Today we’d like to introduce you to Safa Khan
Hi Safa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Safa and I am a student doctor and the owner of Makeup By Safa Allure. I am a Pakistani-American born and raised in Maryville,Tennessee. This is a brand I started in high school after countless friends saw my talent and asked me to do their makeup for dances and graduations. In my small town, there were no freelance artist who could do makeup on any skin shade so I filled that role. Of course with my background in painting, drawing and probably 100 other forms of art, I fell in love with this new form of art using skin as my canvas. There is something about the perfect balance of entrepreneurship, creativity, and my client’s increasing confidence that I absolutely love. (I guess this is also why I love dentistry!) My clients know there is no judgement when sitting in my beauty chair. From shaving unwanted facial hair to adding or concealing a mole, if you’re happy I’m happy! I always give my professional opinion but I like to give my clients the independence of their look and I’ve found they leave and return much happier this way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my challenges when focusing on growing my business is being a full-time student. My life long dream has been to become a dentist. After years and years of patience and discipline, I am currently a second year dental student (yay!) The prayers and discipline are still in motion until graduation. I have the option to put my hobby to the side and “focus on school” as some say. However, I would argue that my passion makes me a better student. I’m a wife, big sister, student doctor, and makeup artist. I have learned throughout the years to have a strict schedule and set healthy boundaries. After moving to Nashville, my business has expanded from a couple clients a semester to multiple bridal parties back to back sometimes. I also began traveling to nearby communities for a diverse range of cultural weddings and also began offering hair and veil (duputta) setting services. Also I have many challenges, seeing people happy keeps me going!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work as a makeup artist is something I do part time for many reasons. I love the creative outlet and social aspect of it. It has been a flexible method of generating income while being in school and having very limited time to work. After I become a dentist, I am very enthusiastic about continuing makeup and making others feel confident whether it’s in my operatory chair or my beauty room. I’m working on expanding on social media in the near future and accepting product promotions. I love sharing my techniques and product choices with my clients and I’m hoping to grow that on a larger scale!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I owe much credit to my mother for supporting my dreams since childhood. I would not have this entrepreneurial mindset without her business minded attitude and her daily comments about “dreaming big.” My cousins and best friend, who are basically extended sisters, have help me every step of the way. My loving dad and my brother listen to me cry about my business mistakes and uplift me to keep going. Lastly, I owe a big thanks to my amazing husband for waking up at 3am to help me carry my equipment in the rain, or driving me hours away for a travel appointment even with his own dental school responsibilities. It was hard to select only a few but there are my big contributors to the success of Makeup By Safa Allure.
Pricing:
- My starting price is $100+ for neutral glams and $200+ for bridal glams! Message me anytime for an updated price!
- Hair starting price $90+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbysafaallure/profilecard/?igsh=MWtqNnl2M2Y5ZnBwZQ==
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/safaallure/profilecard/?igsh=NjczOTRpeXk5anh3
