Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah Amirah.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us how you got started?
“I live and breathe all things beauty” My love for beauty began watching my mother change lives as a master stylist and salon owner. Even as a child, I couldn’t deny the spirit of empowerment that flowed once she enhanced the beauty of her clientele. So I embarked on my journey as soon as I reached my adolescence. My home training in beauty led me to apply for jobs in cosmetics. Bare Minerals and MAC cosmetics gave me the fundamentals necessary to succeed in this industry. Working in cosmetic retail was rigorous, but I began to establish financial stability for my son and me. I was 19 years old and a single parent. As much as I loved transforming clients through makeup artistry, I craved the ability to help them in a way that gave more permanency. I received my Esthetician’s license in 2011 from The Skin Institute. With my experience and license in tow, I realized that I could go into business for myself. I started my beauty and wellness business, “The Vanity Movement.” Outside of servicing my Vanity Dolls and Gents, I aspire for each client to leave their session with me as a better version of themselves. I’m excited to expand my business into more community involvement by teaching the skill of makeup artistry to aid financial stability and preparing youth to present well for job readiness opportunities.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Service-based entrepreneurship is very taxing because stability looks a lot different. No regular paycheck, benefits, sick days, or vacation packages exist. The world isn’t even set up to agree with how we organize our economics. I had no financial backing or capital at the inception of the business. It’s all in, and that leaves little room for error. The plethora of knowledge I’ve learned throughout my journey was priceless. I’m so grateful for every misstep, hiccup, mistake, and closed door that came my way. It made me stronger and more resilient for the long haul.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a published Makeup Artist/Esthetician specializing in headshot, commercial, and branding makeup artistry.
I’m most proud of the collaborations I’ve experienced with like-minded creatives. I’m set apart by my creativity and eagerness to learn no matter how far I go.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Yes. I love watching sermons, praying, and fellowshipping in powerful conversations with my family and friends. I thoroughly enjoy documentaries of all genres. Learning new things fuels me. I also enjoy writing. Shameless plug, I’m also a published author under the pseudonym Mahogani Reign. Writing has been a cerebral and relieving outlet for me. I’m most inspired when my brain is stimulated.
Contact Info:
- Website: thevanitymovement.com
- Instagram: The.vanity.movement
Image Credits
Suzy Gorman Antonio Harris
