Phoina 'tosha' (beautician)'s Biography, Age, Spouse, Tribe, Real Name, Networth and Lifestyle Wikidata | Claim this profile

Phoina 'tosha' (beautician)'s Biography in Summary

Phoina 'Tosha' Wambui is a Kenyan entrepreneur who started out as a make-up artist. She recently debuted her Phoina cosmetics line. She speaks with Faith Kyoumukama about her career in the beauty industry and everything style.

Tell us about yourself.

I am a business owner who is enthusiastic about make-up and the beauty industry.

I grew up watching my mother use make-up, and you know what they say about some things being better learned than taught? Her love of make-up piqued my interest. Her use of dark liner and lip gloss was one of the trends I admired the most. This would land me in serious trouble, especially at school.

So, how did you end up in the make-up industry?

After college, I worked for a tracking company in a control room for about ten years, which was a 9-to-5 job that I detested. Sitting for long periods of time was boring and uninteresting to me, so I would watch a lot of make-up tutorials on YouTube while at work. So I created an Instagram account and gradually began posting make-up videos of myself experimenting on my friends and family. When I first got a bridal job and was paid Sh20,000, it was a wake-up call. 

This was a Sh3,000 difference from my previous monthly salary, and it was at this point that I decided to quit my job and pursue make-up full-time. If I could earn that much in one weekend, what if I put all of my energy into it?

What were some of your early challenges?

It wasn't an easy transition because it was a gamble at first. In fact, my mother was skeptical of my decision to leave a corporate job to pursue a career in make-up. I set up a home studio and did a lot of freelance work. I didn't own a car at the time, and there were no affordable car apps available. 

So just getting around was difficult. Another challenge was that some customers would be unimpressed with my work, especially since I had not yet perfected my craft, so I had to go back to the drawing board, which took me four years to perfect.

You recently launched your Phoina cosmetics line. What inspired you to create it?

Yes, I've already released seven lipsticks, a color palette, and a highlighter. My motivation was that I saw a niche and a gap. Most of the time, I use international products, of which there are only a few, and because I understand the craft, I know what's appropriate for the industry. 

It also enables me to use it in the academy for students interested in becoming make-up artists.

Beauty tips you've picked up over the years...

What do you spend the most money on when it comes to fashion and beauty?

I adore clothing. The majority of my clothing comes from a store called Boss Babes. My mother instilled in me a love of fashion; she enjoyed dressing up.

Which fashion era was your favorite?

The 1990s, because they were, in my opinion, the beginning of true fashion. It is, in fact, the mother of fashion. It had the belly bottoms that I enjoyed wearing with a pair of platforms or blocks.

Who is your go-to stylist in Kenya?

My go-to stylist is Victor Maina. He understands my sense of style and what I enjoy. He always chooses what is appropriate for me based on the occasion.

Which celebrity wardrobe would you raid if given the chance?

Chioma Ikokwu, please! She exudes confidence as well as style.

A piece of advice for those who look up to you and want to pursue a similar career path.

Follow your dreams, be consistent in everything you do, and put in the effort. Hard work and consistency will get you places that talent alone will not. There's a group of people I call the "microwave generation" who don't like to get their hands dirty. I'd like to tell them that success does not come knocking without your participation.

Phoina 'Tosha Relationship

Phiona is dating Kabu of Bornfires adventure. She is rumoured to be the side-chick that always causes trouble on the mountain.