Makeup artist from Uganda on her way to making it big

We’re all familiar with Huda Kattan and Dalal Aldoub, and the countless other extremely talented makeup gurus in the Middle East.
Becoming a sought-after makeup artist doesn’t just happen overnight. The road to success is paved with years of training, assisting established artists, and sometimes pure luck, Teddy Nalweyiso, a 24-year-old Ugandan expatriate, have what it takes, and it’s evident from the flawless looks she creates. She employs unique highlighting and contouring techniques despite the fact that she has got no formal training in makeup. 
Working at one of the known beauty studios in Qatar, she embodies the passion and perseverance that is required to pursue one’s dream – making it big as a makeup artist.
Community, recently caught up with the young makeup artist who shared her journey from Uganda to Qatar.

Tell us about yourself.
If I decide to get something, I work really hard to achieve it. One of the reasons for who I am today and I’m extremely proud of it. 
I have an elder sister and a brother. Both of them are residing in Doha. I’m a graduate in procurement and supply chain management from Uganda. However, I have always been yearning to have a career in the makeup industry.
My family has been my support throughout. 

What has it taken you to be a makeup artist?
I never gave up on myself. In the beginning, I didn’t have the best of application tools and products. But, I never stopped learning and researching. Initially I had a lot of troubles with finances. I used to have big ideas but I lacked resources to put them to reality. 
I used to look at my elder sister and how she used to apply eyelashes and lipsticks. That’s what got my interest and I just started copying her at first. 
After I got done from the university, I thought I should go abroad for a career. I went to Dubai in 2015 and eventually joined Qatar Airways in 2015. After serving Qatar Airways for 18 months, I joined Sephora Beauty Studio in Landmark Mall.

Did you take formal training in makeup at some point of time?
Initially I did not take any formal training or couching in makeup. I learnt it myself. Practice, practice and just practice! I learnt it over the period of time, experimenting on my colleagues and co-workers. All my co-workers at Qatar Airways were actually amased to see my talent and passion.
However, when I joined Sephora, they did give me some training. I have been receiving a lot of appreciation and acknowledgement at my workplace from my managers and customers alike. I am very thankful to Sonia Chouchane my manager at Sephora for her support and encouragement.

Do you think that Qatar has helped you in pursuing your dream?
Yes, Qatar has helped me a lot. First of all, women in Qatar understand the value of make-up. There are many opportunities here for young make-up artists like me. And above all, it’s the place where I got my feet I’ve got resources here and a job that’s helping me to pursue makeup as a profession. It’s a safe country where women can work freely. 

What is makeup to you?
Makeup is an art that can bring out the inner beauty. With this fusion, we can enhance natural beauty. I can transform people with it. It can help you become a better version of yourself-enhancing one’s beauty.

What’s next for Teddy?
I’m learning a lot at the place where I am right now. It is the best place to start your makeup career from. My dream is to be a celebrity makeup artist. I want to have my own product line as well. 
The artist can be accessed on Instagram at @beautybyteddy