Rebecca Ruona Olotu, known as Ruona, is reshaping the beauty industry through her innovative venture, Kymarle Beauty, a mobile make-up studio.
Unlike traditional make-up artists with fixed locations, Ruona established the Kymarle Beauty Mobile Studio, a unique concept that brings premium beauty services directly to clients using a specially designed mobile truck. “We’re revolutionising the beauty industry by offering convenience and accessibility while maintaining the highest standards of make-up artistry,” Rebecca stated.
Her journey began at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, where she studied law while nurturing a passion for makeup. Initially a hobby—watching YouTube tutorials and experimenting on friends—became a serious pursuit when she became a freelance makeup artist in 2018, aiming to enhance natural beauty with minimal products.
A pivotal moment in her career occurred during a masterclass in Lagos led by celebrity makeup artist King Mali Magic. Inspired by Mali’s “Dewy Brown Girl Project,” Ruona began advocating for the representation of women of color in beauty, encouraging them to embrace their radiant skin.
She launched the Kymarle Beauty Mobile Studio on June 12, 2022, offering a fully equipped beauty studio that serves clients on-site for events like weddings, music video shoots, and Nollywood productions.
Ruona’s talents extend beyond beauty; after graduating in 2014, she entered the music scene with her debut EP and formed the girl group Rcube with her sister and cousin. Their dynamic performances at major events such as “Industry Night” and “Felabration” bolstered their presence in the industry.
In 2018, Ruona also qualified as a lawyer, contributing to the Presidential Amnesty Programme and empowering communities in the Niger Delta region. Her creativity has led her to explore special effects makeup for Halloween and offer free makeovers for charity, demonstrating her commitment to giving back.
“Beauty is not just about how you look; it’s about how you feel. That’s what we aim to deliver with our services,” Rebecca added.
