Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Zelmat.
Hi Nadia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always LOVED makeup, I just had no idea where to start in building a career. I’ve worked since I was 14, so making money was always my goal. I didn’t realize you could love what you do and make money. I got a job in accounting right out of high=school but knew it wasn’t going to be my career… I moved to the city at 20 years old, where I started at a restaurant that I ended up working with for almost ten years. At 23, I thought I would find what made me happy by starting college – that didn’t work either, lol. At 28 after trying accounting, bartending, and college. I finally got the courage to listen to my heart and really jump into makeup and knew I wanted to be a professional makeup artist. I found Studio Crust of Atlanta which is a makeup school in West Midtown, got myself a personal loan to pay for it and never looked back. After I graduated from Crush, I did ton of free work to build my portfolio, shadowed all summer with another makeup artist in Atlanta who I really admire, and just reached out to anyone and everyone I thought would need my makeup services for free or pay. I found that editorial, bridal, and photoshoots was what I wanted to make a living off. Two years after graduating I was still working as a bookkeeper, part-time server, and MUA. I joined BeautyBabesATL as a bridal MUA in 2019 and that’s when things really started taking off for me. In 2020 I took the leap and quit all my jobs and now I’m a full-time MUA and happier in my career than I ever thought was possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Bumpiest road ever. I thought to myself a few times that this might just need to be my hobby, not a career. It was SO hard getting work and getting paid work was out of the question the first 1 – 2 years out of school. All while trying to pay all my bills and work full time + keep my kit full – whew, one of the hardest times in my life!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional makeup artist and I specialize in soft glam. I’m most proud my range in clients. When building my portfolio and IG I wanted all women (or men) of all colors to see my work and know I can make them look their best self and I don’t specialize in just one shade or one look of skin tones.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think natural and soft glam will be in more than ever in the next 5-10 years. I believe people are really into their skin health now and soft natural glam will be requested by all. I’m here for it.
Contact Info:
- Email: mua.nadiarae@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.muanadiarae.com/
- Instagram: @hmua.nadiarae
Image Credits
Nancy Gabriela Ray J Rich Photography
