Being Nabila

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T/Find out what it means to me.”

– ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin

Authentic. Accomplished. Rare. Shapeshifter. None of these terms alone does complete justice to Nabila, a culture-setting icon in the style and beauty industry.

With four decades in the business, she is constantly on the move, creating and reinventing ideas. Nabila transcends labels. We often categorize women, but she is as gutsy and outspoken as any, though she expresses it through her work.

To call her accomplished feels insufficient; her personality is colorful but few are lucky enough to experience her company. Part of this is due to her busy schedule, with miles still to go.

Another reason is that she doesn’t share her energy and life with just anyone.

In forty years, she has won so many awards that keeping track has become difficult.

Some of the best names in the business might not admit it, but it is Nabila who has empowered them to follow their own identity within the industry. To call her a stylist is an understatement; Nabila is the guru of the beauty industry. Her qualities, particularly her passion for hair and make-up, are purely her own. She has progressed from helping individuals express their unique styles to mastering the craft.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger/Stand a little taller…” – ‘Stronger’ by Kelly Clarkson

The number of salons Nabila owns has increased over time, but she never did it in one fell swoop. For this reason, her salons offer a wide range of services. From precision cuts and color transformations to specialized treatments tailored to each client’s unique needs, each salon is an extension of what the beauty industry lacked before Nabila made it accessible to everyone. She has broken through the labels often imposed on women by setting standards that didn’t exist before.

By mentoring, guiding and grooming, she has made her team trustworthy, even in her absence. If Nabila endorsed them, clients knew they could rely on her team.

Her dedication to continuous learning and staying upto date with the latest trends ensures that her salons remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering innovative services that reflect her passion and commitment to excellence.

Beyond her local clientele, Nabila has earned a stellar reputation on the global stage, first working with Pakistani superstars and then international celebrities.

Her skills are frequently in demand for prestigious events, including fashion shows, red carpet moments, and high-profile award ceremonies such as the pioneering Lux Style Awards in Pakistan and the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards.

Nabila’s expertise extends across television, commercials, film, and fashion, where she is known for creating glamorous, standout looks. Whether designing intricate updos for a star-studded event or achieving flawless, natural styles for magazine shoots, Nabila’s artistry has cemented her status as the ultimate name in the hair and make up industry. Forty years on, even though Nabila has reached several milestones, she is nowhere near the finish line, with goals that go beyond what one might expect from a typical beauty industry titan.

Here is an interview with Nabila, where we discuss her product releases, from make-up to her recent hair care line. Over to Nabila…

Instep: With 40 years in the fashion and beauty industry, what are some lessons you’ve learned that you would share with newcomers?

Nabila: Many newcomers often think it’s all about fame and followers. I just want to remind them that it’s really about skill, learning, hard work, and discipline. The only place where “success” comes before “work” is in the dictionary.

Instep: Social media, especially platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, has transformed the industry. It seems easier for stylists, designers, and brands to

gain visibility. How do you view this change? Is it straightforward or more nuanced?

Nabila: Like any technology, social media must be used intelligently. It can enhance substance, but it can’t replace it.

Instep: Today, influencers hold significant sway over beauty products, influencing whether people should invest in them or not. How do you compare the power influencers hold today to the influence journalists had a decade ago?

Nabila: I support the democratization of opinions. However, if the voice isn’t used responsibly, that same reach can work against you.

Instep: Has your brand, Nabila, embraced technology, or have you had to adapt due to changing dynamics?

Nabila: You can’t live without technology anymore. From hotel and flight bookings to groceries and taxis, it’s indispensable.

Professionally, we can’t survive without it, so we hire the best to keep our services and products up-to-date. Personally, I struggle with technology but keep learning from my kids and teams.

Instep: What styling advise would you offer to young people navigating today’s economic climate?

Nabila: Find your individual style and keep evolving it. Don’t blend in. Buy preloved. Quiet fashion means no loud logos.

Instep: What core skills do you believe every hairstylist, makeup artist, or beauty professional should possess?

Nabila: Self-discipline, professionalism, punctuality, and then your craft—in that order.

Instep: Since you began your career, you’ve launched your own products. What differentiates your products from both local and international offerings?

