This light-complexioned woman of substance is no doubt one of the few celebrities in Akure, who are media shy, but her work as a makeup artist keeps exposing her to the public glare. Mrs. Abiola Ikubese is the CEO Atupa makeup studio and the pretty wife of Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, chairman Sckye hospital and diagnostics. She is an indigene of Owo and aside being a nurse, she handles makeup of most celebrities and brides in Ondo State and its environs. In this interview with City People’s ADEOLA SHITTU at her studio, she opened up on her career as a Nurse and as a makeup artist and the success of her marriage. Excerpts
Can you please tell us who Mrs. Abiola Thomas-Wilson is?
Thank you very much, I am Mrs. Abiola Ikubese. I am in my late 30s, I am a mother of four beautiful girls. who include a set of triplets. By the special grace of God, I am married to Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, he is the CMD of Sckye Hospital and diagnostics. I’m a professional nurse and creative makeup artist, I own the popular Atupa Makeup Studio in Akure. I am an indigene of Ipele, Ondo State.
How was growing up for you?
Growing up was good, but with the usual high and low experiences known with a typical African child. It was fun , rough, beautiful and coupled with a few challenges too because at some points, I didn’t live with my parents, but I thank God it all worked together to make me the adult I am now today. It has made me a strong-hearted person, who can easily cope with different situations.
Put us through your educational background?
To the glory of God, I will say I’m a registered nurse and midwife. I bagged my RM from the Ondo State School of Nursing, my RM from the Ekiti State School of Midwifery, my BNSc degree in Nursing Science from the National Open University of Nigeria.
How did you come about the name Atupa?
Waoh! You see, ÀTÙPÀ is a pet name given to me by my husband. He said I was like a light on his path, then he started calling me Àtùpà. So, when it was time to consider the brand name, he said Àtùpà make-up is nice, so that was how the name Àtùpà came up.
How do you combine these two professions without one affecting the other?
I love both professions, very passionate about the two careers. My nursing colleagues are supportive too. I make use of my off duties days and annual leave for makeup artistry. My nursing job is not affected at all. I’m always there for my patients. I love them and it’s my joy caring for them and don’t forget that the major Owanbes are on Fridays to Saturdays.
What attracted you to your husband?
I will say I am the luckiest person on health to have been married to Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese. You see, his Intelligence & Uprightness stand him out. He’s highly cerebral. His meekness, calmness, his love for God and things of God attracted him to me. On the other hand, his height and dark skin too swept me off balance. He’s the definition of perfection, always wanting things done impeccably. I also love him for being an incurable optimist. Whenever he sets out for a goal, he doesn’t look back until he accomplishes it. He’s a man who stands for what he believes in, even if he’s standing alone.
You are a trained Nurse, what motivated you into make-up?
You see, my passion for Art and beautification had been part of me, right from primary school days. I’ve always loved to draw and was very good at it. Even when most of my school mates realised I was into makeup artistry, their joy knew no bounds because they felt a huge relief and gratitude that the huge talent they knew about me is not wasted afterall as they remember how I used to draw them on the blackboard with astute accuracy and perfection. So, when my make up artistry came to limelight, I felt wow I’m taking this up, this is my passion. When I discussed it with my husband I met a brick wall.
He was like his wife can’t be painting people’s faces for chicken change. He didn’t like it, but was convinced eventually when I decided to makeup my cousin during one of those long term strike and I later sent him the picture on WhatsApp. He was like saying: who’s this pretty lady? Did you download pictures from Instagram? He was very shocked knowing it was my cousin staying with us then, he was then convinced. He said this talent shouldn’t go to waste. And that was how it all started. Art is already in the gene hence the passion. I love Nursing with a passion and makeup artistry is absolutely part of me.
What is the secret behind your successful marriage?
Do I really have any secret? All I know is that It’s about absolute patience and prayers. Another thing that worked for me is that I don’t welcome third party in our marriage, you see, it’s not advisable discussing your marriage or its shortcomings with people irrespective of who they are. People are of different opinions and might end up giving counterproductive advices that are capable of cutting short the life span of one’s union. Moreso, if you keep discussing your marital challenges with your parents, chances are that, that they would hate your husband and long after you’ve made up and forgiven him, they may still hold grudges against him.
So, I studied my husband and got to appreciate his likes and dislikes and gives him the benefit of doubt each time. I don’t jump into conclusion without hearing him out. I respect him and give him the honour due to him as the head of the family. And in return, he showers me with love. I also believe that you can’t know my husband better than me.
So, I won’t even give you the opportunity to come around me and tell me negative stuffs about him. If you abuse such a privilege once, you sure won’t get a second one. Finally, we always have family get-together every morning. It’s like a church service. He is a Bishop of the household, while I’m the choirmistress. Our children and domestic staffers form the congregation. He delivers the sermon.
Though sometimes, he asks me to deliver the sermon. And whenever he travels out of town, automatically I take over that responsibility. We also decide to be open to each other. We are free to discuss any issue. We keep no secrets from each other. He knows the password to my phone, just as I know his. Even though we hardly search through each other’s phone because we’ve built the trust over the years.
Whenever we have a misunderstanding, we endeavour to settle it that same day. We don’t let it spill to the next day and we don’t encourage people to get involved.
You are a mother of 4 and yet you don’t look it, what’s the secret?
Thanks for the compliment, but I will say it’s all God and can be attributed to the genes too. Even my mum looks as my elder sister at her age. It’s God, all glory to God! Besides, I watch what I eat. I take a lot of fruits, vegetable and water. I do more of organic food than processed food.
Who are your favourite clients?
Thank you very much, as a makeup artists, I will say I don’t have favourite clients because they are all awesome and I want to trust them for appreciating and patronizing Atupa makeovers. I will like to also use this medium to appreciate the likes of the former First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko. She’s got an awesome personality. Although, I’ve admired her long time from a distance, owing to her versatility and love for triplets and other multiple babies. Coming close to her was the bomb.
I love everything about her. If you are close to her, you will definitely fall in love with her. Another person is my sister, we are both from Owo, in person of Mrs Jumoke Abegunde Abena, the wife to the Ondo State SSG. She deserves the award of the most “Atuparised” face of the year. She believes in me and loves my services. And I love her too, we look so much alike and we’re from the same place too. Again Mrs. Ajanaku, pretty wife of the CEO First Molac Hotels. She’s my favourite big mummy. She’s very consistent. She’s a nice woman by all standards and many more. And I love them all
How do you cope with the fact that you could be mistaken for an Igbo babe?
Most people believe that every light-skinned and hairy person is usually from the eastern part of the country. I understand perfectly and I don’t feel any different or embarrassed. Where time permits, I just let them know that I’m not an Igbo babe rather I am a proud Owo babe.
Between your mummy and daddy whom do you take after?
I look more as my mum, but I’m more of my dad’s personality.
How old is Atupa in the makeup business?
Many don’t believe we are still a baby in the makeup business because our work has spoken more for us. I will say, Atupa is a year-and-half now.
Which of your makeup brought you to limelight?
Have lost count of the faces and brides whom I have worked on. I can’t really pinpoint, most of them are awesome.
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