Conversations with Maria Ahmed

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Ahmed

Maria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Maria, and Mesmerized by Maria is the culmination of a dream I’ve held close to my heart for years. For 7-8 years, I had the privilege of freelancing with family and friends, bringing my love for makeup to those around me. They always encouraged me to take the leap and turn my passion into a profession, but life had other plans. It wasn’t until I met my husband in 2021 that everything changed.

One day, as I was helping a friend get ready for a special date right in front of him, he saw how deeply I care about making people feel beautiful. He could see the passion in my eyes and immediately knew that this was something I needed to do professionally. He promised me that he would help make my dream a reality. His support was beyond words, but the moment that truly melted my heart came after our wedding.

On our first night as a married couple, he surprised me with a breathtaking makeup studio, more beautiful than I had ever imagined, with “Mesmerized by Maria” glowing in big pink letters. He chose the name because he said he was completely mesmerized by me when we first met, and it felt like the perfect name for my business. From that moment on, I knew without a doubt that this was my path.

Every day, the thrill of creating looks and seeing my clients light up with confidence is what drives me. The feeling of making someone look and feel beautiful is priceless, and I cherish being a part of that experience. My husband’s belief in me, and the joy I see in my clients’ faces, keeps me inspired and passionate about what I do.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road ever since starting. My journey has been both rewarding and challenging. Building a client base from scratch was a significant hurdle, despite my years of experience with family and friends. Managing the business side, from scheduling to marketing, has been overwhelming at times, and the unpredictability of freelance work adds its own set of challenges.

Keeping up with industry trends requires constant learning and adaptation. A highlight of my journey has been witnessing the growth of the South Asian makeup artist community. This community is thriving, offering exceptional services often at competitive rates. Their professionalism and skill reflect their dedication, proving that high-quality makeup artistry doesn’t always come with a high price tag.

Despite these challenges, the joy of seeing my clients feel beautiful and confident makes it all worthwhile. Each obstacle has been a valuable lesson, contributing to my growth and success in the industry.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a freelance makeup artist, I specialize in creating stunning, personalized looks for a variety of occasions, from everyday beauty to special events like weddings and photoshoots. I’m known for my ability to enhance natural beauty while ensuring each client feels confident and radiant.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to make people feel truly beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. I take the time to understand each client’s unique style and preferences, which allows me to create looks that are not only flattering but also reflective of their personality.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending artistry with personal connection. I strive to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience, ensuring that every client feels heard and valued. Additionally, my background in both traditional and contemporary makeup techniques allows me to offer a versatile range of styles, from classic elegance to modern glam.

I’m also proud of my ability to stay updated with the latest trends and techniques, which helps me bring fresh, innovative ideas to each makeup session. I’m proud of the fact that I have clients who tell me they love how they can see the art in my makeup however they admire how the person in my chair does not become unrecognizable. Ultimately, my goal is to make every client feel exceptional and leave with a smile, knowing they look and feel their absolute best.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Absolutely! I want nothing but growth for my business. The beauty industry is growing rapidly in this day and age and I only want to grow with it. I would love to grow beyond the South Asian community as well, though I love my South Asian girlies and will always remain loyal to them. I’d love to show ladies beyond that community that they can trust my work as well.

I also most definitely see myself teaching 1 on 1 classes as well as instructing a large class. I feel I’d be able to understand what the students are seeking to learn and I would be able to thoroughly teach them. Eventually, I would like to own a salon that includes makeup, hair, skin, microblading. You name it! It is only up from here!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mesmerizedbymaria_/