Fame can’t change my values ​​– Blessing Lopez

background

I come from a Christian background. My father is a zone pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. We are a family of seven. I am the first child and have one sister and five brothers. We grew up in a Christian home and were raised with godly standards and biblical teachings. It was always about walking in God, hoping for the best, working hard and living our lives to the fullest for the glory of God. My background is an important factor in my career path.

Values

I was raised to be a very determined person. I believe that when someone has value, they attract people who appreciate that value. I come from a family that places a lot of importance on maintaining reputation and dignity, and that has helped me navigate the different aspects of my career.

Training

I did my primary and secondary school in Ondo State. Then I got admitted into the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State where I studied Agricultural Economics and Farm Management. I completed the National Youth Service Corps Scheme in 2020 and that’s about it. However, I will still pursue more degrees. I am thinking of taking a lot of vocational courses and probably doing a Masters degree in Business Administration or Music.

Music

As the daughter of a pastor, my whole life revolved around the church. Eventually I was in the children’s choir, the teen choir, the youth choir and finally the main church choir. I’ve actually been singing since I was a child. My mother was in the choir too, so I often followed her to rehearsals. From then on, people said I could sing. That’s how the journey began for me.

crossing

I just recently started pursuing music full-time. I would say God has been good to me. For me to move from makeup to music, God has already given me a platform. I just used that to give my audience the opportunity to discover my talents and show that I can do other things besides music. So it wasn’t that hard.

Highlights

A huge highlight of my career was the release of Praise Fest 1.0. I just did something I loved. I went into the studio, did something I enjoyed, and shared it with the world. All of a sudden, it went viral and I thought, “How did this happen?” We had almost 20 million streams for the first edition (of the song). That’s when it dawned on me that the world was ready for more of my music. But honestly, I didn’t see that coming. It just happened. And now I’m taking it seriously.

Influence

One of my musical influences is the American gospel artist Tye Tribbett. I love him so much because he is so full of energy and puts his whole heart into his music. Whenever he sings and performs a song, you understand what he is saying. He expresses it with all his energy.

In Nigeria, I admire the saxophonist Abolaji Banjoko, also known as Beejay Sax. He has set standards over the years. He organizes one of the biggest Christian concerts in Nigeria. He inspires me that with his talent, one can achieve so much in gospel music too.

Pursue

I started out as a caterer and cook, but later I found it very stressful. I also discovered my passion for makeup artistry and have been doing it for about 10 years now. While I was becoming a makeup artist, I got admission to university. At some point I had to decorate my apartment and I did it myself with ease. That’s how I discovered that I can do interior design too.

I actually started as a model and entered a beauty pageant. Then I delved into hospitality and then switched to makeup artistry. That’s where I discovered I could be an interior designer. Later, I realized I was a fashionista and I also branched out into fashion. I have my own clothing line called Stylish Jesus Babes. Many people don’t even know that I’m the founder, so I just let the world in on a secret (laughs). I’m also a full-fledged brand influencer. I’ve worked with brands like LG, a travel company, a skincare brand, a gadget company, and many more.

Managing directors

I usually tell people that it is very important which partner they settle down with. My husband is like my manager. In everything I do, he is always there to show me the right steps. He teaches me to prioritize, which is what I do most of the time. When it’s family time, I devote my attention to my family. When it’s music time, I don’t take any other bookings.

Customer satisfaction

In business, customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance. The Bible says, “Wisdom is useful for guidance.” So there is a way to convince people of your idea without being too pushy or too forward. But you have to understand where they are coming from and what they want. From there, you can incorporate your own ideas into theirs to find common ground.

challenges

I don’t think you’ll ever get the spotlight in the catering business or feel fulfilled in this field if you don’t have relationships with the right people. Imagine a caterer who doesn’t get booked, who do you work for then? You really need attention otherwise you’ll stay in the shadows. In the makeup field it’s also important to be identified, recommendations help a lot and if there are people who are invested in what you do it would help the business.

Win

The quality of your work speaks for you. It is also very important to stand out. You should have something you are known for.

For example, anyone who books me as a make-up artist knows that they can expect hype, energy, dancing and smiles. My customers are never sad because I radiate joy.

It is important to be unique and different from everyone else out there.

multitasking

There has to be something you have a feeling for. If you don’t have a passion for something, you can’t pursue it. My life basically revolves around everything I do. I definitely go out to eat, put on makeup, wear nice clothes, and sing. I’m passionate about the things I do and they’re part of my lifestyle. Nothing interferes with the other.

priority

I work on a first come, first served basis. If I am booked first for a music gig, I will not accept any other business appointments, so I will give priority to the offer that comes in first.

Support

My wonderful husband – Oladipupo Lopez – has been very supportive in my career. If you ask me about the support I enjoy in different areas, I can name a few. But in general, my main supports are God, my husband and other family members.

Memories

Every new highlight is an unforgettable moment for me. It just keeps getting better, so I can’t pinpoint a specific moment. I have incredible memories and each one is unique. For example, it was a big deal for me when I was booked for a makeup gig outside of the country for the first time. As far as my music goes, the highlights will be this month when I go on tour in the UK.

Training in over five countries was also a big moment for me.

Advice

One thing I would say is, “Find your way and discover yourself.” I knew I’m not a 9-to-5 person, I have a lot to offer. So find your way, find what works for you and don’t compare yourself to anyone. If you don’t put in the effort, no one will. You have to be the main ambassador of your brand. Imagine selling clothes and not wearing your brand. That doesn’t make sense to people and they would have no reason to patronize you. But if you wear only your brand from head to toe, that will inspire others. Represent yourself, have your own mind and always pray to God.

work life

As a Christian, the image of God is my standard and goal. Everything I do must glorify God, so I know where I stand when I am in the spotlight. As a child of God, there are some places I cannot go and some societies I cannot get involved in. So being in the spotlight makes no difference because everywhere I go, I embody that image and it transcends. People know I am a Christian. I am different and not connected to the world to the same extent in terms of my values ​​and principles. Also, I have family members who keep me in check. All the spotlight and all the social media hype does not penetrate my head. They correct me and keep me in check and make sure I stay on the right path.

Relaxation

I sleep and eat, sleep and eat some more and sleep some more (laughs).

Eat

I love spinach and kohlrabi. I eat healthily.