At what point in your life did you realize you wanted to be a makeup artist and why?
I realized that I wanted to be a makeup artist very early in life. I did my schooling from Canada and in Grade 9, I started getting fascinated with makeup. I used to watch TV shows about makeup application. I tried to find people to practice on but no one was willing to sit on the experimental chair, and that’s why I started practicing those techniques on myself. When people would see my makeup they used to ask me who did it and then when I said I did, they were willing to be my model for my next practice session. In my early practicing days my models included my mom, my friends and my neighbors. In grade 11, I chose cosmetology as one of my courses in which I learnt the basis of makeup. I then assisted voluntarily with makeup for fashion shows held in school. This was my first experience applying make up semi-professionally. I learnt a lot about people, their expectations, criticisms and satisfaction. After the fashion show experience, I realized that I wanted to move forward in this field and grow professionally.

What steps have you taken to break into the industry?
I worked at Sabs the Salon, a renowned beauty salon in Karachi and I learnt a lot from Saba Ansari the owner. She is one of the best makeup artists in town and an even better person. After this experience I decided to open my own dream salon and I started up my salon & spa. I want to be a vital part of this industry where I can give people the things I have learnt in a creative manner. So far I have worked on a shoot with Abid Saleem as the photographer, Aeisha Varsey as the designer and Rabia Chaudhary as the model. This was just the beginning of my media experience and I hope to do a lot of different ventures with the media.

What are the obstacles and the challenges that you’ve faced in your field since you began?
A challenge that I have faced since my recent opening is a fact that people and even the media people have designated salons that they go to. In the beginning, people are hesitant to trust a new establishment and it takes a while to gain everyone’s interest and confidence. I am in the process of overcoming this challenge by providing outstanding services and a high level of comfort so that not only do we have repeat clients, but they also refer others. We have designed an environment that caters to everyone’s needs by providing complete salon & spa services so that we are a one stop destination for women. In our salon we have a hair studio, makeup area, nail bar and spa facilities that include manicure, pedicure, specialized facials, body treatments and many other new and exciting salon services.

Can you outline an idea of what a day is like in your shoes?
It is a combination of excitement and enjoyment. My day starts when I step into the salon. A new salon is like a newborn baby that requires extreme care and attention. I have to take instant decisions which have lasting effects. I have to take care of each client’s individual needs and fulfill them in a way that exceeds their expectations. People come in for a number of different services and they need guidance and advice as to which service is beneficial and right for them. We ensure excellent services and the utmost client care.

What is the favorite part of your job?
The favorite part of my job is when we provide a service on a client and the results are outstanding. For example, the transformation in a person after a specialized facial or after applying nail extensions is amazing. I feel that my work is a reflection of me and when a client looks good, I look good but if my client does not look good, I look bad. The most rewarding moment for me is when I see a satisfied client’s expression after a good service. It makes me feel inspired and motivated to work harder.

What is your ideal job?
My ideal job is to be a make up artist that can do make up on any face type. Apart from beautifying pretty and good-looking women, I want to make an average looking girl look glamorous and stylish after make up. In my opinion, beauty is not just about having good looks but about style and how you carry yourself. Good looks are God gifted but style can be created, and I want to provide that style.

What sets your salon apart from other salons?
I feel that our salon is different for the high quality of services we provide and the individual customer care we give our clients. We emphasize on hygiene as one of the crucial factors in maintaining a high standard. In addition, we are a one stop destination for women. On the ground floor we have a separate area where we provide make up for all occasions and shoots, and a separate area where we provide complete and exceptional hair services. On the mezzanine floor we have a spa area where we have separate rooms for facials, body treatments and massages. We provide spa manicure and pedicure, acrylic and gel nails. Our special services include hair extensions for length and volume and eye lash extensions, and nail art.

Are you formally trained? What are the courses that you have done?
I have completed a 2 year cosmetology diploma from Sheridan College in Canada. I have continued my training at Britain Institute of Make up and Aesthetics where I learnt advanced makeup techniques, skin care, body treatment, acrylic and gel nails extensions and other services. I also participated in several workshops and seminars in Canada, America and Pakistan to enhance my knowledge and to learn new tips & techniques. I plan on continually attending courses, seminars and workshops to learn the new trends and styles.

Tell us about your work experience so far?
My work experience so far has been great and I totally enjoy my work. We have clients that are very satisfied and happy to have tried our services. I have learnt that honesty and hard work always pays off.

What advice do you have for aspiring make up artists?
For aspiring make up artists, the best advice I can give is to combine education and practice. There are several good and well reputed courses being offered, take as many as possible. Education is never wasted and it will come of use somewhere and sometime. Practice really does make perfect, so practice as much as possible. In the beginning, people literally run when they know you want to practice on them (trust me, I know), but later the same people are willing to pay to get their make up done from you. Also, once you are in this field you need to continually enhance your knowledge because everyday something new is introduced and you need to be aware of it, whether it is regarding new make up techniques, new hair cutting and styling techniques, or simply what’s in and what’s out. In this ever changing and expanding field, you have to be willing to continually learn and practice.