May 8, 2017

Meet Shazia Ahmad of Makeupbyshazia and SHAZ Cosmetics

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shazia Ahmad.

Shazia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My obsession with makeup began in my early teens when I spent a lot of time making up my mom and sister. Creativity has always been a strong force and my love for painting and art translated quite easily to the art of makeup. I have more than 15 years of professional experience. I trained at the prestigious CMU College of Makeup Art & Design in Toronto. I received additional training via MAC professional programs and continue to train under leading makeup artists to stay ahead of the trends. I do wedding makeup for brides, bridesmaids, prom makeup, magazine shoots, fashion shows and glam/party makeup. I have recently launched my own cosmetics line at www.shazcosmetics.com and I am super excited about these amazing products. I launched in Dec 2016 and the response has been overwhelming! Right now we have 16 different lip stain shades that are long-lasting, matte and non-drying lipsticks. The eyeliners are waterproof and are the perfect black with easy application (like a pen). The 7 shades of sparkle dust are a perfect blend between an eye shadow and a glitter that can be applied on the eyes or on the face as a highlighter. The focus for the makeup line is high quality, long lasting makeup.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
By the grace of God, I hardly advertised my makeup services when I first started because most of the business was through word of mouth or when people saw my work at weddings or magazines (social media was not around in 2001 when I started). So not many challenges with being a makeup artist. The cosmetics part of the business is a little challenging since it’s an online store and people don’t get to try the products on before buying, but having said that business is good and people are loving their products. I’m slowly expanding the cosmetics side of the business as local salons have started carrying SHAZ cosmetics.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Makeupbyshazia and SHAZ cosmetics – what should we know?
I specialize in wedding makeup and party makeup. I have a wide range of clients from all different backgrounds. The thing that sets me apart is that Pakistani and Indian wedding also want me to drape the veils and I am able to not only provide makeup, but do the bridal dressing as well. I am also able to not only do the brides makeup, but usually get the whole wedding party glammed up!

I’m proud of the fact that many years ago, I envisioned having my own cosmetics line and through hard work and perseverance I was able to achieve my goals and dreams. One of my fav quotes is “through hard work, perseverance and faith in God, you can live your dreams”

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
YES! I couldn’t have done this alone! My biggest support was from my parents who always had faith in me and gave me the confidence that I could achieve anything that my heart desired.

Many friends helped me in launching my cosmetics line, from helping me with the legalities in getting my trademark, website, professional photography, designing of the SHAZ logo, going on business trips with me for moral support and helping me to market. I’m blessed with the best of friends and family.

My sister, Fozia and nieces, Fariha and Rumaisa are my biggest cheerleaders who also assisted me in coming up with names for my products!

(The friends who helped me with SHAZ cosmetics are Celina, Maria, Nadia, and Zia.)

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