Today we’d like to introduce you to Maha Khan.
Maha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I actually started years ago before blogging and Instagram became such widely used platforms. I was juggling a full-time job and a full-time course schedule at my University so eventually my blogging kind of fizzled out as it was hard to keep up with. People don’t always realize it requires for you to commit a lot of your time and you need to be seriously dedicated. Now that I’m at a more stable place in my life with more of a routine, I felt that this was the best time to start it up again. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved all things fashion and makeup. My mom and I would always watch the E! Red Carpet shows and admire all of the beautiful dresses.
My love for makeup began when I would watch my two family friends do their makeup with their arsenal of MAC makeup! They had the prettiest pigments and fun eye shadow colors. I was so intrigued that they eventually started dolling me up for fun and I would try to have my mom recreate the looks for parties, just at the age of 12! I was so picky that I would make my mom re-apply it several times that eventually, through frustration from a nagging 12-year-old, she told me to practice on my own so I can learn to do it exactly how I want… and that’s where it all started!
I grew up in Long Island, NY, finished high school & college in Houston, Texas, and now am living in San Francisco with my husband. Being able to basically be tri-coastal has had such a huge influence on how I dress, with inspiration from all three cities!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’d be lying if I said putting yourself out there for other people is easy. I still struggle with it at times because that’s just human nature. I’m not one to be a completely open-book but I think in a way, it is therapeutic and pushes you to see a new side of yourself when you do cross your own boundaries and put yourself out there for other people to see and get to know. I still have a long journey to go with building my blog and having my content to be exactly where I want to be, but its a journey I’m excited for.
The best advice I can give to other women starting out on their journey is to ignore that doubtful voice in your head- we all have it at some point or another. As long as you’re true to yourself and doing what makes you happy, that’s all that matters. People will constantly have opinions no matter how well you’re doing so its best to ignore it.
We’d love to hear more about Mix & MAK.
The most important thing for me is having fun with my clothes and being unique. I love to stand-out from the crowd but in a way that is still modern. I love taking a trendy piece to the next level by wearing it in a way other people may not think of- like the latest trend of organza blouses! I actually purchased an organza coat that I’ve been waiting to shoot in and plan to elevate the look even more with this fun pearl headband I came across on Amazon! I love mixing prints and different pieces that most women have in their closet, but pairing it in a way to give it that extra oomph!
I also want to use this platform to share my voice and my journey. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies- life happens and we are faced with all these obstacles to overcome. I’ve had scalp psoriasis for years but in the past two years, it has spread to my face, causing it to be difficult to apply my makeup. I would research all over Google to find solutions aside from medications because sometimes medicine alone is not enough. To my surprise, the Internet didn’t offer much for products and skincare tips so I started experimenting on my own to see what works and what does it. I plan to continue to share my tips to help other women dealing with psoriasis and even educate people in general who are not familiar with the condition.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
We live in an era now where the world is literally at your fingertips. Around 10 years ago, it was very cut-and-dry what you could do as your career but now the opportunities are endless. I think for a young woman its important to keep this in mind and truly follow your dreams. Life is too short to be working in a career where you’re miserable. I understand many people have to financially rely on a 9-5 job; my situation is no different. If that is the case for you too, then I suggest having a side hustle where you can demonstrate the skills you’re passionate about. You could be a blogger, do freelance makeup, become a freelance photographer, write for digital magazines – wherever your interests may take you! Another quick word of advice I can give that I’m trying to live by is to not say no to things- whether its a new opportunity, a trip with a friend, or even as simple as a lunch with a friend. Interactions give you experience and you never know where the next opportunity make take you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mixnmak.com
- Email: mixnmak@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mixnmak
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