Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikhat Jharia.
Nikhat, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It was by accident. At the time, I was finishing up my Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology, with aspirations of becoming a Physical Therapist. Makeup became a form of therapy; to be able to take a break from the noise and collect me. A year later, I’m starting my first semester of Graduate School, and my brand continues to provide me with comfort, therapy, and relaxation.
Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth roads aren’t worth traveling on. The journeys with the most excitement, the highest stakes, and greatest satisfaction are the ones that are bumpy and rough. Starting a brand/business comes with a lot of responsibility, especially in a time where it matters to be social media savvy. One has to be talented, experienced, technologically savvy, competitive, and proactive. The biggest hurdle was the starting investment and being able to break even. The hurdle that followed was gaining an audience and clientele that would further my success. I haven’t become successful yet, I don’t know the talk of the trade, I barely know the lingo enough to advice other women. However, I do know that smooth roads aren’t worth the travel. Take a risk, take a chance, lose a little. But do something new, do something so that tomorrow you don’t look back and say “What if I had done this yesterday?’
We’d love to hear more about MUAHbyKat.
I am a Hair and Makeup Artist. I assure that brides, sisters, mothers, guests, and even grooms, of all ethnicities, are ready for their special occasion. Updos, down dos, half-dos, smokey eyes, natural eyes, rosy looks, sultry looks, and even just mild touch-ups, all of it. Photoshoots, Baby and Bridal Showers, Engagements, Civil Ceremonies, Indian 5-day Weddings, and even Proms. If you need a bit of dolling up, I’m your lady!
I have to say though I’ve nailed the technique in approaching various kinds of people for their various kinds of events, I am most proud of my ability to enhance my client. I’ve always maintained my stand on making the client look like a better version of themselves. Although difficult at times, I’m also proud of my ability to understand what the client wants but also recommend what I think would and wouldn’t work for them. Often times you find artists who blindly do what you want, which is great customer service! However, as artists, we forget that our job should be to be artists and account for what we know looks and works great!
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The biggest barrier for women is women. Sometimes, other women are our barrier, and often times we’re our own barrier. First and foremost, we must forget that there is a glass ceiling above us. Force your way through it, do what you know and believe is your purpose. Take the chance, because You Are Enough. You are enough for your own happiness, your own success, your own prosperity. You are enough to break your own glass ceiling and to pursue whatever it is your heart is set on. Finally, girl on girl hate. Women become women’s barrier. We find ourselves so engrossed in raising our independence, and self-efficacy, that we forget that we’re all in this together. One woman is strong. However, all women together are stronger. We should love each other, support each other, and encourage each other so that we may all prosper together. Because we are enough.
Contact Info:
- Email: muahbykat@gmail.com
- Instagram: muahxkat
- Facebook: muahbykat
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
