Interview: Makeup artist Jacob Zou

 In an exclusive chat with Zogam Today, Jacob Zou narrated how he became a professional makeup artist. "We even didn't have rice to cook. Then I borrowed fishing net from our neighbour and went for fishing with my siblings. We keep on fishing till late night..."

Here are the excerpts from the chat between Mr Jacob Zou and Mr Bruce K. Thangkhal, Joint Editor, Zogam Today.

ZT: We appreciate you that you started a beauty institute? 

JZ:  Thank you. I have started a small beauty studio only, which is a makeup training institute and a studio.

ZT: What is the name of your insitute? 

JZ:  Jacob Zou Beauty Institute.

ZT: Can you tell us about yourself?

JZ: Myself is Jacob Zou. I have three brothers and three sisters. I'm the sixth among the seven siblings. My beloved dad (Khupzalal Phiamphu), was a carpenter by profession. He left us for heavenly abode on Dec 24, 2012. My beloved mom (M. Niangneikim) is a small businesswoman. We live in Muizol village, in Sangaikot Sub-division, Churachandpur, Manipur.

ZT: How did your family live?

JZ: After my daddy left us, our livelihood became so hard. It was really difficult even to get two square meals in a day. Then my mom started a small business. By God's grace, my mom sustained our lives.

ZT: How old are you now? 

JZ: I am 22. My birthday falls on May 4th!

ZT: When did you started this institute?

JZ: I started the construction of my studio in the first week of August. We completed on August 18th and was inaugurated on the next day.  Then class started on August 20th.

ZT: What about the course and its fee? 

JZ: It's a two-month crash course. The fee is Rs 10K only, which can be paid in two instalments. I can say the course is 100% practicals. We also had theory class before starting the practicals. Basic theory is necessary so that trainees can learn quickly.

ZT: What type of equipments/tools used in your studio?

JZ: As it's all about makeup studio, we used everything that is related to makeup tools and brushes, etc.

ZT: Where is your institute located? 

JZ: Tuibuong Khopi Veng, Opposite Thangkhal Baptist Church, Near MS Little Angel.

ZT: Where did you learnt Makeup?

JZ:  We, our family, shifted to Imphal and stayed in a rented house, when I was in 6th standard. I came to experienced the city life, as well as I came to know the son of our houseowner was a professional makeup artist and a renowned  fashion designer. I was so lucky to say that he understand my burning passion in makeup and he trained me like his beloved kid. So I gained knowledge and skills of makeup from him. He was my great mentor, who is a godfather to me. I started working under him as assistant when I was reading 9th standard. I have experienced in makepup for 6 years now.

ZT: What was your specialization area? 

JZ: I am specialized in all makeup looks.

ZT: What is Makeup all about? 

JZ:  From my own experiences, I can say that makeup is an art of making a person more beautiful with positive thoughts.

ZT: Who can join the course? 

JZ:  It's open for everybody. There is no restriction whether gay, homo, or tomboy, etc. Every one is welcome if he/she has a soul thrill of makeup.

ZT: What was your childhood dream?

JZ: In my childhood days, I didn't have constant dream. My dream changes according to my moods.  When I saw a navy I want to become a navy, when I saw doctors I want to be a doctor.

ZT: Where did you studied?

JZ: I've completed Class X from Don Bosco High School, Imphal in 2016, and Class XII (Arts) from CC Hr Sec School, Imphal in 2019.

ZT: In what division? 

JZ: Both Class X and XII in Second Division only.

ZT: Did you continue your studies? 

JZ: I am currently pursuing BA (2nd sem) in Modern College, Imphal.

ZT: What prompts you to start this institute? 

JZ: To give the best training to others about what I learned for the past many years.

ZT: How much have you spend on your studio?

JZ: Approximately 2.4 lakhs till now.

ZT: When is the next batch starting? 

JZ: Admission for the Second Batch  is going on. Class will resume on October 20.

ZT: What are the class timings? 

JZ: We took class only in the morningshift  from 7:30am -10:00am.

ZT: What is your favourite colour? 

JZ: Green

ZT: What is your hobby? 

