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Things to Consider When Setting Up A Make-Up Business

Published

6 years ago

on

start make-up business Tims n Cara

By Adedapo Adesanya

The beauty industry is one of the most promising and profitable enterprises for any one to invest their money in, especially in a country like Nigeria where there is a litany of events from weddings to birthdays to funerals and others.

It is also a business that has many uses and not majorly for entertainment or ceremonial functions. Other opportunities include makeup for films and TV, for music videos, stage plays, television shows and advertisements and making models up to create specific impressions on the runaway.

But before starting this profitable venture, there are some things you must consider or else, you might not be able to achieve any meaningful thing from the business. These key items are highlighted below:

Skill

This is the most important thing for a make up artiste to have. It is considered an art, and in the instance that the person who wants to start the make up business has no skill, but possesses passion, the first step will be skill acquisition for the aspiring make up artist.

Acquiring a wide range of skill can be done through many outlets. It may involve training as an apprentice under a professional or even acquiring the skill by volunteering as an intern in a reputable make up studio.

Nowadays, the Nigerian government has created several skill acquisition and empowerment programmes to it makes it possible for anyone to learn at a lesser cost or none at all.

According to the specialists contacted by Business Post, they recommend that the best way to learn the art of make up would be to serve as an apprentice under a professional. This, they echoed, will make them see first hand how it is done and also, in the instance of offsite jobs, they get to learn other areas of make up such as bridal makeover and model makeover.

Capital

With the skill acquired, entry into the make-up business requires money and considering the major tools used by make up artists, a standard capital for establishing a make up business is N100,000, which will be mostly spent on acquiring quality makeup kits. With the necessary capital acquired, the make up artiste may not really need a studio yet because at the beginning, he or she can always always work from home and as time goes on with the business expanding, a studio can be acquired later on.

But in the instance of availability of funds to rent a studio, he or she might rent a small space. With shop prices going for a low as N5,000 per month, a fair rent price for a year including agent agreement and other fees settled may culminate at N150,000, and adding the makeup equipment, this may extend to a standard capital of N250,000.

Studio

Setting up a lucrative make up business may involve the practitioner to own a studio or not, but having a studio is a plus because this allows the customers a physical location to visit and it adds a kind professionalism to the business. The studio is where the make up artist receives their clientele, train their apprentices, and handle other businesses.

Location

In the instance that the make up artiste has a studio, it is advisable that it should be located where it can be seen and reached with ease.

Make-up Tools and Uses

Makeup equipment for starting up a makeup business are the tools that the artist makes use of, they exist in various price ranges but for the entrepreneur willing to set up from scratch, the equipment and their prices have been adjusted to prices set following the Trade Fair market price, where a large cosmetic market is located and purchases can be made by the make up artist.

Brush Set: Used to lay foundations and apply concealers – N5,000.

Foundations: In several shades, used on the face to the tone of the clients body before proceeding to apply powder (at least five shades) at N1,500 per shade × 5 – N7,500.

Powder palettes: Matches the skin to correcting any skin issues the client may be concerned about – N6,000.

Eye shadow palettes: Different colours applied on the eyelids and under the eyes. It is commonly used to make the client’s eyes stand out or look more attractive – N3,000.

Face primer: This is a base for foundation or face makeup that allows it to go on smoother and also last longer. – N2,000.

Eyeshadow primer: It helps eye-shadow stay put and creates long- lasting vibrant color. – N1,500.

Many shades of lipsticks: Particularly red, nude, pink and purple: applied on the lips – N2,000 for a pack.

Bronzers: Used to darken areas of the skin without masking it, or to add warmth. Used to make the client’s skin look radiant and healthy – N1,500.

Blush: For coloring the cheeks in varying shades – N1,000.

Concealer palette for different shade types: Used to mask dark circles, age spots, and other small blemishes visible on the skin. It is similar to foundation, but thicker and used to hide different pigments by blending the imperfection into the surrounding skin tone – N1,000.

Set of Lashes: Artificial lashes used to beautify the face – N1,000 (for a set of eight lashes).

Lash glue: For holding the eye lashes in place. – N500 (per tube).

Contour palette: To shape the face – N1,000.

Face wipes: For wiping off dirt and make up – N500.