Nabila: The proof is in the pudding. ZERO Makeup is gaining market share for brown skin complexions both nationally and internationally because of its concept and formulations. It’s the culmination of my four decades of experience, combined with my passion for staying current with global trends and technology.

Instep: Are all your hair products sulfate-free?

Nabila: Sulfate-free sham-poos can benefit certain hair types, especially greasy, flat, or heavy hair. They’re particularly good for super dry or chemically treated hair, as sulfates can be harsh, leading to dryness and reduced natural oil production. Our hair care line includes variants both with and without sulfates. You are the best judge of which product suits your hair. Once you find the perfect fit, cherish it.

Instep: You offer an organic option, which is highly sought after, but organic products often run out. How can customers trust that your hair care line will remain in stock once their hair adapts to it?

Nabila: I’m fully committed to the NABILA Hair Care line, and it’s here to stay. You’ll see a line extension very soon.

Instep: If someone uses sulfate-free shampoo, do they need to wash their hair more frequently to avoid greasiness?

Nabila: One can wash their hair as often as needed, but choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for their hair type is key. Men with active lifestyles may wash their hair multiple times a day, while women who get salon blowouts might wash just once a week. You can also rinse and refresh your hair without shampoo if necessary.

Instep: As Gen-Z and millennials grow more cons-cious, organic products have gained appeal. How do you respond to that trend? Do you plan to make all your products fully organic?

Nabila: I believe in delivering sure-shot results rather than following trends. We use the best ingredients, keeping them toxin-free and as natural as possible. That will remain my focus.

Instep: Your products are not only popular in Pakistan but also internationally, with rumors suggesting they’ve been used on the set of the popular American series Grey’s Anatomy. Is that true? Why do you think ZERO Makeup has gained such widespread popularity?

Nabila: Through sheer luck, the first samples of ZERO Makeup (then called No Makeup) ended up in the hands of Hollywood makeup artists’ association. It was tested on the set of Grey’s Anatomy and loved. That’s when I realized its potential, rebranded it as ZERO Makeup, and expanded the range to include colors for Caucasian and African American skin.

Instep: ZERO Makeup has found success both locally and internationally. What do you think is the reason behind its success?

Nabila: The unique selling point of our brand is that all the products are intelligent. They’re simple to choose, easy to use, and provide foolproof solutions. I often say this brand is “idiot-proof” because I’ve done all the thinking for you.

Instep: You’ve worked on the Lux Style Awards and the International Indian Film Awards (IIFA). How do these industries compare? What can the LSAs learn from IIFA, or is it vice versa?

Nabila: Whether we work on stars or the person next door, our focus is on delivering the best hair and makeup services. We must be professionals, regardless of the project’s size. On an international forum, we also represent our country, and we need to keep that in mind.

Instep: You have an online store offering a variety of products, from hair care to skin creams. You once said, “The essence of my pro-fessional career is now bottled for all to benefit.” Doesn’t having an online store remove the personal experience of getting a haircut from you? Are you still available to non-celebrity clients? You have a trained, professional team at your salons, but the way you were once personally available isn’t the case anymore, is it? Do you miss it or is this evolution simply necessary for the next step?

Nabila: I have clients who’ve been coming to me for over three decades and refuse to go to anyone else, even within my own salon. I’m regularly available to them. However, because I travel extensively for work, appoint-ments must be booked well in advance. That said, my multi-tiered team, trained by me, is capable of handling all clients. My hair care product line was created to share my expertise with a wider audience.

Instep: As a successful businesswoman, what advice would you give to women aspiring to lead their own businesses or succeed in fields dominated by men?

Nabila: For everyone, including women, mastering time management is the biggest victory. The key to balancing work and life is prioritizing the art of juggling.

“The proof is in the pudding. ZERO Makeup is gaining market share for brown skin complexions both nationally and internationally because of its concept and

formulations. It’s the culmination of my four decades of experience, combined with my passion for staying current with global trends and technology.” –Nabila

“One can wash their hair as often as needed, but

choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for their hair type is key. Men with active lifestyles may wash

their hair multiple times a day, while women who get salon blowouts might wash just once a week. You can also rinse and refresh your hair without shampoo if

necessary.” – Nabila on her hair care line