Judah Odei; The becoming.

Judah Odei is an award-winning editorial makeup artist. His talent and dedication to his craft has propelled him to great heights and seen him climb unfathomable mountains. Having won 2022's Best Editorial makeup artist issued by Fashion Ghana Honors and Awards, he still keeps the ball rolling. His end goal is to change the narrative with respect to skincare, self-care, self-love and the art of makeup.

In this interview, Judah talks about how he BECAME.

How did you Become?

The decision was to become a hairstylist in my first year of college(2016). I don’t remember what influenced my decision to be a hairstylist but I recall I had a family friend who was willing to train me. Of course, this wasn’t an easy cause to pursue as I had to gather money to purchase mannequins and other materials for training. It then occurred to me that what if I was meant to be an artist? But in my own way. So I made a decision to be an artist and proceeded to search for a canvas upon which I could express my feelings, love, thoughts and emotions.

Why did you choose fashion & editorial makeup?

A very dear friend of mine encouraged me even when I couldn’t see the other side of the picture and I managed to get some guidance from a tutor who took me through the basics of makeup. I didn’t feel like I belonged because her way of doing makeup was different from how I felt it should be done.

I personally felt that makeup should be a way to enhance the beauty that already exists rather than the notion that makeup is meant to make you beautiful.

What do you consider your biggest challenge?

I wouldn’t define anything as a challenge in my life. I believe that in every situation, we have new opportunities to find creative solutions to our problems, redefine our priorities and explore other options.

What do you consider your biggest breakthrough?

To be honest, we have not even started at all. The industry is so huge and I am looking forward to dominate it in a few years to come. We seek to change the narrative with respect to skincare, self-care, self-love and the art of makeup.

My mantra from the start has been to “Go hard or go home.” Why would you even start in the first place if you aren’t willing to take things to the highest level?

Image credits;

Source Judah Odei

Model: @_.afua_

Creative director: @tiana_kumo

Photography: @stephenjpeg

Makeup: @judahsmakeover_