Beauty is said to lie in the eyes of the beholder, but for works created by the versatile Beauty Boy Ajide, you do not have to be a beholder to be enthralled. Editorial beauty curator Aanuoluwa Ajide-Daniels laid his feet in the beauty industry in 2017 and expanded his horizons into fashion in 2019. He has built a successful career in both niches and relentlessly produces jaw-dropping editorial beauty and fashion content.
Ajide has worked with acclaimed celebrities, artists, and fashion influencers, including Denola Grey, Mayorkun, Kaylah Oniwo, Danessa Myricks, Jade Osiberu, Lupita N’yongo, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Naomi Campbell, Funmi Iyanda, Don Jazzy, Ayra Starr, and Lady Donli. He has been featured and profiled in several international publications, including Vogue, Vogue Brazil, and Essence.
Ajide doesn’t seem to be putting a halt to his many achievements anytime soon, as he recently added a new one in the bag as the first-ever creative ambassador for Sleek, an inclusive makeup brand.
We spent a wholesome day with the Beauty Boy, and a lesson that sticks is Ajide’s response to a hack everyone should know. He believes the greatest success hack is being one’s unique self.
A Day in the Life of Aanuoluwa Ajide-Daniels
8 am – 12 pm
I woke up at 8 a.m. However, it’s not by choice. It’s because I usually don’t sleep well. I learned recently that it’s caused by stress, especially on days when I sleep very late.
When I woke up, I immediately picked up my phone, checked my messages from the previous day and responded. Then I checked through my priority list, which is more like an itinerary.
I’m not big on breakfasts or food, generally. I only eat breakfast on days when I didn’t eat the previous night or if I’m particularly hungry, and I always opt for cereal.
I didn’t have breakfast this morning. I had to jump out for a quick job. I shot a lookbook for a Nigerian brand and it was perfect. I was well prepared for the looks, and the models had pretty good skin, making the process smooth. I also liked that the client attested to loving the look.
12 pm – 5 pm
I slept for an hour after I returned from the shoot. I set to work once I woke up. I’m currently working on a project with a brand. We are still at the contractual stage, and I spoke to a few friends that handle financial law.
Then I messaged a client about wrapping up their project.
Lastly, I spoke to my other client, Allysyn, who I presently style. She is an Ex Big Brother Naija housemate.
5 pm-6 pm
By the time I was done with work, it was already 5 pm, so I headed out for my driving class. I recently got a car for my last birthday, and I haven’t started driving yet. I want to take the lessons before I start officially. The driving lessons lasted 45 minutes, and I returned home.
Rapid Cruise with Aanuoluwa Ajide-Daniels
What’s a design hack every designer and beauty curator should know?
The greatest hack is to be your unique self.
What’s a distinct event that shaped your current self?
My childhood shaped my current self. I couldn’t get all the things I wanted as a child, so I worked hard to achieve all I wanted as an adult.
What three social media pages are your favourite? Why?
SeniormanOA, Enioluwaofficial, Danessa Myricks/ Celine Baernets.
The first two are my friends. I’m so proud of them and their content.
What’s a childhood encounter imprinted in your memory?
Dancing with my mom in our new house! Forever in my head.
What’s one thing everyone loves but you hate?
I learned quickly not to hate anything about my body or myself, especially since I can’t change anything by hating it. So there is nothing 🙂
What’s your favourite look so far, and why?
There’s this dress in a collection I designed for an international brand! We just produced it, and it’s so good!
What’s your zodiac sign and a trait you think is greatly influenced by it?
I’m a Virgo. Overthinking and being a near-perfectionist.
Which animal would you choose if you could transform into an animal for a day?
A bird. I’m very appreciative of art. Imagine if I could see the world from the sky.
What’s a secret you can share publicly?
Lol, it’s a secret for a reason, haha.
What do you enjoy doing but you’re terrible at?
Playing football. Very weird, but I love running around pretending I’m good at it.
Where’s your favourite place to visit in the world?
Korea, Japan.
What would it be if you could change one thing in the world?
I would change people’s perceptions towards each other generally. People love to meddle in other people’s affairs when in fact, all they should do is mind their business and allow everyone to be themselves.
Make a list of your top 10 beauty curators.
Celine Benearts, Danessa myricks, Pat McGrath, Fenty Robyn, Beauty by debs, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Bimpe onakoya, Meraki by Onome, Egbon Olamide, Brooksbother, and Henrietta Itepu.