Life & Work with Shalom Okolie of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalom Okolie.

Hi Shalom, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Nigeria, and from a young age, I was fascinated by makeup and beauty. I would play with my mom’s makeup, experimenting with colors and textures, and I was always drawn to her gele(Naija head wrap) practicing how to tie it beautifully on myself and others. These early experiences sparked my passion for artistry and creativity.

In 2017, I moved to the United States, and that’s when my love for makeup turned into a professional journey. Being in a new country, I immersed myself in learning more advanced techniques, experimenting with different styles, and understanding the beauty industry from a global perspective. I began doing makeup for friends, family, and local events, and quickly realized I had a talent for creating looks that were both elegant and culturally authentic.

Over the years, I honed my skills, specializing in bridal makeup and traditional gele styling. I founded Molash Makeover to share my artistry with a wider audience and to empower others through beauty. Today, I not only create stunning transformations for clients, but I also teach aspiring artists through workshops and tutorials, sharing the techniques and tips that have helped me succeed.

My journey is a blend of childhood curiosity, cultural heritage, and professional growth in the U.S., and it continues to evolve as I expand my brand and inspire others in the beauty industry.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Growing up in Nigeria resources were always limited. Beauty products were scarce, and access to consistent lighting or the internet wasn’t guaranteed. That made learning and experimenting much harder, and I often had to improvise with whatever I could find. I couldn’t easily watch tutorials or create content to showcase my work, which slowed my growth and sometimes made me question if I could really succeed in this field.

When I moved to the United States in 2017, the challenges didn’t stop. I had to rebuild my network from scratch, navigate a completely different beauty market, and learn what it takes to stand out in a highly competitive industry. The beauty standards and expectations were different from what I was used to in Nigeria, so I had to adapt my skills while staying true to my style and cultural artistry.

Along the way, I’ve struggled with self-doubt. There were times when I felt like I hadn’t yet reached my peak or that my work wasn’t good enough. But rather than letting that stop me, it motivated me to push harder to practice more, learn more, and refine my craft every day. Even now, I feel like I’m still growing, still climbing, and that drive keeps me moving forward.

Every struggle limited resources, adapting to a new country, building a career from scratch, and battling self-doubt has shaped me into the artist, educator, and entrepreneur I am today. I’ve learned resilience, perseverance, and the importance of constantly pushing myself to achieve excellence, and those lessons continue to fuel my journey.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional makeup artist and the founder of Molash Makeover, where I specialize in bridal glam, soft-glam makeup, and traditional Nigerian gele styling. My work blends creativity with cultural artistry I love creating looks that are both elegant and true to my clients’ heritage. Over the years, I’ve worked with brides, models, and individuals for weddings, photoshoots, fashion shows, and even on movie sets, which has given me a wide range of experience in different high-pressure, professional environments. I’ve also taught aspiring artists through workshops and masterclasses, sharing my skills and techniques with the next generation of beauty professionals.

What I’m most proud of is building a beauty brand from the ground up that reflects my passion and expertise. Launching Molash Makeover allowed me to share my artistry with a wider audience and empower others to explore their creativity, whether through tutorials, classes, or my signature products.

What sets me apart is my combination of technical skill, cultural understanding, and innovation. I’m known for my gele artistry and the way I tailor every makeup look to suit each client’s unique features, style, and cultural background. I constantly push myself to improve, experiment with new techniques, and stay ahead of trends, all while maintaining a personal touch and attention to detail.

Ultimately, what drives me is the joy of transformation helping people feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated and the impact I can make as an educator and entrepreneur in the beauty industry.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people don’t know about me is that I sing in my church choir, and my dad is a Bishop. Music and faith have always been a big part of my life, and they’ve taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of expressing yourself with passion. While most people know me for my makeup artistry and my brand, Molash Makeover, they might not realize that my creativity extends beyond beauty I’ve always been drawn to art in all forms, whether through music, performance, or cultural expression.

I think this side of me also influences my work as a makeup artist. Just like in music, every detail matters the rhythm, harmony, and feeling of a look. It’s about telling a story and creating an experience that touches people, and that’s what I strive for with every client.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.molashmakeover.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtUOOkGgfn0/?igsh=MW4ydjM0amZjbHVubQ==