Welcome to another episode of the African Creative Series, where we invite creatives to answer important questions about their art and share their advice with others. In today’s episode, we’re featuring Elisabeth.
Enjoy the read!
What’s your name, and which country do you live in?
My is Elisabeth Anayes NIOUKY. I live in Senegal.
How did you get into hairstyling, and how long have you been doing it?
My passion for hairstyling started when I was a little girl. I used to spend hours doing my dolls’ hair. At 10 I started experimenting on real hair and everything I know, I taught myself. I stopped for a while due to school but I returned to hairstyling last year, more passionate than ever.
You’re a self-taught hairstylist — how did that come about?
Honestly I’m doing it because of God. He gave me this talent and He placed it in my heart. I just know it’s something I’m meant to do.
What’s the most challenging part of being self-taught?
I think the most challenging part of being self taught is that sometimes, when you want to create or recreate something you don’t know where to start. It takes time and by the grace of God your imagination eventually shows you the way.
Do you think being self-taught has held you back in any way, or do you believe your skills would be different if you had learned from someone else?
Being self taught has never held me back. Personally, I see it as a blessing. It gives me the freedom to create without limits. There are no strict rules or techniques I have to follow I just let God inspire me and guide my hands.
What inspired you to focus on Afro-hair specifically?
It is deeply connected to heritage and identity. Afro hair is magical it carries history, beauty and strength.
What’s your favorite hairstyle you’ve created so far, and why do you love it?
My favorite hairstyle that I created is the one I did for the 8th of March International Women’s Day. It was a hairstyle made to honor women to celebrate their greatness, bravery, and strength. To show that every woman is a queen.
What’s the most remarkable memory you’ve had on this creative journey?
One of the most remarkable memories on my creative journey was the day I was challenged by our Miss, the one who was supposed to represent our country at Miss Planet. She asked me to create the Karaba the Sorceress hairstyle for her national costume. I didn’t know how I was going to make it happen, but I accepted the challenge. It took me four days to complete and by the grace of God it came out beautifully. That moment showed me what I was truly capable.
