Nthato Mashishi a renowned celebrity make-up artist and stylist to stars such as Basetsana Khumalo, Nhlanhla Nciza, and some international celebrities including Kelly Rowland and John Legend. Nthato is also an ambassador for Iman cosmetic’s, this is one of the many achievements in Nthato’s resume, which also includes make-up and styling for Top Billing, True Love, Drum and Marie Claire. He has also worked on CD covers for Malaika and has been at it for years.
Nthato Mashishi’s love for making people look hot started long before he finished school, after he matriculated he did a one year cosmetology course, but his dad didn’t approve of him being a style and make-up artist and told him to go study something that will have value. Nthato went on to obtain a diploma in Human Resource. After that he signed up for an eight-week make-up course with Black Like Me, that’s where he was spotted by the Yizo Yizo 1 producer. Where his first assignment came and he was also assigned to do the make-up for Thembi Seete’s video shoot.
In 2002 he registered with professional Bookings now called Shine agency, when he joined he realised that he was one of two black people at the agency, the other being Faith a woman that Nthato looked up to and draws his inspiration from.
In 2003 he was booked for a cover shoot for Basetsana Khumalo, she then asked him to come and work with her on Top Billing. The following year he was approached by Nhlanhla Nciza to do her makeup for Mafikizolo’s Kwela CD sleeve . ”in 2006 she told me about her solo album and also asked me to help create a new image for her, I also helped with her clothing range.”
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Ghetto Glam:
Did you immediately start freelancing or did you first get experience by working for someone?
Nthato:
No it started at home doing peoples hair and I worked at a salon on weekends because I was still in school.
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Ghetto Glam:
How long did it take you to build a good reputation that you have and become well established in the make-up and style industry?
Nthato:
I’d love to say I am a work in progress. I believe that I am paving the way for other people, I had to break through a lot boundaries whether it racial or gender, I had to fight I’m still fighting. I worked hard and made sure I do my best all the time at whatever I am doing, so I’d say I created noise with my work.
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Ghetto Glam:
There is no job security, why freelance?
Nthato:
To tell you the honest truth freelancing is not easy, it depends who you are and what you want. The reason why I freelance is because I believe in what I do and I keep evolving so I do not need a job to tie me down. Everything is about you when you freelance: your name, your brand and your reputation.
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Ghetto Glam:
What crazy or out of the ordinary thing have you done to get work?
Nthato:
I went and bought myself designer gear and a Land Rover all for the sake of my image and so that people can take me serious.
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Ghetto Glam:
Any de-motivating or demoralising setbacks you can recall?
Nthato:
Ag man there is nothing think about for now but I can say is that we are over worked and under paid. The people in this industry are very disrespectful and we are not appreciated.
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Ghetto Glam:
What about your work still stimulate you to do the good quality of work you are known for?
Nthato:
It’s my passion and passion for what I do.
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Ghetto Glam:
Between make-up work and fashion and style which is your love and passion?
Nthato:
I have so much love for fashion and styling, but my passion is hair and make-up.
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Ghetto Glam:
Has it always been your dream to do what you doing?
Nthato:
Yes!
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Ghetto Glam:
What to mind when you hear the name Ghetto Glam
Nthato:
I am a typical example of what Ghetto Glam is. I’m the definition of a new trend “fabulosity” it’s a global thing. You take hot in the ghetto and mix it up with the glam that comes with the industry.
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Ghetto Glam:
How was growing up in the hood for you?
Nthato:
Growing up in Alexandra is everything to me, all the dreams and possibilities. It’s what I know and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The hood shaped me into the person you see today. A life in the hood is filled with a lot dreams .
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Ghetto Glam:
Nthato Mashishi in his 50s.............
Nthato:
“Painting people’s faces because it’s what I love and not depending on the cash”
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*Thanks to Zesuliwe Hadebe for the questions and input.*
* Khotso Sekete – Ghetto Glam Magazine
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