Beauty Tukura:   Growing Up Was Humbling Because I Experienced Different Cultures

Meet Beauty Tukura, a woman of many talents and endeavours. Beauty is a graduate of law, and the 43rd Miss Nigeria. She is an entrepreneur, and the founder of the Beauty Tukura Foundation. Beauty is also a multi-brand influencer who leverages her platform to partner with brands, as well as inspire others. Beauty tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu that she is keen on making an impact across various spheres of life

How was the past year for you and what would you remember it for?

Last year wasn’t the best of many but it was an enlightening year for me personally, because it taught me a lot about life and its experiences. I would remember it as the year of self-discovery.

 Were there plans that fell short of your expectations?

Oh yes! There were plans that fell short of my expectations and some due to my own mistakes while others fell short due to my environment. I don’t think a lot of us Nigerians were prepared for the increase in rates which led to some setbacks. So the answer will be yes!

Tell us a bit about your childhood and what growing up was like. What did you want to be when you were younger?

Just like any child, I wanted to be many things. At some point, I wanted to be a Queen (after I watched Agbani Darego become Miss World), a mechanical engineer and even a teacher.  I had an amazing childhood. I grew up in a nuclear family of six. I am the last of four children, so there was the last-born syndrome. I have numerous childhood memories of Badagry, Lagos, because my dad worked at the Seme Border then. It was fun. We were comfortable, so I had the privilege of a good education. I remember my childhood to be fast too, because at some point, we had to leave, and we kept moving from one state to another because of my father’s transfers. Generally, it was a fun and active period, and growing up was a humbling experience because I experienced a lot of different cultures at an early age and mixed with people from all walks of life due to my various environments.

As the 43rd Miss Nigeria, you have made a name via pageantry. What spurred you into it in the first place?

Positive representation. I decided to go on my pageant journey because I wanted to inspire other girls like me coming from a very reserved background. I’m a Northern woman and pageantry isn’t widely accepted in the North. I wanted them to know that their dreams are valid and achievable and if I could do it, they can do it even better. Another important reason was to impact. As a Queen, the foremost duty is “service”. Being the 43rd Miss Nigeria gave me an opportunity to serve and impact even in the littlest way possible.

Recall for us some of your moments as the 43rd Miss Nigeria in 2019. Did you expect that win?

I was prepared for the win. But I return all the glory back to God because only He made it possible. I went into the programme fully aware of the responsibilities ahead of me, and I was ready to work and enjoy the experience fully, which came with a win. Some of my highlights as Queen would be: firstly, my visit to Ayamelum Local Government in Anambra State to set up the “Girl’s Lead Club”. It was a humbling experience. Secondly, a worthy moment would be partnering with other social institutions to carry out the ‘period poverty’ campaign.

You studied law and, shortly after graduation, caught up with the frenzy of fame. Would you still practice?

Yes. I plan to go to law school and get called. I’m not sure I would practise litigation, but I will explore the other areas of law practice.

What have been your challenges navigating fame and public perception?

The biggest challenge is the pressure that comes with fame and the lack of privacy in one’s life. Every action, inaction, statement or otherwise is construed to mean something, and sometimes bloggers intentionally misrepresent one’s image in order to gain traction. The public expects one to be perfect, forgetting that we’re all humans who can err and are just everyday people who have large audiences. Those are the challenges for me, but I’m learning to take it one step at a time at my own pace. It’s a journey.

Can you share with us the highs, lows, challenges, and triumphs in your journey?

One high was becoming the 43rd Miss Nigeria, which was accompanied by the challenge of being Queen in the COVID year. As we all know, it was one of the most challenging years in the world.  Another high would be getting my law degree. I graduated from the prestigious Afe Babalola University. A third high would be getting into the BBN House, but I also experienced the biggest lows of my life as I was disqualified during the show. My triumphs would be, first, getting back up. Falling is easy; getting back up is the difficult but fulfilling part. Today, I represent well-known brands across Nigeria, from telecommunications to skincare and the beauty and fashion industries. I have worked with several brands and organisations, and these to me are triumphs.

Which of your past experiences would you say was the toughest; that tested your abilities?

So far, I would say my disqualification from the BBN House. It was the toughest because first, it was public, and that was the first time in my entire life I would be faced with such a situation. Being scrutinised by the general public is not a great place to be in one’s life. Opinions from different people, those who know you and those who don’t; it wasn’t easy at all.

 What three words would you say best describe you?

Determined, ambitious and grateful

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is comfortable and fun with a sprinkle of extra. I always try to look my best while maintaining comfort, having fun while at it, and introducing something into the look that makes me stand out. Why blend in when you were made to stand out?

Beauty and Fashion are your turf. Have you considered exploring both realms, maybe setting up a clothing line or makeup brand?

Yes, of course. My name is Beauty (laughs). I haven’t thought of a makeup brand because I already work with a reputable one (Beauty by AD), as their brand ambassador, but a clothing line, yes. I will be re-launching Stylish Beauty soon by His Grace. Watch out because it’s definitely coming this year. It’s my number one goal this year.

  Beauty is known to be a lover of Afrobeats. Which Nigerian male and female artistes appeal to you?

I love all things music, and I’m a huge lover of Afrobeats. I love a lot of them, but worthy of mention for me are Davido, Burna Boy and Bloody Civilian.

 What project is Beauty currently working on, and what should we expect from you in 2024?

Two significant projects to look out for this year are the Beauty Tukura Foundation and my brand, Stylish Beauty. I’m completely focused on these in 2024.