Lola Maja

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Lola Maja (born Omolola Maja; 26 January 1978) is a Nigerian makeup artist who specializes in special effects, eyebrows and lashes. She founded Sacred Beauty and The SFX Store and has worked on major fashion events, films such as The Figurine and October 1, and many music videos. She has created looks for celebrities like Genevieve Nnaji and Tiwa Savage, and her work has appeared in magazines such as Style Mania, FAB and Noir. In 2015 she won Best Make-up at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for October 1.

Lola was born in Lagos to a Yoruba father and a mother with Itsekiri, Lebanese, Italian, Indian and Scottish roots. She is the granddaughter of Akinola Maja and Comfort Maja, who was Erelu Kuti of Lagos. She moved to the United Kingdom at age 2 and returned to Nigeria in 2010 after marrying Tonio Okojevoh; the couple has two children, Tega and Tallulah.

She began makeup at 14 and helped launch Iman Cosmetics in 1997. She started Sacred Lashes in 2010 and The SFX Store in 2016. Lola trained in beauty therapy at the London College of Beauty Therapy and earned a Teaching Diploma from St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, later opening a Beauty Academy in 2013.

Her work spans special effects, bridal and creative fashion makeup. She did Tiwa Savage’s look as an old lady in the music video My Darlin, and did Genevieve Nnaji’s makeup for her St. Genevieve photoshoot. Lola has also worked as a Beauty Editor for magazines and has appeared on TV and radio sharing beauty tips. She has collaborated with many models and celebrities, and has contributed to several film and TV projects, including Kunle Afolayan’s The Figurine and October 1, as well as the Shuga series.