In Nigerian entrepreneurship, few names stand out quite like Tara Fela-Durotoye. She is not your typical beauty mogul. From the bustling classrooms of Lagos State University, where she studied law, to revolutionising the makeup industry in Nigeria, Tara’s story is one of boldness, resilience, and sheer determination. While many would have followed the traditional career path of law, she dared to step off the beaten track to pursue her passion for beauty, transforming it into a multi-million-naira empire.
Tara Fela-Durotoye was born on March 6, 1977, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a middle-class family. Tara attended Command Secondary School in Lagos, where she excelled academically. Upon completing her secondary education, she enrolled in Lagos State University (LASU), where she studied Law. Her choice of law as a career seemed fitting for someone from a conservative background, where professions like law, medicine, and engineering were highly respected. However, unknown to many, her passion for makeup and beauty had been brewing since her teenage years.
During her time as a law student, Tara Fela-Durotoye developed a keen interest in beauty and makeup artistry. It was in this period that her entrepreneurial instincts began to surface. While most of her classmates were focused on securing internships with law firms, Tara was experimenting with makeup products and working informally as a makeup artist. Despite her growing love for the beauty industry, she completed her law degree and went on to attend law school. However, her heart was set on a different path. Tara realised that makeup artistry had the potential to be much more than a hobby—it could be a viable business opportunity, especially in Nigeria, where the beauty industry was still in its infancy.
In 1998, Tara made the bold decision to step away from a traditional law career and follow her passion. She launched House of Tara, Nigeria’s first indigenous makeup brand, and began offering makeup services professionally. What started as a small makeup studio has since grown into a major player in the Nigerian beauty industry, with over 22 stores nationwide and a significant presence across Africa. One of Tara’s most significant contributions to the beauty industry is the introduction of the bridal makeup profession in Nigeria. Before House of Tara, makeup for brides was not considered a specialised service. Tara saw an opportunity and capitalised on it, quickly becoming the go-to makeup artist for weddings. She also began training other young women in makeup artistry, creating employment opportunities and empowering them with the skills to build their businesses.
Tara Fela-Durotoye’s impact transcends the beauty industry. She is a businesswoman, mentor, and advocate for women’s empowerment. Her entrepreneurial philosophy is rooted in empowering others to succeed. She has trained and mentored over 5,000 beauty entrepreneurs through the House of Tara makeup schools. These schools have become a hub for grooming the next generation of makeup artists and beauty entrepreneurs. Through her mentorship programs, Tara has focused on creating a community of women who support and uplift each other. She believes that the key to lasting success is not just individual achievement but collective empowerment. This approach has made her a role model for many young Nigerian women looking to make a mark in their chosen fields.
Tara’s commitment to empowering women is evident in her various initiatives. Beyond the beauty industry, she has lent her voice to numerous causes aimed at uplifting women in business and leadership. She has been an advocate for women in entrepreneurship, speaking at events and conferences across Nigeria and Africa.
In recognition of her efforts, Tara has received several awards and accolades, including the Forbes Africa Leading Women Award and the Business Woman of the Year Award at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards. She was also listed as one of the 20 Young Power Women in Africa by Forbes, further cementing her status as an influential figure on the continent. Tara’s influence goes beyond the world of makeup; she has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for many women who aspire to rise above societal expectations and pursue their dreams, irrespective of the challenges they may face.
While Tara’s journey is one of success, it has not been without its challenges. Like many entrepreneurs in Nigeria, she has faced numerous obstacles, including the difficult business environment, limited access to finance, and the scepticism that often greets women in business. Despite these challenges, Tara has continued to push boundaries and break barriers. She has often spoken about the importance of resilience in business, particularly for women who face unique challenges in the entrepreneurial space. Tara believes that overcoming these hurdles requires not only passion but also a strong sense of purpose. Her story is a testament to the fact that success in business is not just about having a great idea but also about persistence and the ability to adapt.
Tara Fela-Durotoye’s contributions go beyond business. She is passionate about building a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and empower future generations. Through her initiatives and businesses, she has provided opportunities for thousands of women to become financially independent and pursue their passions.
Despite her busy schedule, Tara has always emphasised the importance of family. She is married to Fela Durotoye, a respected leadership coach and former Nigerian presidential candidate. Together, they have built a family that values discipline, education, and leadership. Tara often speaks about the need to balance work and family life, particularly for women in business. She has been candid about the challenges of juggling multiple roles and has shared her strategies for managing her time effectively. Her ability to balance her family and business life is one of the reasons she continues to inspire so many women.
Tara Fela-Durotoye’s journey from law to makeup is not just a story of business success; it is a story of vision, courage, and resilience. She has not only built one of Nigeria’s most successful beauty brands but has also created a legacy of female empowerment and mentorship that will continue to impact generations to come. Her contributions to the beauty industry and her unwavering commitment to empowering women have made her a beacon of hope for many aspiring entrepreneurs. Tara’s story is a reminder that with passion, hard work, and a commitment to lifting others, it is possible to turn even the most unlikely dreams into reality. Through House of Tara, she continues to set the standard for excellence in business and remains a true inspiration to women across Nigeria and beyond. Tara Fela-Durotoye is, without a doubt, a trailblazer in every sense of the word—a woman who dared to dream and turned those dreams into a reality that empowers others.
