"My mom who also loves makeup and getting dressed, I would see her getting ready, try to copy her, find old pictures of her and just couldn’t believe how amazing she looked all the time. I think my interest in makeup developed because of my mother. I get it from her. She has an even bigger vanity than me."
It is really surprising and inspiring how much a one can learn just by observing and without any formal training if only one has the passion for something. Our next UA is the example of just that! Currently studying Fashion Designing from Asian Institute of Fashion Designing, Kiran Khan is a professional make-up artist. Being a tom boy all her life, she only developed a passion make-up when she turned 15. She recalls the first time she tried her hand at the craft - it was for her sister's wedding - and defines the experience to be novel and unusual.
"It was me but a better version of me." Since then there has been no turning back; she took a keen interest and made an effort to groom herself. "I would do it for myself and no one else, because I felt confident with make-up on," says the girl who never thought she would engage herself in such feminine activities. Her goal is to bring all the new local and international trends to her clients and offer the best that there is at a
very reasonable price; she believes, every girl deserves to look beautiful on her wedding day and feels pure joy to be a part of their big day.
"Every girl deserves to look beautiful on her wedding day and I get so much joy in being a part of their big day"
"I am very proud of myself that I am now supporting myself and don’t have to rely on my parents anymore. I feel very independent. It’s the best feeling ever," she adds that she loves buying presents for her parents every now and then even though they hate it and rarely accept it.She accredits all her success to her friends and family and is grateful to them for supporting and believing in her even before she did.
"I am against charging an arm and leg to clients for make-up that they will just wash off in a few hours"
How long have been working as
make-up artist for? How did you start?
I have been doing make-up for friends and family for four years, but started professionally a year ago. My birthday is in August and it is the same month I officially started, which is why this month is so important for me [Laughs] I didn’t even make my own Facebook page, my cousin made it for me and had he not done that, I would never have started because I always thought I wasn’t ready, that I needed more time. So a big shout out to my cousin Farhan Ahmed for kick-starting this journey for me.
I have been doing make-up for friends and family for four years, but started professionally a year ago. My birthday is in August and it is the same month I officially started, which is why this month is so important for me [Laughs] I didn’t even make my own Facebook page, my cousin made it for me and had he not done that, I would never have started because I always thought I wasn’t ready, that I needed more time. So a big shout out to my cousin Farhan Ahmed for kick-starting this journey for me.
How supportive are people and your
family about your work?
My family and friends support me so much that sometimes I can’t even believe it. My parents, I feel get more excited about my work than I do. I can feel their pride. When I tell them I can’t go to a certain place with them because I have clients coming over to the studio, it is the best feeling ever because I see how happy they are to see me working.
My family and friends support me so much that sometimes I can’t even believe it. My parents, I feel get more excited about my work than I do. I can feel their pride. When I tell them I can’t go to a certain place with them because I have clients coming over to the studio, it is the best feeling ever because I see how happy they are to see me working.
What problems did you have to face
to establish an entrepreneurial setup to practice your skills?
Honestly, I did not face any problems. Everyone just supported and encouraged me so much. I was initially worried if people would come to me, a newbie in the field. But that concern went right out of the window as soon as my Facebook inbox started flooding with appointments within a month of my starting the official page.
Honestly, I did not face any problems. Everyone just supported and encouraged me so much. I was initially worried if people would come to me, a newbie in the field. But that concern went right out of the window as soon as my Facebook inbox started flooding with appointments within a month of my starting the official page.
What proper avenues do you think
girls need to learn the craft and become a professional? Are those channels
lacking here?
I really do feel you need proper training to start your business. Take your time to make yourself perfect and then start; education and knowledge in the field will take you so far ahead. That is how we also learn how to tackle different make-up and skin related situations. We lack proper training schools here. The are very few we have here, and they are out-dated in their techniques and need to catch-up with the trends. I would love to see some international make-up training academies open in Pakistan.
I really do feel you need proper training to start your business. Take your time to make yourself perfect and then start; education and knowledge in the field will take you so far ahead. That is how we also learn how to tackle different make-up and skin related situations. We lack proper training schools here. The are very few we have here, and they are out-dated in their techniques and need to catch-up with the trends. I would love to see some international make-up training academies open in Pakistan.
How did you learn? What inspired you
towards the field?
I initially did my basic course from Anam Falak. After that I would just practice and practice and practice. All those nights when I couldn’t sleep, I would just spend hours applying make-up on myself. Whether it was 3 am or 4 am, I would do a full-on heavy, glam make-up with lashes and everything and take pictures so I can learn. I still have every picture in my record. I really hope no one finds those awful initial pictures when I was just learning [Laughs] But the key to success is practicing, it makes perfect.
