Monalisa Umutoni: the self-taught top makeup artist

Monalisa Umutoni’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

Many people don’t know about my whole relationship with God because of the industry that I operate in. it is also because I don’t have a personal social media account as it’s all business.

I am also a very shy person and never thought that I would be doing photo shoots or express my views in a big audience but this job has given me the confidence to express myself as opposed to the former me who wanted to keep a very low profile.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Doing what I love and helping others. Even with what I do, I aim to satisfy my clients with a good service. You can never get enough of an overly joyous client.

What is your greatest fear?

It’s surprising but I fear change; most of us want things to keep normal and yet they ought to change. For instance, there are new makeup trends and much as change is scary, I try to embrace it.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am overly critical mostly about myself. Even when I was opening the studio, two years ago, I was so concerned about every detail to make it perfect.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Disrespect; I don’t want such people who think others are too low for their presence or don’t deserve much.

Which living person do you most admire?

There are so many things to admire from different people. However, I find myself admiring people who are ambitious, hardworking, and generous.

What is your greatest extravagance?

The first thing that comes to my mind is to give tithe but as a human being, I may fail sometimes. It’s the one thing that opened the doors for me. Other than that I spend a lot on makeup.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

Every big thing that has set me apart; I am grateful that I started out as a makeup artiste and decided to focus on it.

What is your current state of mind?

Cool, calm, and happy

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

The whole thing about corporate jobs is overrated. It starts right away from school where parents and teachers consider those who are not academically sound in certain disciplines as failures yet they are good elsewhere in terms of talent. I believe that education will earn you a living but talent will earn you a fortune.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Being powerful is when someone comes from nothing and builds a big empire. Such people usually go through so much that would bring them down but choose to persist and build a brand. Being powerful also means being powerful and aiming to lift others

On what occasion do you lie?

May be when I am running late otherwise I don’t think I would tell a lie. I believe that what you give is what you get.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I used to have insecurities about my looks but I’ve learnt to own and appreciate them. I also realized that those we consider insecurities are what most people love us for.

Which living person do you most despise?

Anyone who is disrespectful and judgmental.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Being very ambitious and having a personal relationship with God.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Respecting others and having a personal relationship with God.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

I loved my father even more than I loved myself and sometimes I think that’s why God took him away from me. However, losing him taught me that nothing is constant and from them, I am not afraid of loss and not any more attached to any human being.

When and where were you happiest?

Just recently, when I finally pulled off the makeup master class and it being a success was just so good. Everything came through as I had planned and indeed I was very happy.

Which talent would you most like to have?

It has always been clear to me that I am an artist and it’s one thing that I can do best. I can still do something else around art like fashion designing.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I am just happy the way I am.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The makeup studio is one of them but the master class is another one. My overall achievement is being in a position where I can take care of my family

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

The personality in Beyonce; she is very ambitious.

Where would you most like to live?

I can never imagine myself living in another country; Ugandans are very hospitable people, but I was born and raised here.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

I can’t say that I have been through the lowest of suffering but being homeless without even a single coin or shilling is unbearable. Even losing a parent is one of the lowest moments in life.

What is your favorite occupation?

I love to make people feel beautiful.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty and ambition is everything.

Who are your favorite writers?

I am not attached to any writer.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Pastor Joyce Meyer is my all time favourite person and often when I feel lost and need a sense of direction, I find myself there through her preaching.  That woman has spoken to me countless times.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t regret anything because I believe that it was God’s plan.

How would you like to die?

After leaving a legacy behind, I can go in my sleep.

What is your motto?

You reap what you sow.

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