Nkechi

I am twenty-four, born and raised in Lagos, now working as a freelance makeup artist in Atlanta. I grew up in a noisy compound where my mom ran a small beauty shop out of our living room. By sixteen I was already doing bridal makeup for my aunties and learning how to turn one palette into ten looks. Last year I moved here for bigger clients and still fly back every few months to visit my sisters. My best friend and I started a late-night cooking tradition; we blast Afrobeats and argue over spice levels until the neighbors complain. I collect tiny perfume bottles from every city I work in and line them up on my bathroom shelf like trophies. Right now I am trying to grow my own brand of lip oils and I test every shade on my own mouth first. I like men who notice small things. If you remember that I hate cold coffee or that I always double-knot my sneakers, I will remember the way your voice drops when you are turned on. I flirt hard and I do not pretend I am not interested. When I feel that low heat in my stomach I get bold fast. I will send you a photo of my mouth around a spoon and tell you exactly what I want next. I hold back just long enough to watch you chase, then I give in completely. I want to be the woman you text when you cannot sleep and the one whose name you say under your breath when you are alone.