MUA, MOM OF TWO AND TEACHER JUGGLES MULTIPLE ROLES SUCCESSFULLY.

Jan 29, 2023 News, Special Person

By Malisa Playter-Harry

Kaieteur News – Becoming a successful businesswoman in a competitive environment can be quite a challenge, but many of the women today are now more than ever eager to make their mark and become successful. As The Waterfalls continue to highlight success stories in the world of business, we came across Devina Deonarine, a 35-year-old Ankerville, Port Mourant Make-up artist/Decorator/Photographer/Mother/Teacher and Student, yes, a woman with many talents.

Businesswoman and Teacher Devina Deonarine

OmnificMe, the name of her business, was established on May 4 2020. Specializing in make-up artistry, hairstyling for special occasions, decorating for parties, baby showers, birthdays etc., OmnificMe has recently added another service to the expanding business. Deonarine mentioned that she now retails bouquets, corsages, boutonniere, tutus, head pieces that are customized to the desires of the customer. Added to that, she now offers online shopping where persons can pre-order items or purchase items that are in-stock.

When it comes to doing make-up for clients, the look can either be ‘glammed-up’ or simple, either way; clients are left mesmerized by the luminous and dazzling finish. But with every stunning look, one may wonder if Deonarine’s prices are over the top, but that is far from the case. Her prices start at $5,000 (in studio) and $8,000 and up, if she has to visit a location to do a client’s makeup. She offers hairstyling for brides at an additional cost.

A party set up done by Devina

This mother of two, who is also a full-time teacher (Graduate Senior Mistress) at the Corentyne Comprehensive High School, while conquering the make-up and decor game in Berbice, is also pursuing studies in the Ministry of Education Management Certificate Course (2 years); she is set to complete that shortly.

Deonarine added that while she was an educator, she was eager to do more. She said it was her desire to broaden her skills that pushed herself to achieve more.

“During a quiet moment with myself one day, I asked myself if I am ok with where I am. The answer was no.

Devina’s daughter displaying a head piece and shell top created by Devina

Questions kept popping in my mind such as, Am I doing enough? Am I happy? If something is to happen to me, will my children have a support system? Another reason why I really wanted to venture into makeup and decor, especially, is because I wanted to offer society better and affordable service. Based on a personal experience, when I had gotten married, I could not have hired a makeup artist or hairstylist or decorator because of how unreasonable the prices were,” she detailed as she spoke about her business with much joy and satisfaction.

Bridal makeup and bouquet done by Devina.

The Berbician beauty noted that since her business was conceptualized, OmnificMe has grown over the past two years and with her putting in 48-72 hrs weekly into her business, she is of the opinion that her efforts will further catapult her business to even greater success.

“As a child growing up, I had always had a love for makeup and creativity, whether it was applying my mother or aunts’ makeup, making doll’s clothes or playing house.”

She mentioned that when her business started, she did strictly make-up and eventually began doing make-up classes, because of the demand for it by clients. It turned out to be a boost to her business!

“It did not only build an extensive clientele, but it generated enough income which afforded me the opportunity to get high-end products for my business. My business actually kicked started in the beginning of the pandemic, so there was enough time to engage in crafting and making accessories for customers. Through this, I gained more recognition for my talents and that’s how the name OmnificMe was born. It means being very skillful or having many talents. After 2020, I decided to add party decor to the list of services I offered, since I always had a liking for decorating. The feedback gained from this service was extremely positive.”

Makeup done by Devina

Persons she said were extremely appreciative of the services she offered and her customer service. Her down-to-earth and friendly personality allowed her clientele to be more confident when it came to choosing a make-up artist to do their make-up for that special day.

For Deonarine, becoming a businesswoman has taught her what it is to be independent and the pros and cons that come with it. She expressed that she is able to invest more in herself, both financially and academically while also having the opportunity to share her knowledge and skills with other women, who look up to her as a role model or who simply want to also be their own bosses.

What makes her even prouder is the fact that her independence is an avenue for her two daughters and other young girls to realise that, “they don’t only have one option/profession to choose in their life; they can be Omnific.”

But all that glitters in the make-up world isn’t gold; Deonarine has had her fair share of challenges. Adding that time management, finance and criticism are some of the main things she has to deal with.

Makeup done by Devina

“Being a wife, mom, teacher and running a business require proper time management. It is quite difficult most of the time to juggle all these duties. However, I have learnt to prioritize and manage my time. Finance was one of the major challenges at the start of my business. Getting money to purchase products was not easy. I remember I had to sell stuff I was not using such as clothes/ accessories, which I did not regret, to raise funds so that I can put it into my business. One thing that will always be prevalent is criticism. I received a lot of negativity when I first started my makeup journey. However, that did not deter me from my goal. I accept praise and criticism with the same faith, unless it is an attack on my character.”

The businesswoman and teacher said that the support of her partner, parents, in-laws, a few relatives and siblings have been phenomenal. She has given a bountiful of credit to her followers and clients, since they are the ones that have helped her business expand to what it is.

“It feels great to be an independent and empowered woman. I can proudly say that my life is heading in a positive direction. I am able to invest in myself, my family and my business. It gives a surreal feeling being your own boss!”

Her ultimate goal is to of course expand even further with the addition of cakes, treats and eventually her own line of makeup products. Her current goal is putting in place a makeup store where customers can access all the branded make-up products. She believes that being humble is critical in the field she is in and with the quality service and affordable prices she offers; it is a sure way to success.

Her advice to other women or girls is to “do not wait, do not depend, be independent.” While noting that starting and owning a business is not an easy task, she believes that if there is passion to make something positive happen then it will be worthwhile.

“There will be praises as well as criticism, take both with the same faith. Assess criticism and see if it is constructive and can help you to improve. Be customer friendly. Add a little bit of you to the world.”

Persons who wish to book the MUA for her services can do so via call/WhatsApp on 592 652-3837. You can also find her business on Facebook/Instagram/TikTok: OmnificMe.