Amina Lweno’s inspirational journey from brushes to beauty and big goals

In the dynamic beauty industry, few have perfected the combination of creativity and empowerment like Amina Lweno.

Amina, a self-taught makeup artist and the founder of Minahs Beauty Studio, has been driven by her passion for transforming lives and helping others feel beautiful both inside and out as she navigates Tanzania’s beauty scene.

From collaborating with celebrities to empowering young women through makeup artistry, Amina is determined to make a lasting mark on the beauty world and seems like she's only just beginning.

Hailing from Mwanza City, Amina has spent more than five years boosting confidence through her artistry.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising from the University of Dar es Salaam, Amina has skillfully combined her academic knowledge with her creative talent to carve out a successful and impactful career.

But Amina’s story is more than one of business success; it’s a tale of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplift others.

For Amina, beauty has always been more than skin deep. Her love for creativity blossomed during her childhood, where she often found joy in experimenting with colours and exploring artistic expression.

However, her dream took shape during her college years in 2015, when she began exploring the world of makeup artistry. Inspired by global beauty trends on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, Amina decided to turn her hobby into a career.

“I had a burning desire to start something of my own,” she explains. “Makeup artistry felt like the perfect choice, allowing me to express my creativity while empowering others.”

Her early days were filled with trial and error, but Amina’s determination never wavered. She honed her skills through countless hours of practice and took every opportunity to work with diverse clients.

Over time, her efforts bore fruit, and she established Minahs Beauty Studio, a space where artistry meets empowerment.

“Helping people feel confident and beautiful motivates me. Sharing knowledge with young women, teaching them to become self-reliant, and watching them create opportunities is incredibly fulfilling,” Amina adds.

No journey is without obstacles, and Amina has faced her share of challenges. Among the most memorable was her experience at the Fusion Fashion Festival, where she worked as a makeup artist for over 30 models alongside just one other artist.

“The event was hectic! We started late, around 4pm, and the models had to be ready by 7 p.m.,” she recalls.

“I’ve never worked so fast in my life, but that experience taught me I’m capable of handling immense challenges,” she added.

Despite the physical toll, the experience was a turning point for Amina, proving her ability to deliver under pressure and solidifying her reputation in the industry.

In a field as fast-paced as beauty, staying current is essential. Amina is constantly evolving, learning, and adapting to new trends and techniques.

“As a makeup artist, you have to unlearn and relearn constantly,” she emphasises. “New beauty techniques and tools are introduced every day to simplify and perfect our work.”

Amina stays updated by actively engaging with social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as following beauty shows and industry updates.

This commitment to learn ensures her skills remain fresh and her clients receive the best service possible.

Throughout her career, Amina has had the opportunity to work with high-profile clients, including notable names like Carol Ndosi, Barbara Gonzales, LuluDiva, and Maua Sama. These experiences have not only elevated her brand, but also provided her with invaluable lessons in collaboration and creativity.

Beyond celebrity collaborations, Amina is deeply passionate about community empowerment. One of her most cherished projects involved teaching 13 young girls makeup skills through a capacity-building program with Restless Development.

“Their passion inspired me to give my best. It was rewarding to see their determination to change their lives through artistry,” she says.

These initiatives reflect Amina’s belief that makeup is not just about aesthetics—it’s a tool for empowerment and self-expression.

For Amina, makeup is a form of art and self-expression. Her philosophy is simple: “Makeup isn’t about hiding; it’s about celebrating who you are.”

This belief shapes her interactions with clients, as she strives to make each session a learning experience. From skincare tips to product recommendations, Amina ensures her clients leave not just looking beautiful but also feeling empowered to enhance their beauty at home.

Amina’s journey is far from over. As she reflects on her accomplishments, she remains focused on her long-term goals.

“In 5-10 years, I want to work internationally, particularly in film and special effects makeup,” she shares, adding, “I also dream of launching a cosmetics brand and establishing a beauty academy in Tanzania.”

These ambitions reflect Amina’s desire to leave a lasting legacy in the beauty industry, both at home and abroad.

To those looking to follow in her footsteps, Amina offers wise advice: “Be aggressive and consistent. Use every opportunity to showcase your skills, whether on social media or through gigs. Learn, practice, and let your work speak for itself.”

She acknowledges the challenges of breaking into the industry but believes that passion and persistence can overcome any obstacle.

In her work Amina often collaborates with other professionals, including photographers, stylists, and designers. She emphasises the importance of clear communication and a shared vision.

“There has to be a common goal,” she explains, adding, “For instance, on a fashion shoot with photographer Dadpixel and designer Shahbaaz Sayeed, the focus was on showcasing NIDA Textile fabrics. Knowing this helped me create makeup looks that complemented the designs.”

From her humble beginnings in Mwanza to her growing influence in Tanzania’s beauty industry, Amina Lweno is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and resilience. Her journey inspires not just aspiring makeup artists but anyone striving to turn their dreams into reality.

As she continues to break boundaries and uplift others, Amina’s story serves as a reminder that true beauty lies not just in appearance but in the confidence and empowerment we bring to others.