Eye, Brow and Lip Pencils: For shaping the brows and lips to desired structure – N1,000.

Mascara: Used to enhance the eyelashes. It may darken, thicken, lengthen, and/or define the eyelashes – N500.

Setting powder: Helps to keep your makeup in place all day long. – N2,000.

Setting spray: To keep makeup in place for hours at a time. – N1,000.

Glitters /Pigments: Used in special cases to make faces look shiny – N2,000.

Makeup Bag: This is where all make up equipment are kept, it must be spacious and long lasting – N15,000.

Cape: used to cover the client’s body when the make up artist is working – N1,000 (full-length)

Ring Light (optional): used to lighten the face of the client for photographic effect purposes – N7,000.

Foldable Makeup Chair – N36,000

Total = N99,000.

Marketing/Advertising 

With the capital utilised to set up the studio and the make-up equipment acquired. It is important to get customers and the beauty industry is a very competitive space. Hence, the make up artist needs to think a step ahead.

The Internet is a very affordable advertising space. With social network platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, the brand can reach others. Marketing can also be done by offering free makeup to people of influence who can then spread the word. Also, the make-up artist can start by posting pictures of her jobs on social media platforms and tags friends to help spread the images.

Registering the Company

It is important for a makeup artist to register the business to give it a corporate look. This can be done for less than N20,000 with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Doing this will help the practitioner open a corporate account for corporate jobs.

Carving A Niche in the Make up Business

For every make up artiste in the business, it is important to create something different from what others do. To render the service in a way that gives him or her a comparative advantage against competitors. This helps retain customers and expand the business.

If you require further information, feel free to use the comment section below this article. We will get experts in the industry to give adequate answers to your questions.

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Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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MoMo Gives Iraboko Lagos Residents Financial Grant, POS Devices

Published

6 hours ago

on

08/04/2026

By

Y’ello Box digital centre Iraboko

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

At least two residents of the Iraboko area of Lagos State were recently given a N100,000 grant each by the mobile money arm of MTN Nigeria, MoMo Payment Service Bank (PSB).

The beneficiaries, Mr Ibrahim Abdulrazaq and Ms Sobanke Rasheedat, were also each given a POS device to launch their own businesses at the commissioning of a new Y’ello Box digital centre in Awoyaya.

“I’m so happy that I’m among the people they picked. I really appreciate it. This MoMo account means a lot to me,” Ms Sobanke enthused.

“I would like to use the money to upgrade my business because I’m a business owner. I sell bags. And my mom sells flowers,” she added.

The digital centre cited in the community is to equip the local population, particularly women, with the necessary digital financial skills to navigate the modern economy and secure their families’ futures.

The Central Bank of Nigeria recently stated that there is still an over 20 per cent gap left to meet its National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) target of 95 per cent overall financial inclusion (this was originally set for the end of 2024).

Currently, 74 per cent of Nigerians are financially included, as of the first half of 2025. This presents an opportunity that MoMo PSB intends to step in to fill.

“Our initiative is centred on financial inclusion – ensuring that the economic value generated within this ecosystem remains in the community to fuel sustainable local growth,” the acting Chief Commercial Officer of MoMo PSB, Mr Victor Onyebuchi, stated.

The activation was an immersive experience led by the MoMo team, under the guidance of the company’s Chief Compliance Officer, Ms Deborah Odo-Effimi. Residents were taught how to use MoMo for secure transactions, SIM registrations, and business management.

To encourage the adoption of digital banking, MoMo rewarded active participants with prizes. Residents walked away with solar-powered fans to combat the heat, umbrellas for the rainy season, and branded caps and wristbands.

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Migo Emerges as West Africa’s Most Trusted Gift Card Trading Platform, Offering Instant Cash for Apple, Steam,Razer Gold, and 50+ Gift Card Brands

Published

1 week ago

on

31/03/2026

By

Migo Gift Card

The Migo – Sell Gift Cards app is redefining how Nigerians and Ghanaians convert unused gift cards into instant cash — with the best exchange rates, bank-level security, and payments delivered in minutes.

