"Your Work Is Amazing": Small Street Makeup Artist Impresses SA With R200 Transformations

"Your Work Is Amazing": Small Street Makeup Artist Impresses SA With R200 Transformations

  • A young street makeup artist’s viral video has Mzansi applauding her remarkable talent and determination as she showcases her everyday hustle in Johannesburg
  • The creative beauty guru shared how much she is charging per day and unveiled her address for peeps interested
  • Despite facing unexpected challenges while working outdoors, her dedication and resilience have inspired South Africans to rally behind local entrepreneurs as they raved over her work in the comments
  • Briefly News spoke to @ritamillarh, who shared insights into her business, journey, entrepreneurship, and more

A Johannesburg-based street makeup artist has captured Mzansi’s attention after showcasing her incredible talent and dedication in a now-viral TikTok video.

A woman in Johannesburg showcased a day in the life of a Small Street makeup artist.
A woman from Johannesburg shared a glimpse into the daily life of a Small Street makeup artist. Image: @ritamillarh
Source: TikTok

The young woman, known online as @ritamillarh, shared a "day in the life" clip that left viewers in awe of her artistry, resilience, and passion for her craft.

Filmed close to McDonald’s on Small Street in Johannesburg, the video shows Rita transforming several clients with flawless makeup looks, all for just R200 each. Her work included smooth foundation finishes, bold brows, and striking eye looks that elevated her clients' natural beauty. By the time she completed her third client, rain began to pour, but that didn’t stop her hustle.

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Rather than packing up, Rita continued working in the rain, determined to finish her clients’ makeup despite the challenging weather. The touching moment struck a chord with South Africans, who praised her dedication and strong work ethic.

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She told Briefly News the following when she was questioned on why she opted to continue working despite the rain.

"As for working in the rain, my clients had booked me on that day. And I was committed to delivering services despite the weather. It's about being reliable and understanding the value of their time and money."

In the video that she posted on 4 November 2025, she proudly wrote in the caption: "Makeup by Rita, for only R200." The simplicity of the message, combined with her visible effort, sparked widespread admiration online.

While speaking to Briefly News, passionate @ritamillarh expressed how she had always been passnait about makeup

"I've always been passionate about makeup and helping people feel confident in their own skin. I started my journey in makeup artistry by practising on friends and family, and eventually built up my skills and portfolio. The competitive nature of the industry motivates me to stay focused and continually improve."

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She added that what sets her apart is her "focus on excellent customer service and attention to detail".

@ritamillarh went on to inform the publication that she understood the local market’s need for affordable, quality beauty services. By sourcing products strategically and managing her time effectively, she ensures value for money.

"There's a clear demand for budget-friendly, professional beauty services in South Africa, and I'm proud to help meet that need," she added.

The beautician ended by expressing how grateful she was to the online audience, saying:

"I'm overwhelmed and grateful for the support from my community. The reaction has been amazing, and it's pushed me to consider expanding my services and posting more on social media. I'm looking at collaborations, workshops, and other ways to grow my brand while continuing to deliver quality services to my clients."

Mzansi’s social media users flooded the comments section with messages of encouragement, applauding Rita’s skill and perseverance. Many said she deserved more recognition for providing professional-quality makeup at an affordable price, while others expressed interest in booking her for future events.

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The content creator @ritamillarh's story has since inspired others to support local artists and small business owners who continue to thrive through creativity and determination, even under difficult circumstances. The video also went viral on the internet, leaving many amped.

A Johannesburg woman gave a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a Small Street makeup artist.
A woman in Johannesburg appeared in a TikTok video as she walked toward her Small Street makeup set. Image: @ritamillarh
Source: TikTok

SA claps for the young makeup artist

People in South Africa applauded the young lady for her strong spirit as they rushed to the comments section to express their thoughts, saying:

Rose said:

"Chomi how do I make an appointment?"

Tax Kharendiwe shared:

"Amazing working. How Many minutes do you spend on each client."

Philasande Malevu wrote:

"Don't tell me young people in SA are lazy !! 👌"

Dips raved over the young lady's work, adding:

"She's very talented i saw her working on 2 ladies what a wow 😍."

Thandoh Mo replied:

"May God bless the work of your hands 😍❤."

Sedii commented:

"Your work is amazing yoh."

Golden Log expressed:

"Chomi I need this on Thursday morning around 8 am please say yes🥺."

Watch the video below:

3 Other Briefly News stories related to make-up

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Johana Mukandila avatar

Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za