Today we’d like to introduce you to Asma Khan.
Asma, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I always had a knack for creativity and art which I expressed through painting, doing crafts, and joining several art clubs at school. While I wasn’t the most talented artist, I loved the unlimited possibilities art posed for me. As a teen, I found a different medium to express myself, and that was makeup. My two older sisters are what had the most influence on my interest in makeup. At one point, I actually thought makeup was a waste of time and money, but watching them apply it and create such amazing looks made me want to learn too! I would practice simple techniques like eyeliner application or blending out contour, while occasionally watching Youtube videos to see what new products were out there! When I was 16, my sister asked me if I wanted to accompany her at the 2014 DressYourFace Chicago masterclass which was hosted by a famous makeup artist Tamanna Roashan, After attending that class, I absorbed so much knowledge which helped me refine the skills which I already gained through self-practice. Soon after, I became more bold with the looks I would do on myself, and people started noticing.
My friends would ask me to do their makeup for weddings or birthdays, and I would take that opportunity to practice on new faces and gain more experience. They would showcase my makeup at their events which led to other people inquiring about whether I would do their makeup as well, and from there Asma Z Artistry was born! At first, I was too shy to create a makeup page because I didn’t feel confident enough in my work, but after being pushed by my friends and sisters, Asma Z Artistry was born! I glammed up my first clients in 2015, and now three years later my kit and my techniques are much more unique to my business and style. I never thought that learning how to control a paintbrush in my middle school days would help me develop the skills for the business I happily run today.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to achieving goals is expected to be rocky, and to be honest whatever obstacles I faced only helped me in the long run. I ran into difficulties when I had to figure out how to finance my kit because I wanted my clients to have a high-quality experience with long-lasting and comfortable products. I took up a small part-time job to help me save up and slowly build my kit as I gained more clients. Aside from that aspect, I struggled with finding the confidence to showcase my work online and try new things on other people. I am always very picky with what type of content I post on my page, which makes me more meticulous when working with my clients as I want them to look perfect in person and in pictures. After having a page for some time, I realized that I wanted to attract clients who actually like my work which made me care less about the number of followers, likes, and comments I get per post. My photography teacher in high school always told us that whatever work we create we must own with our utmost confidence, even if it isn’t our best. This advice has always stuck with me and reassures me that as long as I am putting in the best effort in my art, I am doing enough.
To the young women who want to start their creative journey, don’t let the opinions of others stop you from putting yourself out there. Own your work, and be proud of what you have accomplished. It is when we step outside of our comfort zone, that we see the most progress.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Asma Z Artistry story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a free-lance makeup artist in the Chicago Suburbs. I mainly specialize in party and bridal makeup, and am willing to travel around the suburbs to my clients if needed! While most of my client’s request looks for Pakistani or Indian wedding events, I do makeup for any event. It is a privilege to be chosen to do someone’s makeup so I always try to have pleasant interactions with all my clients to supplement the joyous mood associated with the event they’re getting ready for! I take pride in actually listening to my client’s requests and problem areas. I love focusing on a client’s best features and helping them to enhance their look while still feeling like themselves! My favorite part of the overall look is creating unique eye makeup looks which I think sets me apart from other makeup artists. Each eye is like a canvas for me which I can use to complement their outfit and look. I take pride in doing my best work on every client and making sure they are satisfied with their finished look.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Reaching your goal is a process, sometimes long, sometimes rocky, but always worthwhile. Stay true to your morals and have confidence in who you are and what you are capable of. Do not be intimidated by others because there will always be people who are better than you in any field. Learning never stops, so do not expect it to and always take any opportunity you can to enhance the skills and knowledge which you already possess!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 630-397-1054
- Email: asmazartistry@gmail.com
- Instagram: @asmazartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asmazartistry/
Image Credit:
Asma Khan
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