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| Kangai Mwiti MUA and founder of Bellesa Africa |
The wonderful Kangai has come to mean a lot to me in my first year of being back in Kenya, for some of my blessed highs have been with her giving me the platform to shine. So writing about her was nothing short of a pleasure and i consider this a somewhat small token of appreciation to share with the world what an amazing talent she is in the beauty industry.
Her story is one of a person who thrives at perfecting their art while also teaching others to do so. Kangai's tenacity is admirable, the way she works inspiring and her spirit, alluring, so it is no surprise that she has achieved so much, with even the most recent accolade from Africa Youtube Creator Awards for her youtube make-up and beauty channel.
Be sure to enjoy this read, while being inspired.
Where did you love for make-up come from?
It's honestly been there all the time. One of my friends from primary school mentioned that I used to apply lipstick on her when we were in Standard 3, and that continued for a while. I guess I realised that makeup wasn't going away eight years ago when I started being asked to show up for shoots, and the rest is history.
Some might not know, but not only do you do make-up, you also take your own photos and videos and also edit them. In a nutshell you are a production house, how have you managed showcasing your talents without feeling overwhelmed?
That's actually true! I really love the entire process, although sometimes it gets exhausting. What I love the most is releasing a final product and knowing that I actually can do it. It pushes my boundaries when it comes to creativity, and makes me believe that anything is possible.
You're quite a sensation in the YouTube Vlogsphere and according to www.socialblade.com you are the sixth most viewed Youtube Channel in Kenya. However what's important to note is the Youtube channels before you are also TV stations and one is a show associated with a TV station. So if we were to really break it down you are the number one Youtuber in Kenya that is not famous beforehand nor has any affiliation with any TV stations currently. Did you ever think this would be the case four years down the line?
Wow- that's really something isn't it? I always get surprised because the reason I began shooting and uploading videos was not to be the best, or to chase fame. I did it because I needed a creative outlet, and at the time the platforms that would have worked with me were already saturated. And to be honest I was also going through a sort of identity crisis at the time (that's another story), and so makeup was my release.
What makes you different to other Youtube make-up channels?
First- we produce everything that you see, here in Nairobi. And the funny thing is that many people have commented that they couldn't believe that content like that could be produced here. So in terms of standing out in the content creator world, that's one unique aspect about my channel. Second- I focus on featuring a myriad of skin tones and textures on my channel. Many other beauty channels have one primary "face" in front of the camera, and their audience identifies with that one particular individual. And third- we focus on women of colour only. There is a disappointing lack of content for women of colour on one platform or space, and I'm filling that void.
You have also recently started mentoring other upcoming make-up artists, what made you decide to do this?
It's easy- I want to leave a legacy. When we die, my land investments, businesses and stocks won't wake up and say- "wow! Kangai has been such an influence in my life. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here today." People will say that about the work that I've done, and that means more to me than anything. What's funny is that many of my subscribers already tell me this, but I now want to scale that up to influencing, building up and mentoring my sisters and brothers all over Africa.
There is so many things that can be achieved in the make-up world, would having your own make-up line be one of them? or if at all possible can you share with us what direction you are planning on taking?
Sure- that's actually one dream of mine. That's all I can say right now :-)
| Face Beat by Kangai for True Love Feb Issue |
Well, in the beginning it was all reaction. I absolutely hate it when anyone tells me that I can't achieve anything, and that sets my mind in that direction. So the funny thing is that I listed out all the people and organisations who didn't want to work with me at the time, and I set it in my mind that they would one day. And it happened. Unfortunately, many people in this world limit your dreams by using their own as a measuring stick, and that is one reason why I try my best to respect where you are and where you've come from. You never know whether you will need the people you step on to get to the top, on your way down.
Life comes with serious challenges and hurdles, kindly share with the CCL readers a motto/quote you live by that encourages you and keeps you motivated.
Achieve the highest at your earliest. That one's from my dad.
Lastly, what else are we to expect from Kangai Mwiti and/or Bellesa Africa?
Affordable and convenient Masterclasses each month, and of course more videos online. I'm also working on a really large project that I can't chat about, but it's really REALLY exciting- stay tuned!
It has been said that in life our aim should not be to be great but to leave a great legacy, this is i see as Kangai's story. A wonderful soul who is not only a light to many but also through her she helps others light up like she has with me. Let us learn from her and be people who go above and beyond the measure of average, who find ways to double and multiplay their talents and people who create opportunities for themselves and in turn for others too.
Kangai thank you so much for all the love and endless support you have shown me and you were truly the best person for me to write about as the last article for the end of the year.
You are a superstar and may you keep shining even more.
Get acquainted with all that Kangai Mwiti does in the following ways:
Blog Website: http://www.bellesaafrica.com/
YouTube: Bellesa Africa
Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: @Bellesaafrica
It has been an ultimate pleasure sharing such like stories and i can't wait to share more in 2017, as this will be my last CCLinspire Feature for this year. As with all features may this too be the matchstick that lights up a fire in you and inspires you to achieve more as we come to a close of 2016.
If you would like to share your story or can recommend someone who does please email crazycoollush@gmail.com
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