My name is Ellen Botor Ashai and this is the story of my journey with STAR Women. I was part of the first cohort of SAAP (STAR Alternative Access Program for post high school graduates). So much happened between a span of one year on this program. As part of the program, I took lessons, received apprenticeship training, met industry players and got a Star Mentor to guide me.

I also got a lot of guidance and counseling from the STAR Women team and at a point, I even got an opportunity to serve as a Project Assistant through an internship with the West African Network of Young Women Leaders popularly known by their French abbreviation, ROAJELF. In my line of apprenticeship, I chose makeup because I thought it was something I could learn in a short period and start working with. I joined the SAAP in order to learn skills that will help me earn income, train others and become a better person. When I came here, I received training in leadership, entrepreneurship and digital skills classes and I must say that the knowledge and exposure been beneficial to me.

Upon completing the core component of the program, I started my makeup apprenticeship training with little knowledge about makeup but now I am a well trained and equipped makeup artist. I have come to learn to keep practicing, give out my best to do away with fear and my work will come out well. I have started making up for friends and family and I am making good use of all the things I learnt from STAR Women; I value my clients, and also own a business page on Instagram where I post my works.

I am very grateful to STAR Women for this great opportunity to learn a skill to better myself and that of others I know this journey I have taken will take me far but it will take my effort and dedication and I am willing to do all these and more because I see a bright future ahead