JZ: Practicing makeup on my face.

ZT: Who is your favourite person? 

JZ: My trainer Kumarjit Laishram, who has inspired me alot.

ZT: Who is your favourite actor?

JZ: Bollywood filmstar Kangana Ranaut is my favourite. Her fashion is amazing, her inner beauty, confident, etc. Above all, she is a self-made star that's why I love her the most.

ZT:  Any makeup asignments in films and albums?

JZ: Yes, I did makeups in Thadou-Kuki music albums mostly directed by Mr M. Paoneo Haokip, namely, "Nang Ka Ngaina" (which crossed million views), "Honey Moon", and Lhangvum Khat A", which has crossed 100k views in 24 hours soon after uploaded. I also did makeups in albums like Dai Lou Ding, Nanga Kahiye, and documentary film Anglo-Kuki War (1917-1919).

ZT: Which is the most satisfying makeup you did so far?

JZ: I think I did my best in the Anglo Kuki War, a documentary film, last year in Henglep. This was my first "wounds" makeup, the look was so natural. Many of us were amazedI I received lots of appreciations.

ZT: Are you also good in hair styles?

JZ: Some how but not as  a professional.

ZT: What type of people need makeup? Do a normal person need?

JZ: Of course, we can do every day makeup, especially when we are about to go outside. But don't do heavy makeup.

ZT: Do you think the people of Lamka town is "beauty conscious"?

JZ: Yes, everyone is hunting for beauty knowhow person. I think our people today have changed their mindsets. They understand better than before.

ZT: Some said you got awards. Can you share us?

JZ:  I received Zolengthe Multi-Academic Award 2019 as an Outstanding Makeup Artist.

ZT: Can you share some of your professional experiences? 

JZ: I worked in the following:

---- as Head Character Makeup Director in the Anglo Kuki War (1917-1919) documentary film.

---- as Head Makeup Director of the Models in the Sangai Festival 2019 Fashion Show (on Nov 29).

----  as Assistant Makeup Director of the Models in the Kumarjit Fashion Show at the Sangai Festival 2019 (on Nov 30)

---- as Makeup Artist in Manipur Fashion Rendivous first edition 2014.

----  as Makeup Artist in Manipur Fashion Rendivous second edition 2015.

----  as Makeup Artist in Manipur Fashion Week 2018.

----  as Makeup Artist in Kumarjit Fashion Show Present 2019 (Organised by Radiant Group).

ZT: You've reached this stage. To whom do you credit? 

JZ: Some how my dream comes true now. It's all because of the love and support I got from my family. The unceasing supports from my mom, who prayed for us every day and night. My sister, Naomi, who is my second mom because she took care of us. She is the main source of our income, next to my mom. She take all the family responsibilities. Both worked so hard for us. They sacrificed for our life so much, I won't forget in my life. I owe them to due respect and treat them the best from me, until my last breath.

I am grateful and indebted to my guru Kumarjit Laishram, who lovingly brought me into the World of Makeup. Without him, I won't be here today. I prayed for his blessings.

Last but not the least, special thanks goes to all my sweet friends who always stood by me through thick and thin.

ZT: Do you have any incident which lingers in your mind?

JZ: I can't forget one incident when I was in 9th standard. It was a rainy day, there was flood everywhere in Imphal. We cannot go anywhere due to the floood. It was off season for my mom's business, so we faced financial problem in our family. We even didn't have rice to cook. Then I borrowed fishing net from our neighbour and went for fishing with my siblings. We keep on fishing till late night so that we can have for dinner. It was very difficult but there were no choice either. I can't explain what I felt at that time, but i didn't lost hope for my future.

ZT: What is your future plan? 

JZ: To have a healthy family. Also to give my best to my mom till her last breath.

ZT: What do you want to convey to the readers? 

JZ: Believe yourself follow what your heart desires no matters how hard it will be. Don't forget to grab the opportunity which comes only once in lifetime.

ZT: Thank you for sparing your time. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavour. 

JZ: Thank you very much for giving me such a big opportunity. May God bless Zogam Today and staff, more and more.

~ Zogam Today | 18-10-2020

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