EXPAT MOMS TURN BEAUTY ENTREPRENEURS

beauty

As exciting as life abroad sounds, it has its own challenges in its own sweet ways. Specially if we talk about Pakistani expat moms, envisioning a career and catering to their passion - while dealing with the hardships of expat life – seems like a dream that would never see the light of day. However, we also know that dedication, hard work and unremitting devotion can make such dreams come true.

Being passionate about makeup and hair artistry, Saamya Waqas, Aiman Daniyal and Iqra Ali stepped into the world of beauty with a dream of opening their own makeup and hair studios in Sydney, Australia. And currently, they are running a full-fledged business through their home studios at different locations in Sydney. They are full-time moms, students and beauty entrepreneurs, setting examples among the expat community abroad. You! takes a look…

You! When and how did you get into beauty business?

Saamya Waqas (SW): After moving to Australia in 2018, I initially focused on caring for my children rather than formal employment. Through volunteer work, I built a network and gained referrals, which allowed my career in makeup artistry and hairstyling to gradually flourish. As a passionate and dedicated makeup artist and hairstylist, I thrive on enhancing my clients’ beauty and confidence. Committed to excellence, I approach every project with creativity, precision, and professionalism.

Aiman Daniyal (AD): I relocated to Australia in 2020 following my marriage. Now a full-time mom to a 2-year-old boy, I am also a professional hair and makeup artist and a content creator by choice. I intentionally chose a career that would let me be present for my son’s early milestones while pursuing my passion. I launched Aiman Daniyal Studio in 2022, and since then, I’ve never looked back.

Iqra Ali (IA): I moved to Australia in 2013 and began freelancing in makeup for friends and clients. In 2018, I ran a Facebook group offering makeup and skincare tutorials to market myself. My enthusiasm for makeup artistry led me to take small gigs and makeup courses, gradually working towards opening my own salon ‘Glow by Iqra Ali’ in Sydney in 2023. Alongside this, I started working at Mecca store as a summer host and will soon become a Mecca certified Colour Specialist, further enhancing my portfolio.

You! Was becoming a makeup and hair artist a passion since the beginning or you developed your interest recently?

SW: I’ve always been passionate about creativity and colour, inspired by my mom’s impeccable style and makeup skills. I enjoyed doing makeup for my family from a young age, but it wasn’t until I moved to Australia that I turned this passion into a career.

AD: I enjoyed makeup as a teenager and loved using my mother’s minimal makeup on her and my cousins. Although I pursued a degree in Biochemistry later, my passion for makeup artistry never faded. I’m grateful for my supportive family and have no regrets about following my true calling.

IA: My inspiration to become a makeup artist comes from my mother, a beautician. Helping her in the salon from a young age was a blessing, and now fulfilling my dream through this profession feels like a safe haven.

You! What are the criteria of starting your own salon business in Australia? Have you done any professional courses?

SW: Starting a makeup artist business involves careful planning: legal and licensing requirements, insurance, workspace, health and safety, client consultations, professionalism, marketing, client experience, continued education, and networking. I’m a licensed makeup artist with certifications from experts like Makeup by Mario, NikkieTutorials, and Marc Jacobs. Continuous learning and social media are key to staying updated and inspired.

AD: I am a self-taught HMUA (hair and makeup artist). However, I learned technicalities and brought finesse to my work through a few masterclasses that I was able to attend. There’s no easy or hard way to start up your business as such. It is just that you need to make your mark in the industry and be active both online and offline.

IA: I have done a diploma in Screen and Media (specialist effect makeup), recently. This course was a prerequisite before opening a salon, hence I had to enrol myself in it. However, I started off as a self-taught MUA (makeup artist).

You! How difficult is it for a desi expat to start her own beauty business in Australia? Were there any hurdles you faced as a person of colour?

