Inspiration Thursdays: The Rise of Tara Durotoye

I believe I haven’t been fair to the female readers. Hence, I decided to look for a well-rounded Christian woman. Not that I looked too far because her name popped immediately in my head. When you think of ‘successful Christian business women’ I think she is one of the first you would remember.

Like I said at the start of Inspiration Thursdays, the definition of success on this platform isn’t about money. Success to us is being well rounded in all areas of your life, loving what you do or meeting up with your set goals and positively influencing people around you. Having said that, you would know why we picked Tara Durotoye. She hasn’t only been successful business-wise but also maritally. She is a real definition of Proverbs 31.

I remember being so fascinated with her the day she spoke in my university chapel. In fact, I think her topic was more in line with who a Proverbs 31 woman is. She talked about keeping the home front and also on being more than just a pretty face. Let me introduce you to the brain behind one of the foremost makeup company in Africa – House of Tara;

Tara Durotoye is from a humbling background. She was raised by her Step mother after her parents separated. She studied law at Lagos State University and launched the first bridal directory in Nigeria in the year 1999. She was also the first to start a makeup school in Nigeria. she is the founder House of Tara which she established at the age of 20 as an undergraduate in 1998. she is the creator of Tara Orekelewa Beauty Range, Inspired Perfume, and the H.I.P Beauty range. In 2004, she opened a beauty academy. In 2013 she was nominated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, she was also named Forbes 20 Young Power African Women. she has won several other awards. She is highly recognized as a mentor to entrepreneurs and makeup artists in Africa. Her work has been profiled on several platforms; New York Forum Africa (NYFA), France24, Africa 24 by Reuters, Bloomberg, and CNN’s African Voices.

Power woman is what I love to call her. She has succeeded in building a global brand and setting a pace for other African Entrepreneurs to follow. What have I learned from the life of this enigma? I will share with you;

You have no excuse: Tara started her makeup business in her room. She also said that she delved into entrepreneurship when it wasn’t something that her friends knew anything about. It was also something that was very uncommon back then. She believes that you can succeed in Nigeria as anywhere else.
Be passionate about what you do: Don’t go into something because it’s familiar or every other person is doing it. Tara Durotoye was the first to launch a bridal directory and a makeup school because it was something she was passionate about, though she studied law.
Be different: There are a lot of companies that do what she does but she has been able to remain at the top of her game. It doesn’t matter that people are doing the same thing that you do. What matters is the difference that you bring to the table.
Be a ladder that others can use to climb: Tara thus far has been a source of encouragement to other entrepreneurs and makeup artists. I believe that is what has created more room for her at the top. There is space for everyone and in helping others you are also helping yourself.
You are getting Old: Yeah she started her business at the age of 20! What are you waiting for? Age is not a limitation, so don’t limit yourself by your age.

NYFA TV interview with Tara Durotoye;

I hope you learned something new today? If you have an inspirational story that you would like to share with us, please send us an email at stm@shalomtruths.com

Hope to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the comment box below 👇