Today we’d like to introduce you to Ezinne Okoro.
Hi Ezinne, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I actually started with a love for entrepreneurship generally, and that eventually led me into the beauty industry. I didn’t necessarily have this perfectly mapped-out plan of becoming a makeup artist. I just knew I loved the idea of building something of my own, and God used that desire to lead me into beauty.
Since then, I’ve definitely done the work. I’ve invested in learning, sought out mentorship, trained, practiced, sacrificed, and had plenty of nights where sleep was basically nonexistent. There were seasons that were really hard, and there were a lot of moments where I had to keep going even when I couldn’t see exactly where everything was headed.
But honestly, I’d be remiss to tell my story and make it sound like I simply worked hard and got here.
God has been in every part of this. He connected me with people I needed at the exact time I needed them. One opportunity led to another. One relationship opened a door to something I never could have planned myself. Looking back, I can see His hand in so many parts of my journey that I know I can’t take credit for.
Today, I’m a professional makeup artist, beauty creator, educator, and fashion week makeup director. I’ve had the opportunity to work with women from different parts of the world, teach makeup in Nigeria, lead teams, and see my work published internationally. And while I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve put in, I’m even more grateful for the way God has ordered my steps.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all! I’ve dealt with a lot of resistance, especially because creativity isn’t always seen as something that can be profitable or sustainable. There was mockery, there were people who didn’t take what I was doing seriously, and there were definitely moments where I had to keep going even when the people around me didn’t understand what I was building.
Being young was another challenge. There were moments where I walked into rooms and felt like I had to prove that I belonged there before anyone was willing to take me seriously. Most of the best people in the game have clocked ten years in yet here I was a bright eyed lady pushing for my space in the room. I experienced people looking down on me and gatekeeping opportunities, and I had to learn not to let someone else’s perception of my age determine how I saw myself.
ISometimes the people closest to you can have the hardest time recognizing that you’re changing. There were moments where I felt like I was stepping into a completely different dimension of my life, but people were still relating to the version of me they were familiar with. I had to learn that growth can sometimes require you to move differently, even when the people around you don’t immediately understand it.
I didn’t have a blueprint for becoming the artist and entrepreneur I wanted to become. I had to reach outside of what was familiar and put myself in rooms I wasn’t used to being in. Even getting to the point of leading makeup teams for fashion week and eventually taking my work internationally, including teaching masterclasses in Nigeria, required me to stretch far beyond what was comfortable for me.
Additionally, I had my own fears to overcome. I’ve always been naturally more reserved, so putting myself out there and confidently saying, “This is what I do and this is what I bring to the table,” was a process for me. There’s a different level of courage that comes with building something you’ve never seen modeled for you.
I think that has probably been one of the biggest lessons for me. Sometimes you have to become the first example of what you’re trying to build. You can’t always wait until you have proof or until everyone understands. You have to be willing to move before everyone else can see what you see.
And through all of that, I’ve really had to trust God. There were definitely moments where I questioned myself, but I could look back and see how He had already opened doors and connected me to people I never would have met on my own. So yes, there have been struggles, but I can honestly say they’ve shaped me just as much as the opportunities have.
We’ve been impressed with ezinne.co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is Ezinne.co , a beauty brand centered around professional makeup artistry, beauty education, and content creation.
I’m a traveling professional makeup artist based in the Philadelphia area, and I specialize in soft glam and elevated beauty for women of all skin tones and skin types. My work has taken me beyond Philadelphia, including internationally, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients from different parts of the world. I also work in fashion and production, lead makeup teams for fashion week, and teach makeup through private education and masterclasses. I have several mentees, staff and students under me as well.
What sets my brand apart is that I’ve never wanted ezinne.co to just be about putting makeup on someone’s face. I care deeply about the experience, the artistry, and making women feel confident in their own beauty. Being able to work across different complexions and understand how to make makeup translate beautifully on different skin tones is a huge part of what I’m known for.
I’m especially proud of how much the brand has grown beyond what I originally imagined. I’ve had the opportunity to host sold-out masterclasses in Nigeria, work as a fashion week makeup director, train other artists, and have my work featured in publications including Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE. Those experiences have shown me that there is room for a beauty brand that can be both rooted in artistry and reach women across different cultures and parts of the world.
My brand is extremely intentional and it carries weight. Most people who encounter what Im building can testify that I have put in strong work to create something everyone can relate to. It has opened up the door for me to do powerful philanthropy work as well.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Dallas is the energy. There’s so much ambition, creativity, and room to grow here. What I like least is honestly how spread out the city is. You really have to plan your day around traffic and distance.
Pricing:
- all inquiries can be sent to help@ezinne.co
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ezinne.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ezvnne
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQctX7qFR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezinne-okoro-380b40163
- Twitter: https://x.com/ezinnetheceo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ezinnetheceo
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@ezinne.co