SW: Starting a beauty business in Australia as an expat can be challenging, but it’s feasible with careful planning. Despite Australia’s multicultural society, people of colour may face obstacles. Fortunately, I encountered none.

AD: The beauty market is quite competitive in Australia, so it brings many challenges specially for a full-time mom like me. I don’t travel and take clients only at home. So, it often gets very difficult to compete with mobile makeup artists here.

IA: One struggle is building a diverse clientele beyond South Asian communities, as consumers from other ethnicities often limit their experiences to our services.

Effective marketing strategies, including sweepstakes, are essential to reach a broader audience. Skill and a well-executed marketing plan are crucial for success in the industry.

You! How lucrative is this business in Australia?

SW: The profitability of being a makeup and hair artist in Australia can vary depending on factors such as location, clientele, reputation, and business model. Generally, there is demand for skilled beauty professionals across the country, and with the right approach, it can be a lucrative venture.

You! What services do you provide in your salon?

SW: I offer a range of services including party and bridal makeup, various makeup styles, hairstyling for all occasions, and henna application for special events.

AD: I provide hair and makeup services for all occasions like editorial, party glam, bridal and shoots.

IA: I provide party, engagement, bridal makeup and hair services.

You! How would you describe your signature makeup look?

SW: Soft, dewy base with bronzer, bronze smokey eyes with kajal to add depth and definition, defined brows, and lip colours tend to be soft and natural or may incorporate bold hues for a statement look, resulting in a captivating and polished look with a touch of peach blush on the cheeks.

AD: Soft neutral eyes, glowy base, and a nude pout.

IA: Glowy with smokey eyes and nude/peachy lips.

You! Which element of your job do you most enjoy?

SW: As a makeup artist and hairstylist, I thrive on the transformative power of my craft. Enhancing features and creating stunning hairstyles that boost confidence is deeply rewarding. I also enjoy the artistic side, experimenting with techniques, colours, and styles to bring clients’ visions to life.

AD: I love making people feel good about how they look. I cherish their positive reactions after seeing my work. It’s the most rewarding feeling ever.

IA: Ah! It is quite difficult to answer this one. I enjoy every bit of it but to specify, it’s the final look and a smile on a client’s face.

You! How tricky is it for you to work on white skin as being a South Asian we have a completely different style and mindset with respect to makeup?

SW: As a makeup artist, working with clients of various skin tones and cultural backgrounds is essential. Adapting to different skin tones, such as lighter skin, required learning new techniques, understanding different product preferences, and exploring diverse styles. For example, using fewer products for a more natural look. Effective communication with clients - understanding their desired look, skin concerns, and preferences - ensures successful outcomes while maintaining my unique style and expertise.

IA: Initially, I worried about working with lighter skin tones, as they differ from my own. However, understanding various skin colours, textures, and tones is essential in our field. It takes time to learn, but enjoying the process makes it easier. Once you embrace it, the skin colour, texture, or tone becomes less significant.

You! Can you share tips for makeup enthusiasts who aspire to enter the beauty business in the future.

SW: Invest in education and stay updated on industry trends and techniques. Build a strong portfolio to attract clients and employers through networking. Develop strong communication and customer service skills; be punctual, reliable, and respectful.

Market yourself through social media platforms. Continuously learn and adapt to new techniques and trends, staying open to change. Be passionate, persistent, humble, and always greet everyone with a smile.

AD: For me, practicing your skill goes a long way. Working with different skin tones and textures is very important because doing makeup on others is totally different or I would say difficult than doing it on yourself.

IA: If you’re passionate about makeup artistry, give it a try. The more you immerse yourself, the more your interest will grow. I recommend starting with a Certificate III in Makeup from TAFE, then applying for retail positions at renowned places. This experience will help you assess if this career path is right for you. Good luck!

Iqra Sarfaraz is a freelance journalist and writer, currently residing in Sydney, Australia. She can be reached at iqra.sarfaraz53@gmail.com, Instagram @cheekuinsydney