Migo, a leading fintech platform in West Africa, today announced a major expansion of its gift card trading services, positioning itself as the definitive solution for Nigerians and Ghanaians seeking to sell gift cards for cash at the best available market rates. The platform now supports over 50 gift card brands — including Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Go2Bank Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, Visa Gift Card, Steam Wallet, and many more — with instant payment directly to Nigerian bank accounts and Ghanaian mobile money wallets.

West Africa’s Gift Card Market Is Booming — and Underserved

Gift cards have become one of the most widely circulated financial instruments in Nigeria and Ghana. Driven by growing diaspora remittances, the rise of remote work, international e-commerce, and corporate reward programmes, millions of dollars worth of gift cards flow into West Africa every year.

Apple Gift Cards, Amazon Gift Cards, Google Play Gift Cards, iTunes Gift Cards, Steam Wallet Gift Cards, eBay Gift Cards, Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, American Express Gift Cards, Sephora Gift Cards, Go2Bank Gift Cards, and Razer Gold Gift Cards are among the most commonly received cards in the region. Yet the vast majority of these cards cannot be used for everyday purchases in Nigeria or Ghana — they are locked to US or UK retail ecosystems.

Millions of naira in gift card value go unused every month across Nigeria and Ghana because recipients do not know where to sell safely.

Until recently, those looking to convert gift cards to cash had few good options. Social media groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Marketplace were riddled with fraudsters. Unregulated local dealers offered unpredictable rates and slow payment. The market urgently needed a trustworthy, technology-driven platform.

Migo was built to fill exactly that gap.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards: Built for Nigeria. Built for Ghana. Built for Speed.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a mobile-first fintech application that enables users across Nigeria and Ghana to sell gift cards instantly, securely, and at the best exchange rates. Available on Android and iOS — and free to download — Migo has rapidly grown into one of the most trusted gift card exchange platforms in West Africa.

The platform was designed with a single mission: to eliminate the friction, fear, and financial loss that has historically defined gift card trading in West Africa. With Migo, the process of converting an Apple Gift Card to Naira, exchanging a Visa Gift Card for Cedis, or cashing out a Steam Wallet Gift Card takes minutes, not days.

Platform: Migo – Sell Gift Cards

Available in: Nigeria and Ghana

Supported cards: 50+ brands including Apple, Amazon, Google Play, Visa, Go2Bank, Steam, eBay, Sephora, iTunes, Razer Gold, and more

Payment methods: Nigerian bank transfer (all major banks) | MTN MoMo | Vodafone Cash | AirtelTigo Money

Official Website: www.migogiftcard.com

Download — Android: Google Play Store

Download — iOS: Apple App Store

Online trading — WEB: Trade Now

A Platform That Accepts Every Major Gift Card Brand

One of Migo’s most significant competitive advantages is the breadth of its gift card catalogue. Users can sell virtually any major gift card brand on the platform, including:

Technology & Entertainment Gift Cards

Retail & Shopping Gift Cards

Financial & Prepaid Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards

Fashion, Lifestyle & Other Gift Cards

No matter which gift card brand you hold, Migo’s platform is designed to give you the fastest, safest, and most financially rewarding exit.

Why Thousands of Nigerians and Ghanaians Trust Migo for Gift Card Trading

1. Real-Time Gift Card Exchange Rates — Always Transparent

Migo’s live rate engine continuously monitors the global gift card market and forex conditions to offer users the most competitive rates available. Whether you are checking the Apple Gift Card rate today, Amazon Gift Card rate in Nigeria, Visa Gift Card exchange rate, or Go2Bank Gift Card rate in Ghana — Migo shows you exactly what you will receive before you commit. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch pricing.

2. Fastest Gift Card Payment in Nigeria and Ghana

Once your gift card is verified, payment is processed and delivered — directly to your Nigerian bank account or Ghanaian mobile money wallet — typically within minutes. Supported Nigerian banks include GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, and all other commercial banks. Supported Ghanaian wallets include MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, and AirtelTigo Money.

3. Bank-Level Security for Every Transaction

Migo uses end-to-end encryption and a multi-layered fraud detection system to protect all card details and personal data. Unlike anonymous social media sellers, Migo operates as a verified, regulated fintech business with full accountability.

