A Journey of Resilience and Self-Discovery
Titilola Aderinsola, a makeup artist, shares her story of how she began to notice changes on her body, which were later diagnosed as vitiligo. This marked the start of a journey filled with questions, resilience, and self-discovery, especially after the loss of her mother.
What Do You Do for a Living?
I run a beauty business where we offer makeup, skincare, and all things beauty. That is basically what we do; we are located in Ajah, Lagos. I am a graduate. I studied French Language Education at Adeyemi College of Education. I am from Ondo State, Araromi, in Ondo State.
Growing Up
Growing up was normal. It was quite a regular childhood for me. I did not start developing vitiligo as a child; I was already an adult.
The Beginning of the Journey
I lost my mum in 2019; I was emotionally triggered. I couldn’t properly process my grief. Instead of my system processing the grief in a normal way, it began to affect my melanocytes. There was an internal trigger, and it started impacting my skin cells responsible for pigmentation.
It began with small patches on my body, starting from my head area. It was noticeable, but I didn’t really pay attention to it at first. I thought it was something temporary that would go away on its own.
However, with time, it started appearing in different parts of my body. That was when I went to the doctor, and it was confirmed.
Next Steps After Diagnosis
Even after the diagnosis, I still didn’t take it very seriously at first. I kept thinking it was something that would eventually go away. To be fair, it was coming and going at different times, so I kept holding on to that hope. But deep down, I had a feeling it might persist, because I noticed the pattern—it would appear, disappear, and come back again.
Doctors’ Advice
According to doctors, there is currently no cure for it. The only approach is management, which includes monitoring diet, taking supplements when necessary, and making general lifestyle adjustments. They also advised avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen regularly.
From what I’ve been told, even at international dermatology conferences, specialists still confirm that there is no definitive cure yet. The focus remains on management and living with the condition.
Perceptions in Nigerian Society
Honestly, I think we still have a long way to go as a society. We need to grow; we need to learn, and we need to be more exposed. Many people are not informed; they simply don’t understand what vitiligo is.
For example, I remember a time I was coming from Iyana Ipaja, and some older women started shouting and calling me strange names like Obatala (a Yoruba deity), like I was something unusual or cursed.
That is why I believe Nigerians need more education and awareness.
Emotional Impact
At first, I didn’t really feel bad. I had an idea that it might spread, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.
There were moments I wished it hadn’t happened, and times I wished I wasn’t different. However, I also believe everything happens for a reason.
In all honesty, I am grateful it happened because it made me one of the people helping to create awareness about vitiligo in Nigeria.
Career and Inspiration
Yes, I was already established as a makeup artist before the onset of my condition.
I actually started makeup while I was still in school. My mum always wanted us to have a skill alongside our education, even while we were studying. So, in our home, you didn’t really have a choice; you just had to learn something practical.
Future Dreams
I want to expand my beauty brand and grow my makeup product line. I’m also looking forward to developing more skincare products, especially sunscreen. As someone living with vitiligo, sunscreen is very important to me. I feel there is a strong need for more inclusive skincare products like that in the beauty industry.
Final Thoughts
What would you consider the most defining as a makeup artist so far? Most of the time, it is those moments when I finish my work, look at the client, and ask myself, “Did I really do this? Did I create this level of beauty?”
This is because when you are able to enhance someone’s face and bring out that transformation, it feels like art. Makeup, to me, is a form of art and also a gift from God. Not everyone truly understands how to create beauty in that way. It is a skill that goes beyond just application; it is about vision and creativity.
Advice for Young Girls
Don’t overthink it. Learn to accept yourself and surround yourself with the right people who genuinely support you.
