.
He offers hair styling, makeup services as well as fashion tips. Find him on Instagram or on Facebook.
