Today we’d like to introduce you to Safa Tariq
Hi Safa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve never been an “artsy” person. I can’t draw or do any 2D art. On top of that, I have never touched makeup until I was 20 years old. So how did it all begin? Well I guess you can say during the mid 2010s, I got involved in multiple college clubs and organizations, along with getting a new job. One day, while getting ready for my college’s honor society’s (Phi Theta Kappa) initiation ceremony, my mom suggested I wear makeup as it was a big ceremony. I wasn’t opposed to the idea but I didn’t know anything about it. At the time, my younger sister, Yusraa, who was in middle school taking theater class, learned how to apply makeup as part of their curriculum. So she ended up being the one to apply makeup on me so that I was ready for the ceremony. And she did great!
After that day, I felt something… aside from looking business casual for work, there was something missing with putting myself together. So I decided to watch a bunch of Youtube makeup tutorials. And like trying anything new, you can’t just learn it and get it right the first time (well unless you have real good luck) – you gotta put it to the test! So that’s what I did! I played and played with makeup, even set my alarms earlier so I would have time to apply makeup before going into work. Happy to say it has paid off. Makeup, I have found, is a form of art I can do. And I’m not just stopping here! I am wanting to learn how to do hair styles as well, that’s the next step in the artistry journey! For now, having done makeup on brides, bridesmaids, mature skin, and others, it has been nothing less of a pleasure, an experience to bring a new type of beauty and confidence to someone, and mostly to work on another masterpiece!
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?
Eeek! Definitely not! I look back at makeup I’ve done on myself and others back in 2016 or 2017 till now and some of it does make me cringe. Why? Well part of learning makeup is learning about skin types, skin tones, and how color works (does it complement a skin or contrasts it?). One struggle was just learning that you HAVE TO be adaptable to different skin types and tones, it is not “one size fits all.” There was a point where my foundation was looking gray on my face – yes GRAY!! So there’s definitely been some learning along this path with a lot of trials and errors. Another struggle with the business specifically, is having to be your own everything – your own accountant, marketer, CEO, janitor, social media manager, artist, and the list goes on. It takes a lot of time and it is something I am striving to keep up with. I know how impactful Tiktoks and reels can be, so I have to jump onto the trends as well and stay on top of my game. If you don’t, you’re losing time, money, and clients. Being a small business owner is definitely not easy but it is something I am willing to take a chance on.. because if not now, then when?
As you know, we’re big fans of PurelyMakeupArtistry. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
PurelyMakeupArtistry was named after me – not in a selfish way, but because my name, Safa, in Arabic, means purity/clarity. I wanted to use that in the name of my business as a way to show people the true clear artwork of makeup that I am able to create.
I am known for doing makeup on brides, bridesmaids (of all cultures), party makeup including prom, prom, graduation, etc, soft glams, photo shoots, etc and I believe on specialty is that on specifically South Asian brides, I am able to set the jewelry as well as the dupatta, or scarf. I am also able to do jewelry and hijab setting on Muslim clients that wear the hijab. When you book with me, you are giving me the chance to provide top notch customer service as well as an opportunity to create a beautiful art work. In addition what makes me special is I am able to provide clients with some accessories they may need. I once had a client that needed allergy medication and I was able to have that on hand while she could get some rest and I would work on her. If anyone understands “Life happens” and needs to have some flexibility, it is me. I get it!
My business is currently makeup only however, I do intend to expand with skin and hair in the next year. I am looking forward to it! Lastly, not only is my content just makeup on my clients, I also have teaching moments where I post “lessons” about certain makeup related products or techniques on my page. That is something unique that I haven’t seen in other artists. I plan to also host a makeup class in the next year!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Great question! I love to plan, so any type of planner will do! In terms of podcasts, the Ansari Podcast is great and thought provoking. Also Sabr Media LLC is a great and fantastic resource for media production. Some of my favorite books are the Quran, The Power of Habit, With the Heart In Mind, and The Kite Runner.
Pricing:
- Non bridal makeup $70
- Bridal by consultation only
- Travel fee starts at $50
Contact Info:
- Website: purelymua@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purelymakeupartistry/?__d=11
Image Credits
2 pictures taken by a photographer but cannot find the name of the photographer. I can contact them via my friends
