Today we’d like to introduce you to Madiha Naqvi.
Madiha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story began with a piece of advice given to me by my mom. She always told me to find what I am most passionate about in life and be the best at it. Somehow my mom thought this meant for me to be a great accountant because she freaked out when I told her I would leave the accounting field to pursue a career as a makeup artist. Her advice motivated me to make one of the hardest decisions in my life, by leaving the many years of education I had accumulated in accounting. The thing I realized one day was that for most of my life my real passion was makeup. I also realized that accounting was something that my parents just expected or was part of a cultural norm. However, when I told my parents about my decision they and my family all were very supportive. Because they knew I loved makeup in a way that was not normal. I would have to tell my sisters to hold my purse or convince me not to purchase something anytime we went to a makeup store. I loved it in a way where I felt at awe seeing someone with full-on foundation blended naturally with eye shades and lipstick complimenting each together in the most perfect harmony. Makeup was like music, where a person’s creativity combined together with the right touch, could create something very amazing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
After completing my accounting degree, I realized that I needed to follow my passion. Therefore, I took a huge risk and decided to get trained as a makeup artist professionally. I researched and found the best makeup schools in Pakistan and spent a few years learning everything I could as a makeup artist and hairstylist. After six months, I started my own business. In the first couple of months, I thought what did I do? I spent all the money I saved up to purchase a small car and to get trained as a professional makeup artist. After training, I was looking for work and went to many salons. Around six months afterwards, I realized that I did not want to be bound by time, schedule, and most importantly creative restrictions. I decided to be self-employed and run my own business as a freelance makeup artist. In Pakistan, a female driver is not normal, let alone a traveling makeup artist. It was hard because I would be breaking norms that may have even been looked down upon. But if life was easy no one would know the meaning of success. Months went by and I wasn’t getting any work. I advertised to my friends and family on Facebook. I started to put up pictures of work I had done and suddenly I got my first gig.
Throughout my career, I paid attention to the needs of my clients and we together worked to make their special occasion memorable. I had an established business for five years in Pakistan. And after five years of hard work, I had another life-changing moment when I had to move to Chicago. I thought changing my career was the toughest decision in my life but leaving my country, my entire family, and my established business was even harder. In Chicago, I had faced a lot of challenges. It took me some time and a lot of effort to understand the trends and the working styles here. I felt like giving up many times thinking that I gave up everything that I had established only to start from scratch in a brand new country. However, my husband told me many times not to worry. He said that I had quality work and an exceptional style and that someone with this only needs good marketing. In addition, I believe strongly in working hard and putting in all my effort because one day this will truly lead to success. And I really appreciate that people have started recognizing my work and are now starting to know who I am.
Madi’s – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a professionally trained and certified makeup artist and hairstylist. I’m not only specialized in Indian and Pakistani bridal makeup, but also on people of different ethnicity. I try to work on features of the client and try to focus on making them look like themselves. I do not believe in imposing my opinions on my clients, because they should feel confident in what they are wearing on their face. We discuss in detail about the looks that we are going for and mutually decide the kind of makeup and hair styling that is best for the occasion. I am located in Evanston, IL. However, I travel to clients and venues. I believe in having strong work ethics and working professionally.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success cannot be measured in terms of money, its basically turning the dreams into reality. Success is when people remember you for doing something exclusively for them and recommend you to other people because they have faith in you.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 773 780 4126
- Email: madi_naqvi@hotmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_by_madis/
- Facebook: madi’s
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