SHERMINA Amina Phiri takes pride in her trade as a beautician who works with top musicians to bring out that desired magnificent look for their video shoots or sets for different occasions.
Phiri, who is popularly known as Momma Peaches in her circles, recalls the humble beginnings of a career that started as a hobby with a small kit of cheap make-up brushes in 2016.
She had dreams to study software engineering at university, but her passion took over.
She was enrolled at one of the most prestigious beauty schools, Camelot International in Pretoria, South Africa, and later got an internship at SkinPhD in the same city and country.
After the internship, Phiri got a job at Gossip Beauty, where she gained vital experience, but later moved to join renowned cosmetologist Stella Ndlovu after Gossip Beauty owners relocated to the United Kingdom.
With the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, Phiri crossed the Limpopo River back home to become her own boss as she later established Alluring Beauty Spa.
NewsDay Weekender caught up with Phiri, a mother of one girl who shared her journey as a beautician among other issues.
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As I could not depend on hand to mouth after I had given birth, after three months, I started doing make-up house calls and managed to survive.
Until today, I do offer home call services depending on the nature of booking. We are open to all ages for both males and females as Alluring Beauty is where friendship, beauty and passion intertwine.
Breakthrough
My first breakthrough was in November 2021 when I worked with musician Jah Prayzah. I was with my friend Nyasha. We worked with one of the best video directors Vusa “Blaqs” Hlatshwayo, he was such an inspiration.
With just a post of Jah Prayzah’s picture and I, I heard people talking. I was now on the map, but at that time, I could not post any behind the scenes pictures until the videos were released.
I kept a close contact with Blaqs as I became a favourite of many in Mutare, especially the young girls. This was later followed with a nomination as the Best Make-up Artist for Manicaland Creative Awards against big names and I went on to scoop the award.
After that, I have worked with hip-hop singer Takura, sungura musician Alick Macheso, social media influence Yahya Good Vibes real name Mitchel Mutongwizo and award-winning movie director Amanda Ranganawa.
Getting to run a beauty spar
Although I had no capital, I confidently came up with a business proposal to take over the spa I once worked for. Faith gave me the courage as all I needed was to take over the spa.
It took several months for the proposal to get approved. As I waited for the approval, I wrote a letter of financial request and started randomly posting it to some businessmen and women.
All the letters were rejected, but that did not stop me as I was so determined to get the contract for the spa to run.
Surprisingly, my mother came to my rescue, she responded to my letter and I got the money. I am paying it back since it was a business loan.
Understanding body hygiene
People need to know what hygiene is. It is the practise of maintaining good health and preventing diseases, especially through cleanliness. Poor hygiene leads to a lot of illnesses. Poor mouth hygiene can lead to gingivitis (a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling), while poor body hygiene can lead to body odour, breakouts and skin diseases. As a somatologist, it is my responsibility to educate people on how to maintain good hygiene.
Challenges
The challenges I face are getting people onto the bandwagon. This is quite new to vana Wasu (people of Chimanyika dialect), so it is going to take much time to convince them to come to the spa.
At the same time, some men have a false ideology that there is an extra prize at the end of the treatment. I have, however, trained my girls, they know exactly what to do when it happens.
The other biggest challenge is people not wanting to pay the full price for a package. We have a lot of room for negotiators and am working on people to get to know our services better.
Achievements
On my birthday (November 1), I opened Alluring Beauty Spa located at number 7772 Honde Street in Murambi, Mutare.
We offer holistic treatments such as steam and sauna as well as body treatments, massage, manicure and pedicure, waxing and facials. I have managed to open another branch, so I have two branches running.
I also have a make-up studio located at corner 1st street and Aerodrome Road in Mutare where we offer makeup services and soon to offer nail treatments and eyelash extensions.
Parting shot
I would like to thank my parents for believing in me. You know in a typical African set-up, parents want their children to become a doctor, teacher, nurse or lawyer, not saying it is bad, but sadly, some do not invest in their children’s passion. It has been God’s grace from the beginning of my career. A big thank you goes to all my friends, family and clients who believe in my brand.
