AB: What drew you to the beauty industry?
AO: Beauty goes beyond makeup. As I’ve been growing in Christ, I’ve learned that your countenance is very important. So is how you carry yourself, how you speak, how you dress, what your hair looks like and even how you care for your skin. People will literally judge you based on that before you even utter a word. That is what draws me in. At the same time, yes, beauty is everything that meets the eye, but it’s also everything that’s inside too.
ABIDE: Why did you start AMA talks?
Ama Osei: I didn’t know people actually did drugs as a way of life until I became a nurse. I remember thinking, “y’all really do cocaine!?” But that shows how sheltered the environment was that I grew up in. I realized there’s no real honest dialogue about certain things especially in the African American community. Everything is very much hush-hush. People don’t talk about relationships or things you may encounter when you go to school. AMA talks changes that!
AB: Speaking of growing in Christ, when did you start to get to know Him?
AO: I’d say in 2011. I was a freshman in college and was dealing with a strong man. Meaning, I was dealing with someone who hated me as soon as they met me. I was dealing with so many opposing forces. During that time, I started to learn how to pray through spiritual warfare. It came down to either I get my deliverance or I die. Pretty simple. It’s either you’re in the light or you’re in the darkness. You either follow Christ or you don’t. Things are very black and white. That time in my life is what really drew me to Christ.
AB: Do you think your faith affects your career as an influencer and model?
AO: I do. In the beauty industry, there’s a lot of different spirits… to say the least. For example, I know one of the people I’ve worked with was a devil worshiper based on the things he would post on social media. And I’m thinking, “Lord Jesus, this person is drawing on my face!” When people see that light in you and they’re in the darkness, some of them won’t want to work with you. I feel some of the opportunities that I have or haven’t gotten is because I’m a child of God and the light of God is around me.
AB: What is it like being a black woman in the beauty industry?
AO: I feel like there are a lot of opportunities, but there’s also a lot of gatekeeping.
For example, a lot of times people will ask “Oh my god, I love your dress! Where’d you get that from?” That’s when the gatekeeping starts. Meanwhile, it’s public information. The item was purchased off the internet.
Surprisingly, a black female has never actually given me their agent’s number so that I could possibly get signed to their agency. This is another form of gatekeeping. The only person that has helped me is a European white girl.
When I was in nursing school, I was struggling. Nobody would help me. I know now that was God’s way of saying, “I’m your help. I’m going to be the One who helps you so no one else can take the credit for it.” Because I didn’t have help, I’ll offer anyone genuine help to reach their breakthrough.
AB: As a Ghanian woman, do you think your culture plays a role in your fashion style?
AO: Yes, a huge role. Ghanaians are very conservative in many ways. And yeah, I’m in Christ, but I like to feel and look sexy from time to time. You can show a little skin and still be very feminine and classy.
AB: How do you balance being a full-time nurse, a beauty influencer and a model?
AO: It’s been very hard. On the days I’m off work, I’m super tired. So, I really just have to push myself. I say to myself “Ama, you’ve been at this level for this long. It’s time for you to go to the next step.” The only way for you to be successful is if you put in the work. Nobody is going to do the work for you. I see it as how bad do you want it. When I think of it like that, even when I’m tired, I know I can do it. I have to believe that if God has put this idea on my heart, I need to bring it out. I cannot be lazy and then be mad that things are not happening for me.
AB: What do you hope to bring to the beauty industry?
AO: I’m not sure yet. If there’s anything I’m bringing, it’s my authenticity. There’s only one me and that’s the best thing I can be and bring.
AB: What’s your favorite makeup product?
AO: Blush. I’m a blush girl. My favorite is Roguer by Surratt Beauty. I don’t think makeup is complete without blush. It brings life back into your face. Black women don’t wear blush enough. We need to bring out our yellow, red and orange undertones.
AB: What feels like home to you?
AO: I would definitely say my room because it is very sacred. I pray in my room, cry in my room, dance in my room, and laugh in my room. I have moments with God in my room. That feels like home to me!
