Onome Ezekiel, popularly known as Meraki by Onome’s artistry is a blend of glam, experimental details and full-on editorial. Her work has graced some of the biggest faces in Nigerian pop culture, including Ayra Starr. When asked about her favourite looks she has created for the global star, she thinks fondly towards Ayra’s memorable Coldplay tour looks, to the countless beauty moments that have found their way onto your feeds.
Onome approaches every face with an instinct for balance: understanding the outfit, tapping into the mood and, most importantly, listening to what her client wants. While trends may come and go, she remains grounded in her own artistic identity, choosing to explore what catches her eye while always adding her signature twist.
Onome refuses to box herself into a single category. She can deliver soft, polished beauty just as easily as she can push the boundaries with an experimental look. In this interview, she talks about her artistry, her beauty inspirations, the trends she is watching and why staying true to her style remains at the heart of Meraki by Onome.
Hello Onome, thank you for joining us. How are you today?
Hi BellaNaija! I am well, thank you, and thank you for having me!
Your makeup looks have become instantly recognisable. How would you describe the Meraki by Onome aesthetic in three words?
I’d say the words that describe my artistry are Elevated, Editorial, and Experimental. Oh look at that three E(s) lol.
You’ve worked with Ayra Starr for years and have witnessed her beauty evolution firsthand. What’s one makeup moment you’ve created together that you’ll never forget?
Yes, it has been a joy and a dream come true working with my girl and client Ayra Starr all these years. We’ve created so many beautiful and fun looks together and had so many moments, some that didn’t make my page. But one look I’d say that we never forgot would be (OMG I don’t know that I can pick lol) we had a great run during the Coldplay tour. Ateeee all the looks!
When you’re creating a look for an artist, what comes first: the outfit, the mood, the music or pure instinct?
When creating a look for an artist, one of the things I have in mind is what the vibe overall. And it starts with the outfits. Then, what is my client feeling at the moment? Then we proceed from there. Sometimes they are in the mood for experimenting; other times they’d rather stick to a clean, soft look. Whichever it is, I am always there to help bring their vision to life.
You’ve given us everything from soft glam to bold editorial beauty. Which style feels most like you?
Honestly, it’s all of it. I know it’s said to have a niche one focuses on as an artist, but I am good at both beauty and editorials. It’s like telling a mom to pick a favourite child amongst her babies, lol. But I’d say my first love for makeup started with editorials before I started to delve into beauty and more conventional glam looks, so I’d say you get the best of both worlds from me (mix it all, and you know that it’s the best of both worlds. (Hannah Montana, lol)
What’s the one beauty product you always have within reach, no matter where you’re working?
Oh my god! One beauty product is crazy; you didn’t even give me five, at least. Oh lord! I’d say the Danessa Myricks blurring balm; never without it
Social media has changed the beauty industry so much. How do you balance creating looks that are trendy with looks that feel timeless?
Trends come and go always, so when creating looks on my clients, I try to stay grounded in my artistry first and not get easily influenced, because it’s very easy as we consume a lot of beauty media every day. I’m not saying trends are bad, but you also have to know what kind of artist you are, who your audience is and who you are catering to in this ever-changing industry. So I’d say I balance it well. Should a trend pique my interest, (that’s if it’s not already existing or being done in the makeup artist spaces) I will explore said trend, and put my twist on it.
Every makeup artist has a beauty hill they’re willing to die on. What’s your most controversial beauty opinion?
Primers! Yup, I am a big believer in primers before the foundation or skin tint goes on the skin. It’s been a conversation in the industry for years. A lot of people say they don’t use it, but I am a part of the community who believes primers have their place in my routine.
Also, sunscreen reapplication every 2 hours, lol. I don’t know one person who does this, but maybe there are people that do. I just think it’s a bit unrealistic, especially when you have makeup on. They’ll tell you to use sunscreen spray over it though (lol, not for me).
If you could recreate one iconic beauty look from any era, whose face would you want to paint?
Ohhh, this is a tough one cause it’s several people, but I’d say Rihanna ( truly a beauty icon) and in every era lol she gave us lewkkssss!
What’s one makeup trend you think we’re about to see everywhere?
A trend we are about to see everywhere is Eye-View (from soft smoky shadows to colourful metallic eyeliners, bright inner corner highlights, colored mascaras). Also, Muted Blush: I think there will be a softer approach to blush, just like the 90s/ early 2000s glam where it was more bronzed, sun-kissed with a flushed look, as opposed to what we see now, which is lots of blush being applied on.
Looking back at your journey so far, what beauty moment makes you think, ‘This is exactly why I do what I do’?
I have had quite a few moments that have had me like this; seeing my work on global platforms has been and will always be surreal. Also, recently it’s me seeing recreations of looks I have created being referenced across social media, and some being recreated as well as being a source of inspiration. It truly is a joy that I get to do what I do and be a blessing through my art.