Biz Lounge: The colourful side hustle that pays

As Nickson Onserio pinned up the list of services at his tent, his first customer was already waiting.

With acrylic markers in hand, he carefully began sketching designs, ready to erase any mistake with a quick swipe of a wet wipe before continuing. 

Customers soon followed into this face painting tent, many referred by earlier clients, some requesting face art while others preferred designs on their hands.

Onserio, however, distinguishes himself by using acrylic markers rather than ordinary paints.

He explains that the markers are safer on sensitive skin and save time compared to traditional brushes.

“I have been doing face painting for the last eight years though initially I started it as a side gig but grew to love it after receiving positive feedback,” he begins. 

Onserio recalls how his first gig was for a children’s fashion show, where he painted around 80 children, charging just Sh 20 per child. 

Since then, referrals have kept him in business. Today, he charges Sh. 500 per adult and between Sh. 350– Sh. 400 for children, depending on the event.

“Over the years, I have painted at over 20 events, including cultural festivals, entertainment shows, and even beauty pageants,” the 24-year-old says. 

One of his most memorable moments he says, was working with the winner of the Miss Face of Nakuru competition, which he described as a turning point in his career. 

“Moments like that remind you that this is the right path especially after the contestant won the competition. It rubber stamped why I started this,” he says.

Beyond face painting, Onserio is a multi-talented artist who also works on graffiti murals, commissioned portraits, landscapes, sign writing, and tattoo art. 

He is also a professional dancer and part-time real estate agent, balancing all this with his diploma studies in architecture at the Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies in Nakuru.

Asked about what his parents think of his new career path, Onserio reveals that although his parents initially doubted the viability of art as a career, they eventually accepted it once his work began generating income. 

“My inspiration comes from local artist Edu in Nakuru and internationally from renowned American painter Devon Rodriguez,” he adds.

Looking ahead, Onserio hopes to become the go-to name for face painting and murals beyond Nakuru. 

“Once you improve your craft, people notice you, and the work begins to find you,” he says firmly.

He sums it up by saying, “I was chosen by art, not the other way around.” For Onserio, art is not just a profession but a lifelong calling.