Today we’d like to introduce you to Samina Iqbal.
Samina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been passionate about skincare, makeup, and hairstyling for as long as I can remember. However, I became busy in my daily duties as a housewife and businesswoman managing convenience stores. As my kids grew older, I was able to find more time for my passion. Through sudden inspiration, I enrolled myself into Gwynnis Mosby Makeup Academy and studied scrupulously with Mrs. Mosby herself. The most important realization I had in this time was that I had found my way in my life. I was overjoyed.
Shortly after, I attended cosmetology school and completed my 1500 credit hour course. After certification, I started working as a hairdresser and hairstylist in various salons such as Great Clips, Princeton (Aveda) Salon, and Paris Hair Design in a three year time period. At the same time, I continued my education by taking courses in NYC (Makeup Forever Academy), Florida (SAYAN), and Atlanta (Ash Kumar Beauty Academy). More than that, I slowly started building my name in bridal makeup. This caused me to travel all across the United States and serve as the key makeup artist in numerous weddings.
My desire to learn and improve my skills has always burned a fire within me. In 2017, I completed the mastery program from Paul Mitchell The School Esani and shortly after began taking an instructor course. My mission now is to share all my skills, knowledge and wisdom with others walking this path.
Currently, I am balancing my time as a hairstylist at PS Salon & Spa and The Mann House in Cumming and as a makeup artist for Meraki Makeup. I take personal clients at my home studio, and I am already booked for several weddings this year. My makeup line and online store will be launching late 2020 at www.merakimakeup.com. Recently, my work was featured in Vogue Italia April 2020 Issue (picture uploaded).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I had to do a lot of “free” work in the beginning of my career with various photographers, fashion designers, and event planners to build my reputation and credibility. Another struggle I faced, in the beginning, was managing my time between my job as a hairstylist and establishing my personal brand on the side. In addition, I still had to tend to my motherly duties. All of this required patience and perseverance.
Traveling to distant locations and working with new clients is always a challenge. Most times, everything works out smoothly; other times, it can be a struggle depending on the situation.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I specialize in: Makeup artistry, Hairstyling, Hair coloring, Haircutting, Balayage/Foilyage, Facials, Teaching others.
My attention to detail in the work I perform sets me apart from other artists. I am keen on finding the beauty in every face, and my objective is to enhance that beauty naturally. I work ambitiously and wholeheartedly with all my clients regardless of compensation. More than that, I always take my time when I’m working. Only when I truly feel satisfied is my work considered complete.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would not do anything differently because I love where I am today. I trust the way my journey has unfolded, and I could not be happier. The trials and tribulations I have been through were necessary for me to go through for my personal development. However, if I could do something differently, I would make more mistakes boldly. Only through making mistakes was I able to learn my greatest lessons. Every lesson is a blessing because I am now better at work because of it.
Pricing:
- Bridal Package (makeup, hair, jewelry placement): $350
- Event Makeup: $100
- Haircut: $45
- Hair Coloring: Starts from $65
- Keratin: Starts from $180
- Hair Styling (updos): Starts from $75
- Facial: $50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.merakimakeup.com
- Phone: 404-444-7557
- Email: muaruby@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meraki.makeup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Meraki-Makeup-585176038293398/
Image Credit:
Photography Credits:
Derek Oladokun (Instagram: @visagetemps) (www.visagetemps.com)
Sarah Iqbal (Instagram: @sara_iqbal) (www.sarahiqbal.com)
Fashion Credits: Sohaib Iqbal (Fashion designer & menswear stylist) (@sabby_iqbal) (www.chiraghapparel.com)
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