Today we’d like to introduce you to Samiya Hossain.
Samiya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started when I would wear a teal eyeliner back in high school and I started to get more creative with my makeup in high school. Then, as soon as college was nearly over for me I started posting my makeup looks on Instagram to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone. Then, for fun, I would post photos of my models that I have done makeup on. In January 2016, a classmate from college wanted me to do her makeup for her wedding day. I was really nervous about doing it because I rarely practiced doing makeup on people, let alone even working as a freelance makeup artist. And from then on, it became history! I spent almost $1000 on my makeup kit and took online makeup and hairstyling classes (DressYourFace Live and the Art of Hairstyling by Anaak). I use my freelancing business as a way to network more in the Dallas community and I have met awesome people along the way!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has its ups and downs. As I was building my portfolio, I had bad experiences with a few photographers and creative directors. They would treat me and the models terribly. And, of course, being a South Asian girl pursuing a non-prestigious career is tough because my and was against it at first. I was with someone who didn’t even support my entrepreneurial dreams because he said it was too risky and that I should just stick with a stable 9-5 job. My advice to the young women out there working towards their dreams, please don’t let anyone talk you down on giving up on your dreams. If they love you unconditionally, they will eventually come around! Also, if you are building your portfolio, do research on the other creatives’ (MUAs, photographers, creative directors, models, etc.) work. Also, ask your fellow creative friends who have worked with that person before so you can know about their reputation. You can’t trust everybody in this industry. And finally, don’t stop believing in yourself!
Please tell us about GLAMiya Makeup and Hair Artistry of Dallas.
I sometimes freelance as a makeup and hair artist. I specialize in bridal makeup and hair. Most of the people recognize my work on South Asian brides because I love doing Bollywood looks on my brides! My signature look on my brides is the glitter cut crease with a bold or nude lip. I think I’m most proud of my work when I have a lot of diversity in my clientele. Meeting my clients from different backgrounds helps me learn more about their culture and traditions. It’s such a beautiful thing to experience! In the meantime, I work for Clarins at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas as a Business Manager!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
It’s okay to fail a few times as long as you learn from your mistakes. Don’t ever fall into despair and always have faith in yourself. Things will get better. Cut off toxic people from your life because they will hold you back from everything. Follow people that are working in the career that you are trying to get. And most of all, don’t ever settle!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-392-2913
- Email: glamiya93@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/glamiya_
- Facebook: facebook.com/glamiya
- Twitter: twitter.com/GlamiyaHossain
Image Credit:
Robin Hood Photography Facebook page: Robin Hood Photography, Instagram: @robinhoodphotoofficial
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