Today we’d like to introduce you to Saba Jawad.
Saba, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a strong passion for all that glitters and have been a makeup and beauty addict for as long as I can remember. I grew up always playing the part of hair dresser or makeup artist for my friends and family, all throughout my teenage years. From high school prom to my cousin’s and sister’s engagements and pre-wedding festivities; I was always so excited and honored to be the one they turned to for help! I have come a long way from playing dress-up and dolling up my supportive friends and family with my amateur makeup collection. In fact, I had never imagined my interest in makeup and hair would lead me to pursuing it professionally as a freelance artist. I originally planned to follow the path of healthcare by going to either Medical or Dental School.
I graduated Cum Laude from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and soon after, started my graduate studies at the University of Georgia in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs. A couple short weeks after completing my certification, I had my first son and quickly went from being a student to being a full time, stay at home mom. A couple years after my break at home, my husband’s longtime coworker entrusted me to be her makeup artist for her wedding! I was so ecstatic that she chose me to do makeup for herself and her bridal party on her special day! Things eventually just started falling into place from there. With the help of social media and referrals, more friends started contacting me for their wedding makeup needs. I will always be grateful to Katie and my long time college friend for trusting, supporting, and encouraging me to follow my dreams and turn it my hobby and passion into a full-time career!
I have now been doing special event makeup since 2014 and more recently have specialized in bridal makeup and hair design. I have taken specialized one-on- one courses for bridal makeup and am a Certified, Pro Makeup Artist in the Atlanta area.
I love being a part of all types of weddings; whether they are American, South Asian, or Fusion! I think every bride brings with her a very unique style and esthetic and I love incorporating all those elements into the final look for her big day!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, every new career move has its struggles. My biggest challenge was definitely in starting my business from the ground up. I had no previous clientele, contacts, or a network of fellow vendors. I learned everything from watching other artists I looked up to, taking their advice, and taking specialized marketing courses in how to grow my business.
In the beginning, I often woke up in the early hours to do makeup and hair for client’s events for almost next to nothing. I even volunteered my artistry and design skills at various events and fashion shows to gain more hands-on experience and build my portfolio. With the help of my social media portfolio and client referrals, the business started to grow.
I have now built strong relationships with a lot of my clients, brides, as well as fellow makeup artists. I have often asked them to assist me at larger weddings and events. We have become more of a team than competition. I have established a strong network of fellow vendors in the industry, ranging from photographers, decorators, event planners, cake decorators, wedding day coordinators. Over time we have developed a strong network and refer each other’s services whenever we can!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am currently the only Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist in my company, but am focusing on expanding and hiring junior artists to work me in the near future so I can accommodate larger bridal parties and events.
My services consist of Special Event Makeup, Traditional Bridal Makeup, and Airbrush Event and Bridal Makeup. I also offer Special Event Hair Styling; such as blowouts, curled styles, and formal updos. I have recently seen a tremendous interest in my Bridal Hair Designs and I really enjoy creating those big, soft, flowing bridal updos and intricate bridal braids.
I offer customized bridal packages to suit any bride and bridal party. They all include glamorous makeup, false lashes, hair design with accessories, veil or dupatta and jewelry setting and pinning, as well as a customized bridal touch-up kit to suit all your needs throughout the evening.
I am very humbled and proud to see the direction my company is heading in the New Year, 2018. I have numerous brides contacting me for Airbrush makeup and glamorous, dramatic South Asian bridal looks well into 2018. I think my close attention to detail and respecting the specific needs and comfort level of my brides really sets me apart from others. I never push or pressure someone to do something they’re not comfortable with. After all, it’s one of the most important days of their lives and they should look exactly how they have always envisioned!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love working in such a diverse and happening city like Atlanta! It’s multicultural demographic has given me many opportunities to do American, Bengali, Pakistani, Malaysian, Persian, and of course loads of Indian weddings, such as Gujrati and Punjabi weddings. Recently, I have been a part of quite a few fusion weddings, bringing two completely unique cultures together in a way that’s truly only possible in the U.S.! They have been extremely fun, chaotic, crazy, and full of surprises! I have loved every minute of getting to know the brides, their families, and often even the groom! I have built connections with these couples and I believe that leads to lasting client relationships!
On the other hand, the one thing I think we could all live without in ATL is the horrendous traffic when you’re bouncing around all over town from on bride to the next, and you find yourself stuck on 85 for God knows how long!!
Contact Info:
- Website: Colorimpressionsbysaba.com
- Phone: (678) 640-7697
- Email: colorimpressionsbysaba@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorimpressionsbysaba/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Colorimpressionsbysaba/
Image Credit:
This Modern Love Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
