Today we’d like to introduce you to Amina Muaref
Hi Amina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello my name is Amina! I began my journey in the world of beauty 13 years ago. I signed up at Mario Tricocci University in 2011 for their cosmetology program which I completed at a high academic level. With a passion for art, it was only right id go into the world of all things beauty. I began to practice makeup on myself and friends for fun and also worked a few fashion shows for free in order to get as much practice as possible before officially putting a price on my craft. In the midst of me unleashing my inner creative , I had my second child which put things on a hold for me, and I felt being a stay at home mom/wife was best for my children. I continued this for a few years until began to work from home in a basement. I slowly began to create a name for myself and was in and out of the Beauty world for over 8 years. It wasn’t until 2019 when the father of my children passed that I took to makeup to save me. Makeup was my only hope at that time, it was all I knew. At that time The world perceived makeup as a hobby , not something sustainable for a single mother. Thats when the fear of failing began to dawn on me as a single mother of 2 with no credit, little to no savings, and nothing to my name, so I decided to go back to collage for my nursing degree. By 2020 I was a full time student, worked two jobs and was a full time mother. My two choices were always … fight or flight. Of course, I chose to fight through it. MY hard work paid off towards the end off 2020, when I was able to save enough money to purchase my first home under my name, bought my first car, and also had the blessing of having my children well taken care of and in a private school. My job took off after covid and I had to make a very tough decision. I had to choose between school and makeup. At that point it was a no brainer as makeup was not only my passion but my main stream of income at the time. I finished my associates degree and also a real estate course but was fully committed to my makeup career by the end of 2021. Fast forward to 2024 I have become a successful award winning master makeup artist in 2024, an influencer, makeup instructor , and I have worked on influencers, YouTubers, Baseball, Football player wives, celebrities and many fashion shows.
Alright, 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?
The passing of my children’s father left me in a dark place. A place only I knew of , as I always tried to fake a smile for my children. My kids and I had a full 180 change… new home, new school, new job etc. Unfortunately at the time my savings weren’t enough to begin a life on my own with my kids, which led me back to parents house. As anyone can imagine, that was a feeling of failure but also the fuel that pushed me to work harder every day.
Being a creative, artist and visionary is sometimes not enough in this industry. At the time I only had 600 followers in an industry oversaturated by other makeup artist. I knocked on Many doors and had many doors shut in my face until I focused on allowing the world to get to know me through the social media world. I began to create more content while also promoting my work. I began to collaborate with other artists until my account slowly began to grow. I also met my best friend who is also a phenomenal Makeup artist through this industry. We began a Makeup masterclass where we taught all of our tips, tricks and secrets to other woman. Our main goal was always to not only teach makeup but to teach woman how to support each other , teach each other, and help each other as I never had that!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Makeup/Hair artist specializing in luxury Bridal makeup. I Have also won an award for Master Makeup artist of the year 2024. I am most known for my Bridal work and our makeup masterclass called the TRIBE. I have traveled all over the country but have been traveling more often to the Florida state and cities like Miami and specifically Tampa. I am most proud of the name I have established for myself as a makeup artist, never allowing my number of followers or name change who I am. I am also proud of the unity I have created with another well known Chicago makeup artist who could have been my competition but instead we united forces and began a movement through our master classes to teach woman that alone you can go far but together you can go further! My past will always set me apart from others because it will forever be what keeps me humble, knowing I could have it all today and loose it all and more tomorrow.
What’s next?
I am looking forward to meet the new version of me within the next upcoming years. I would love to one day see my name on a product displayed in beauty stores. I am also looking forward to all of the new business ventures to come aside from just doing hair and makeup. I have built my foundation and it is now time to take risk… risks I can’t say just yet ;] stay tuned!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
capturedbytatsu on IG
Shabanstudio
sincerely_summar