4. Simple Onboarding — Start Trading in Under 5 Minutes

Download the app for free, register with your phone number or email, complete a quick identity verification, and you are ready to sell any supported gift card brand. The onboarding process takes under five minutes.

5. All-in-One Gift Card Trading Dashboard

Check live rates for multiple gift card brands simultaneously, track transaction history, manage payment methods, and contact support — all within the Migo app.

6. Dedicated Customer Support — 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Migo’s support team is available around the clock through in-app live chat, email, and social media. For more information, visit www.migogiftcard.com.

How to Sell Gift Cards on Migo: A Simple 4-Step Process

Migo has streamlined the gift card selling experience into four simple steps:

Step 1  Download the Migo app for free from Google Play or the App Store.

Step 2  Register and verify your account in under 2 minutes.

Step 3  Select your gift card brand, enter card details, and review your live payout amount.

Step 4  Confirm your preferred payment method and receive cash — directly to your bank or mobile wallet.

Most Migo users go from opening the app to receiving payment in under 20 minutes.

The Gift Card Trading Landscape in Nigeria and Ghana: Key Facts

To understand why Migo’s services are in such high demand, it helps to understand the scale of the gift card market in West Africa:

  • Nigeria is one of the largest gift card trading markets in Africa, with millions of dollars in Apple Gift Cards, Amazon Gift Cards, and Visa Gift Cards received annually from the diaspora.
  • Ghana’s mobile money infrastructure makes it one of the fastest-growing gift card exchange markets on the continent.
  • Gift card scams cost Nigerian and Ghanaian users hundreds of millions of naira each year — making secure platforms like Migo essential.
  • The most traded gift card brands in Nigeria include Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, iTunes Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, Visa Gift Card, Steam Gift Card, and eBay Gift Card.
  • The most traded gift card brands in Ghana include Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Vanilla Visa Gift Card, Go2Bank Gift Card, and Google Play Gift Card.
  • Remote workers and freelancers in Nigeria and Ghana frequently receive payment in gift cards from US and UK employers, driving sustained demand for reliable gift card exchange platforms.
  • The Apple Gift Card rate in Nigeria and Amazon Gift Card rate in Nigeria are among the most searched financial queries in the country.

What Migo Users Are Saying

Across Nigeria and Ghana, Migo users consistently highlight three things: speed, security, and the best gift card rates. Here is what real users are saying:

Chukwuemeka, Lagos — Sold Apple Gift Card $100

NGN 162,000 received in 18 minutes

“I had been scammed twice on WhatsApp trying to sell my Apple Gift Card. Migo paid exactly what they showed me, with zero drama. Best gift card trading app in Nigeria, full stop.”

Abena, Kumasi, Ghana — Sold Amazon Gift Card $50

GHS 780 received via MTN MoMo in 23 minutes

“I use Migo for every gift card I receive now — Amazon, Google Play, Vanilla Visa. The rates are always the best I find anywhere, and the money comes fast.”

Biodun, Ibadan, Nigeria — Sold Go2Bank Visa Gift Card $500

NGN 814,000 received in 28 minutes

“For large amounts I need to trust the platform completely. I compared five platforms before choosing Migo. Best Go2Bank Gift Card rate, fastest payment, and zero hidden charges.”

Tunde, Abuja, Nigeria — Sold Steam Gift Card $200

NGN 326,000 received in 20 minutes

“I had a Steam Gift Card from a gaming client. Migo was the only platform that gave me a fair Steam Gift Card rate in Nigeria and actually paid on time. Highly recommended.”

Migo buy sell gift card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

A: Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a mobile application that allows users in Nigeria and Ghana to sell gift cards for instant cash. The platform supports over 50 gift card brands and delivers payment directly to local bank accounts and mobile money wallets at the best available exchange rates.

Q2: Which gift cards can I sell on Migo?

A: Migo accepts a wide range of gift cards including Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, iTunes Gift Card, Visa Gift Card, Go2Bank Gift Card, Vanilla Visa Gift Card, Steam Wallet Gift Card, eBay Gift Card, Sephora Gift Card, Razer Gold Gift Card, American Express Gift Card, Mastercard Gift Card, Xbox Gift Card, Walmart Gift Card, Target Gift Card, Nike Gift Card, Nordstrom Gift Card, and many more. Check the full list in the Migo app.