I just recently took Natasha Khalid’s master class. I had the honour of meeting the make-up and hair gurus, Natasha and Sabrina, they both are truly amazing, humble ladies. Even after being a working make-up artist, I still walked away with a lot of new things that I had learned from them. I loved both of the courses, and I can’t thank my gorgeous teachers enough even for every bit of help.
I initially did my basic course from Anam Falak. After that I would just practice and practice and practice. All those nights when I couldn’t sleep, I would just spend hours applying make-up on myself. Whether it was 3 am or 4 am, I would do a full-on heavy, glam make-up with lashes and everything and take pictures so I can learn. I still have every picture in my record. I really hope no one finds those awful initial pictures when I was just learning [Laughs] But the key to success is practicing, it makes perfect.
I just recently took Natasha Khalid’s master class. I had the honour of meeting the make-up and hair gurus, Natasha and Sabrina, they both are truly amazing, humble ladies. Even after being a working make-up artist, I still walked away with a lot of new things that I had learned from them. I loved both of the courses, and I can’t thank my gorgeous teachers enough even for every bit of help.
What are the perks and perils of
styling clients at the salon as opposed to at home?
I have a home-based studio, and I prefer working from within my house; it is comfortable, it is easy. But that does not mean it does not have a professional environment. The room is off limits to everyone in my house except me. I provide the comfort of home to all my clients without them feeling like they are at a bridal factory; each look is customised for every beautiful face that sits in my chair.
How important is the role of social media in promoting talent? Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?Social media is everything nowadays. It holds a lot of power; it can make or break any business. I get all my clients through social media. I didn’t go for any advertising or any sort of promotions, just word of mouth and social media. Any business can take off easily on Facebook, if your work is good, people will come to you.
I have a home-based studio, and I prefer working from within my house; it is comfortable, it is easy. But that does not mean it does not have a professional environment. The room is off limits to everyone in my house except me. I provide the comfort of home to all my clients without them feeling like they are at a bridal factory; each look is customised for every beautiful face that sits in my chair.
How important is the role of social media in promoting talent? Does it also expose you to a lot of harshness?Social media is everything nowadays. It holds a lot of power; it can make or break any business. I get all my clients through social media. I didn’t go for any advertising or any sort of promotions, just word of mouth and social media. Any business can take off easily on Facebook, if your work is good, people will come to you.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see my name amongst the top make-up artists in Pakistan. I want to see my name in every local and International magazine and InshAllah I will work my butt off to acheive that.
What advice would you like to give to young girls who want to become make-up artist and hair stylists?Get proper education, knowledge and training in the field. Along with skill and talent one still needs education to really excel. Don’t start unless you think you are at least near perfect but don’t practice on clients [Laughs] Because that would give off a very unprofessional vibe. Clients are smart these days, they know who is experienced and who is not. The most important thing, don’t let anyone bring you down. If you love, something, go for it.
You have been holding a lot of
classes for young girls too. What brought on the idea?
I actually started teaching first, and started taking clients later. I always did great make-up on myself and a lot of people would come up to me and ask me to teach them. I would just laugh off the idea until one day, while my university semester was off for the summers, I thought of holding a class and checking out the response. The class got filled in just two days Alhumdulillah, and I have never looked back since.
I actually started teaching first, and started taking clients later. I always did great make-up on myself and a lot of people would come up to me and ask me to teach them. I would just laugh off the idea until one day, while my university semester was off for the summers, I thought of holding a class and checking out the response. The class got filled in just two days Alhumdulillah, and I have never looked back since.
What are the most common mistakes
that you see your students making when they come in first? What are their
strengths?The biggest issue with a lot of girls here is picking the right foundation
shade for themselves. Unfortunately, Pakistan is where we celebrate 'fairness' which leads to people
picking one, two to three shades lighter than their skin tone and then they start looking grey. I always explain it like this, if you mix black and white, what colour would do you get?
I would say my students are eager to learn everything. Even though I only give a two-day master class, they still want to learn so much and it gets me excited to see that.
I would say my students are eager to learn everything. Even though I only give a two-day master class, they still want to learn so much and it gets me excited to see that.
Rapid Fire
Your biggest inspiration?
My beauty queen, my mother, Natasha Khalid and Jaclyn Hill.
My beauty queen, my mother, Natasha Khalid and Jaclyn Hill.
Best fall/winter routine for skin?
Beauty is inside and outside, which means a clean body inside will give you a clean body outside. Drinking lots of water, no matter what season it is, and pure, 100% raw virgin coconut oil. I apply 2-3 drops of the oil everyday to my combination skin, and it does wonders for me; I wake up with the softest and most hydrated skin the next morning.
