Today we’d like to introduce you to Bhavna Shah.
Hi Bhavna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
There are two things I’m really passionate about: cosmetology and family. Luckily, my family has supported and encouraged me throughout my professional journey through every stage. Today, I stand as a licensed cosmetologist with over 25 years of experience. Currently, I’m based in Atlanta, Georgia. However, my journey started on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in a town in Gujarat, India.
I grew up in a family of eight, and we were just like every family in town until tragedy struck and my mother got paralysis. This affected my family greatly. While I was just 15, I was already taking care of my family. With our lives changed and increased family responsibilities. The one place I felt free was when I went to my neighborhood salon.
Salon in our neighborhood was place where everyone did their hair, and I also frequented this salon to straighten my long hair. I didn’t know at the time this place would be my first training. I still remember vividly; I would sit at the salon for hours observing people getting their makeovers, the smiles on their faces and the confidence after seeing themselves in the mirror after a makeover. This sparked an inspiration in me. I also wanted to be the reason people felt this way.
Eventually, whenever I had the time, I replicated what I had observed from the salon on my peers in the neighborhood for free. I didn’t know it back then, but this time in my life was the period where I learned the foundations of cosmetology.
Word quickly went around town, and soon many in the neighborhood wanted me to give them a makeover. One of my neighbors saw the work I had done and advised me to make a career out of the hobby. I knew I was getting good at it. However, I wasn’t sure that it was something that I could develop into a full profession. So, I didn’t take her advice too seriously at the time, and I moved on with my life.
I soon finished high school and got married. I moved to Mumbai, and after five years in my marriage with two beautiful children, I finally decided I wanted to do something professionally. I didn’t have many choices when it came to picking a professional career. My skill as a beautician were still very good. With that in mind, I decided to join a beauty program. With my family’s support, I was able to finish my program and start a small business as a makeup artist. Positive feedback from my clients kept me going. I ran my business for 18 good years in India before I moved to the United States in 2013.
With every new place comes new challenges. I had to overcome mine when I arrived in this country. From English as my third language to adapting to new culture and norms. My first year in the states, I became a certified cosmetologist. I also worked in different salons to gain exposure and learn about people’s tastes in makeup and hair. It wasn’t easy, but I gave it my best shot. My passion would not let me give up. Over time, I completed many certifications with well-known artists to keep up with market trends, such as Ash Kumar, Richa Dave, Georgiy Kot and many more.
I wouldn’t say that I chose cosmetology, and it wasn’t exactly a dream of mine to build a career around the skill. Rather, it was life that charted my path and brought me to where I am today. Today, I successfully run my business as a freelance makeup and hair artist.
Looking forward, I wish to inspire artists around the world in the realm of Cosmetology. More importantly, I hope my story inspires others to follow their passion and turn them into their professional career. When you follow your passion, you never work another day in your life!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is an old Indian saying that I really believe in. “Gyaan baat ne se badhta hai” this means knowledge increases when it’s shared. On that note, I have gotten to this stage of my career because of professionals that have shared their knowledge and experiences with me.
With that been said. My grand vision and challenge to myself is to one day open a Beauty school. I want to inspire and teach the next generation of cosmetologists!
This challenge requires for me to build a team of professionals that share the same vision I have. Continue to improve my English skills so that I can communicate effectively with my students. Most importantly, reaching professional credibility that attracts driven students who will consider me as their mentor. I know this is a huge undertaking. However, I’m confident to achieve this vision in the near future!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Femme Beauty by Bhavna?
My team and I strive to create the ultimate glamorous look which gives you a sophisticated natural finish with any style chosen. Our goal is to create the ‘WOW’ moment for you.
We specialize and deliver the most exquisite Bridal Hair, Makeup, Draping, Facial, and Haircut. This can be for your Wedding party, Family, or Friends!
Our services extend to bridal, non-bridal, photoshoots, Bridal showers, Bridal fashion week, Bridal magazines and a lot more.
We provide on location services (US or international ) for wedding Makeup, hair, Draping and Heena with my team of professionals.
Contact Info:
- Email: bhavna0967@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/femmebeautybybhavna
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/femmebeautybybhavna