Q3: How do I download the Migo app?

A: The Migo – Sell Gift Cards app is free to download. Android users can get it on Google Play. iOS users can download it from the Apple App Store. You can also visit the official website at www.migogiftcard.com for more information.

Q4: How long does it take to receive payment after selling a gift card on Migo?

A: Most transactions are completed within minutes. In some cases, depending on card verification, it may take up to 30 minutes. Migo consistently delivers faster payments than other gift card trading platforms in Nigeria and Ghana.

Q5: What is the current gift card exchange rate on Migo?

A: Gift card exchange rates on Migo are updated in real time and vary by brand, denomination, and current forex market conditions. To check the latest Apple Gift Card rate, Amazon Gift Card rate, Visa Gift Card rate, or any other brand, open the Migo app or visit www.migogiftcard.com.

Q6: Is it safe to sell gift cards on Migo?

A: Yes. Migo uses end-to-end encryption, multi-layer fraud detection, and strict identity verification to protect all users and transactions. Migo is a registered and regulated fintech business — not an anonymous social media trader. Thousands of users across Nigeria and Ghana have safely traded gift cards on the platform.

Q7: How do I receive my payment after selling?

A: You can choose to receive payment via Nigerian bank transfer (GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, and all major banks) or Ghanaian mobile money (MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, AirtelTigo Money). Simply enter your account details in the app before confirming your trade.

Q8: Does Migo charge any fees or hidden charges?

A: No. Migo does not charge hidden fees. The exchange rate displayed in the app is the final payout rate — what you see is exactly what you receive. There are no surprise deductions after submission.

Q9: Can I sell gift cards in Ghana using Migo?

A: Yes. Migo is fully available in Ghana. Ghanaian users can sell all supported gift card brands and receive payment in Cedis directly to their MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash, or AirtelTigo Money wallet, or via bank transfer.

Q10: Where can I learn more about Migo?

A: Visit the official Migo website at www.migogiftcard.com for the latest rates, supported gift card brands, platform updates, and support resources.

About Migo – Sell Gift Cards

Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a West African fintech platform dedicated to providing safe, fast, and transparent gift card trading services for users in Nigeria and Ghana. The platform supports over 50 major gift card brands, offers real-time exchange rates, and delivers instant payment to all major Nigerian banks and Ghanaian mobile money providers. Visit www.migogiftcard.com or download the app on Google Play or App Store to get started.

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Truecaller Users Crosses 500 million mark, Eyes One Billion

Published

1 week ago

on

31/03/2026

By

rishit jhunjhunwala truecaller

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The leading global platform for safe and trusted communication, Truecaller, has crossed the 500 million mark, with 150 million users outside of India and over 50 million users added in 2025.

The achievement underscores how trust has become one of the most essential layers in digital communication today, as demand for protection against spam, scam and unwanted communication continues to grow globally.

The platform also crossed 4 million paying subscribers globally earlier in the year, further strengthening one of its key revenue streams.

With half a billion people using the platform every month, Truecaller has evolved beyond just Caller ID. It has become an essential part of how communication works safely in the digital age; a daily-use trust layer that helps people verify identities, avoid fraud, and make informed decisions about who they interact with.

Today, Truecaller operates as a global digital utility platform, embedded into everyday communication habits for hundreds of millions of people. From identifying unknown callers to preventing fraud and enabling safer messaging, the platform has become a habitual, daily-use service that supports safer interactions across the phone ecosystem.

Despite serving more than half a billion users globally, the company remains relatively lean, with a team of approximately 470 employees building and operating the platform for users around the world.

“This is an important milestone for us, but it also says something bigger about the world we live in. More and more people need help navigating spam, scams, and unwanted communication every day.

“Reaching 500 million users shows the scale of that need, and the trust people place in Truecaller to help make communication safer,” the chief executive of Truecaller, Mr Rishit Jhunjhunwala, commented.

“Our commitment remains focused on continuously strengthening Truecaller with smarter technology and new capabilities that protect users before, during, and after every call or message.

“Ultimately, we aim to build a safer, more trusted communication ecosystem for everyone. We now have our sights set on the next milestone, one billion users,” he added.

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