WEEKLY ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT - Tara

Here is a clear, inspiring, youth-friendly breakdown of Tara Fela-Durotoye using Past Story → Present Story →

Past Story (How She Started)

Tara Fela-Durotoye began as a young woman passionate about beauty when the makeup industry in Nigeria was almost non-existent.

• She started doing bridal makeup as a student.

• She built her early business from her home, using limited tools and creativity.

• At a time when makeup artistry wasn’t seen as a real career in Nigeria, she remained consistent and professional.

• She later received formal training and invested in improving her skills.

Her early journey was built on courage, resourcefulness, and a strong belief that Nigeria could have its own structured beauty industry.

Present Story (Where She Is Now)

Today, Tara Fela-Durotoye is one of Africa’s most respected beauty entrepreneurs.

• Founder of House of Tara International, one of Nigeria’s first structured makeup brands.

• Creator of the Tara Orekelewa Beauty Line.

• Built makeup studios, training schools, and a network of beauty reps across the country.

• She mentors young entrepreneurs and speaks across Africa on leadership and enterprise.

• Her brand has contributed to the growth of the Nigerian beauty industry by creating jobs, training makeup artists, and raising industry standards.

She has grown from a home-based makeup artist to a global-level entrepreneur.

Lessons to Take as an Enterprise

1. Start Small, Start Where You Are

You do not need everything to be perfect. Tara began with minimal tools but maximum dedication.

2. Build a Real Skill

She invested time in learning and improving. Skill is a strong foundation for any business.

3. Turn Your Passion Into Structure

She didn’t just love makeup — she built a system, brand, training school, and distribution model.

4. Create Opportunities for Others

Her enterprise became bigger because it empowered other makeup artists and beauty reps.
When your business helps people grow, it grows too.

5. Innovate Ahead of the Market

When makeup artistry wasn’t popular, she believed in the future and acted early.
Being an early mover can make your business a leader.

6. Professionalism Builds Trust

Her commitment to excellence is why brides, clients, and corporate bodies trusted her brand long before the industry became large.

7. Stay Consistent Through Challenges

She faced doubts and limitations, but consistency helped her break barriers and shape an entire industry.