I am obsessed with looking good —Dabota Lawson

November 14, 2015 

 Dabota Lawson is a Nigerian actress, model, and currently the CEO of Dabota Cosmetics. Born in Port Harcourt, River State, Dabota spent most of her teenage life in the United Kingdom, where she came to limelight after winning Miss Nigeria UK in 2010. She has also starred in notable Nollywood movies after her return to Nigeria in 2012. In this interview, she tells Newton-Ray Ukwuoma about her journey into business, among other things.

We haven’t seen you on the screen this year, what is hapening?

Yes. I haven’t been in front of the camera for about a year now. I have been trying to build my business.It is a lot of work. However, my fans see that regularly. Some of them are abreast with my new line of business. 

Why did you decide to go into business?

I realised one day that I needed to combine my experience with my passion. I’ve always liked everything that has to do with beauty and lifestyle. I like the fun of make-up. I love the outcome of my make-up. So, one day, I said to myself, “Why not just go into this business and build an empire from it?” I already have a background experience in the business. I decided to learn more about make-up, where I understood that make-up is more than just about putting products on your face.So, I decided to start Dabota Cosmetics to express a deep seated passion of mine.

You have been linked with liposuctions and other cosmetic adventures in the past, are you trying to make a statement with Dabota Cosmetics?

Not really. All that has nothing to do with anything I’m doing now. That was in the past and it’s gone.

What is Dabota Cosmetics about?

Dabota Cosmetics is a fast rising beauty company. We have a wide range of skin care and my make-up products. We have some cosmetic accessories as well. The make-up line is made with the best and safest ingredients. The focus is to make sure that it’s suitable for women of colour; in terms of the shades of the products, longevity and durability. We also make sure it’s long lasting in terms of the content. We do not use harsh chemicals in making our products. It’s perfect for sensitive skin – allergy tested. It is not tested on animals because we are against animal cruelty. It is paraben-free. Anybody can use Dabota Cosmetics and feel good. It’s long-lasting. When it comes to the skin care, most of our skin care products are botanical. We try not to use any harsh chemicals, because I have very sensitive skin. So, I always consider other women like me. Any product that is suitable for sensible skin is suitable for everybody.

Are your products made in Nigeria?

No. We have an international partner.

What do you hope to achieve in five years’ time?

We want to be able to deliver best cosmetic products throughout Africa such that every woman of colour all over the world can identify with Dabota Cosmetics.

Do you have challenges?

Definitely. Every business does. I think what matters most is the end result. When you have a vision and a goal you just keep looking at the end result. Every time you conquer a challenge, everytime you get to the next level, it feels good and you have more hope that you are getting closer to your ultimate dream. So that’s really it. We face challenges definitely with the assurance of victory.

Was there anything in your growing up that prepared you for this career?

Yes. I grew up in Port Harcourt, but schooled in the U.K. My parents are hardworking individuals, and so I come from a background of hardworking people. We have a family history of hard working people. And everyone expects me to work hard as well. Second, I have been obsessed with looking good, make-up since I was a little girl. I love the outcome when I do make-up on a daily basis. I grew up loving to look good and beautiful. It has been a repressed part of me to do what I am doing today. So, to answer you directly, I would say that the sum of my experience and background is what you have as Dabota Cosmetics.

How do combine being a CEO and acting?

I have always been a CEO – just not an established one. I have always been in business. I have always had a regular job at the same time. That I am acting this weekend does not mean on Monday I wouldn’t be going to work. Now, I am working, I am acting, I am modelling and I am doing my business all in one. Juggling all of these works has been difficult but fulfilling. Like I said when you are doing something you are passionate about, most challenges don’t count. In life everybody should find their purpose.When you find your purpose just work towards it. You won’t remember the stress or how you look. You won’t think of where you are, where you come from, or how much you have in your account. Once you know what God has created you to do, you just keep going with it, and as long as you’re working with that mindset doors will keep opening for you. You will face challenges, but the door will keep opening and that’s what is happening to me right now.

You sound very spiritual.

Yes. I come from a Christian background. As the bible says, train up a child in the way that he should go. It didn’t matter how distracted I got at some point. I came back to realise that He has a purpose for me. As an adult you serve God with sense and maturity. You can’t continue to be a child in your service of Him. And when you want something big you need to seek a higher power; you have to make sacrifices. You can’t seek a higher power with a mediocre service. This is because the power is higher than you, you need to rise to its standards. So, when you want to serve God you serve Him truthfully. You serve with all your heart. You put your all in all in it. If my spirit leads me to lie down here on the floor and pray, I will do it because nothing here is bigger than my God.  That’s how I see life and that is the humility God has put in my heart for Him and the love hence the blessings that you see today.

How would you classify your relationship with God and your kind of job?

It is a personal relationship. It is not religion. It’s a personal relationship.