Beauty is inside and outside, which means a clean body inside will give you a clean body outside. Drinking lots of water, no matter what season it is, and pure, 100% raw virgin coconut oil. I apply 2-3 drops of the oil everyday to my combination skin, and it does wonders for me; I wake up with the softest and most hydrated skin the next morning.
Best fall/winter routine for hair?
Castor oil mixed with mustard oil, Aussie’s miracle moist deep conditioning hair conditioner, Lolane hair conditioning mask
Castor oil mixed with mustard oil, Aussie’s miracle moist deep conditioning hair conditioner, Lolane hair conditioning mask
Someone you would love to work with?
Jaclyn Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Amna Baber, Beyonce, Jennifer Anniston. My list would never end [Laughs] I would really love some sort of collaboration with Natasha for a project.
Jaclyn Hill, Jennifer Lopez, Amna Baber, Beyonce, Jennifer Anniston. My list would never end [Laughs] I would really love some sort of collaboration with Natasha for a project.
Someone you would love to be styled by?
Mario Dedivanovic, Scott Barnes and Samer Khouzami
Mario Dedivanovic, Scott Barnes and Samer Khouzami
Biggest dream?
I have big big plans for myself; I want to create a one-stop place for women. So InshaAllah I want to provide a place where I combine all things I am passionate about - make-up, designing clothes and photography. InshAllah, I’ll have a big building with one floor for my make-up studio, one for a boutique and one for a photography studio. Of course I’ll be needing my awesome and amazing sister’s help for all of this because she is my best friend and I cant do anything without her!
I have big big plans for myself; I want to create a one-stop place for women. So InshaAllah I want to provide a place where I combine all things I am passionate about - make-up, designing clothes and photography. InshAllah, I’ll have a big building with one floor for my make-up studio, one for a boutique and one for a photography studio. Of course I’ll be needing my awesome and amazing sister’s help for all of this because she is my best friend and I cant do anything without her!
Proudest/most memorable moment?
I had this client who came to me for her engagement make-up, all throughout she kept on saying how she loved her look. Then 10 minutes after she left my studio, I got a text from saying that she loved the make-over so much and that I should be free for her wedding. That was so cute!
When I get a call at 1 am from the brides saying how much they, along with everyone else, loved the make-up so much. When my clients are happy with my work, it is the best feeling ever. I really put my heart and soul into my work and it feels amazing when it shows that it has paid off.
I had this client who came to me for her engagement make-up, all throughout she kept on saying how she loved her look. Then 10 minutes after she left my studio, I got a text from saying that she loved the make-over so much and that I should be free for her wedding. That was so cute!
When I get a call at 1 am from the brides saying how much they, along with everyone else, loved the make-up so much. When my clients are happy with my work, it is the best feeling ever. I really put my heart and soul into my work and it feels amazing when it shows that it has paid off.
If you had to choose anything else other
than this?
I am actually pursuing a degree in Fashion designing. I am studying and working at the same time so if I wasn’t doing this, I would be designing.
I am actually pursuing a degree in Fashion designing. I am studying and working at the same time so if I wasn’t doing this, I would be designing.
You wish you could…?
Live in a Sephora outlet and take whatever I want without paying a single dime [Laughs]
Live in a Sephora outlet and take whatever I want without paying a single dime [Laughs]
The best kind of clients are…?
Who sit back and relax and say, 'I trust you, do what you think suits best'.
Who sit back and relax and say, 'I trust you, do what you think suits best'.
The worst kind of clients are…?
Who keep on questioning in the middle of the make-up. All I want to tell them is that it is not finished yet. They should let me complete then if they don’t like or want to add something, tell me. All I ask from them is patience and their trust in me.
Who keep on questioning in the middle of the make-up. All I want to tell them is that it is not finished yet. They should let me complete then if they don’t like or want to add something, tell me. All I ask from them is patience and their trust in me.
You’re happiest when?
When I get the same clients back, and every time a get a new mail waiting for me. I also get at least 2 parcels every month full of make-up [Laughs] Yes I have a problem, my mother is sick of me buying make-up!
When I get the same clients back, and every time a get a new mail waiting for me. I also get at least 2 parcels every month full of make-up [Laughs] Yes I have a problem, my mother is sick of me buying make-up!
Your favourite look to work on?
Smokeys and the no-make-up look. And for people who don’t like too much make-up on themselves or when I want to just look like I rolled out of bed , I love doing a fresh faced minimal make-up.
Smokeys and the no-make-up look. And for people who don’t like too much make-up on themselves or when I want to just look like I rolled out of bed , I love doing a fresh faced minimal make-up.
