In no time at all Hifsa Khan Studio became one of the leading makeup artists in Lahore. Hifsa Khan started on a small scale but through her continued hard work and unparalleled talent for makeup has managed to out rank even the established makeup artists in the city. Hifsa Khan’s makeup style is soft, subtle and dewy. She doesn’t believe in over doing it. The best part about Hifsa Khan salon is that they don’t impose rather improvise makeup and hair according to your skin type or preferences but there is one thing for sure. You end up looking better than how you imagined yourself to look like. That’s the magic of Hifsa Khan. Here is an exclusive interview with the talented and passionate entrepreneur Hifsa Khan.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MAKEUP ARTIST AND HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN THE INDUSTRY? 

With a Master’s degree in Economics from the Government College and further relevant studies, I worked for the Emirates Bank and excelled as a banker as well as a trainer. Life and work were great in the five or six years that I gave to this fast paced Industry.

The transformation happened when I got married and started a family. The sabbatical that I took for taking care of my baby gave me a chance to breathe and find my true calling. I had always loved makeup and after my own wedding makeup experience I realized that the bridal services industry definitely required to give more in terms of time, love and care being offered to the brides, and that void became my cue.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SIGNATURE LOOK AND WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR STYLE THAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER MAKEUP ARTISTS?

I am principally in the business of making a bride’s wedding day the most memorable and celebrated event of her life and for me, to bring that about is a great responsibility which doesn’t just start on the day of the event but much before that.

We recommend our brides to make a booking with us a couple of months before the wedding day. The signature brides are then given a demonstration based on thorough discussions about their skin tone, preferred color palettes, jewelry, style of clothes and hairdos. My staff and I also mentor them about skin regimes and ways to improve their general well-being so that they look perfect for their wedding day.

We also understand that the run up to the wedding involves many stressful moments and heightened emotions so when the bride walks into the salon on the day of the event, we make sure that she is provided with a space to relax and enjoy the process of getting ready for the best day of her life.

Nothing lights us up like a satisfied bride who glows with happiness and confidence as she exits our salon.

I have seen you very active on TV morning shows, giving talks at colleges, etc. It definitely motivates young girls to become makeup and hair artists. Why is it still a taboo for girls from good families to become a beautician?

Days are gone when people were stereotype about salon business and to become a beautician was a night mare for the good families. Now all the known makeup artists belong to very reputed families.

I am the biggest example of this as I belong to a family background where many doctors, lawyers, businessmen were working at the peak of their careers when I chose this profession in spite of being successful in my banking profession.

The important thing is that whatever you do should be done after professional training and with a sense of perfection.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MAKE UP FOR EVER BRAND? And does it matter to buy expensive makeup?

Yes, it definitely matters; there is a reason why some brands are more expensive than the other brands like Channel, Nars, Guerlian, Laura Mercier. Huda is more pigmented and higher in resolution than most economical brands in the market.

What do you say to the concept of makeup artists not wanting to teach makeup to other aspiring girls who want to come into this field?

I always believe in sharing your skills with the others who come to this field and are vigilant to excel in this profession.

I am proud to say that over the years, where I have invested in personal trainings abroad, I have also been able to establish a staff base second to none in the salon services industry and this is obviously through trainings. To make my team a reflection of Hifsa Khan, I need to share my skills and tips with them and so do I on frequent basis.

My staff members from different departments such as hair, skin, beauty and makeup are periodically trained on the job by local and international training experts such as hair-cutters/ stylists, colorists and skin experts.

To share my tips with others, we do offer self-grooming and makeup classes every year at Hifsa Khan Salon & Studio.

The general progression seen is that famous makeup artists want to create their own line of makeup. Do you have any plans to go into this direction?

It’s like a dream come true for every makeup guru when she finds her imaginary colors in the palettes on her table but unfortunately that’s not a child’s play to find these desired colors even from many international brands.

Like I myself get my makeup items assembled in customized lots from international manufacturers. And sometimes it becomes very hectic so it’s far easier to convert your imagined colors into your own products and launch it as retail too.

In this contour obsessed age, in which we are living currently, creating your own line of makeup is the trendiest drift.

How do you train your staff and maintain hygiene standards?

I am proud to say that over the years, where I have invested in personal trainings abroad, I have also been able to establish a staff base second to none in the salon services industry.

My staff members from different departments such as hair, skin, beauty and makeup are periodically trained on the job by local and international training experts such as hair-cutters/ stylists, colorists and skin experts.

Any closing remarks?

Be Passionate and perfectionist for all you want to do in your life. Always try to be the best for everything you do as there is no place of average people in this era of tough competition.

My work philosophy has always revolved around customer satisfaction, which is why it has never been about crunching numbers for me. At Hifsa Khan Salon, we promise to treat each and every client that walks in with time, love, care and exemplary service.  And this is what I would advise all.