Kashmir Magazine By : Kashmir Magazine | Srinagar, Publish Date: Saturday, May 14, 2022 10:41:52 PM | Updated Date : Saturday, May 14, 2022 10:41:52 PM
From stereotypes to resenting opposition by parents, 21-year-old Azrah Nazir has come a long way to become Kashmir’s one of the youngest certified and professional makeup and Mehandi artists.
Azrah, who hails from Soitang locality in the outskirts of Srinagar, is a self-taught artist though for certification and recognition has done certificate courses both in makeup and Mehandi from New Delhi.
“I am a self-taught makeup artist and I have also learnt Mehandi art as well, but it was all by myself, however, when you are supposed to work in the field you need certification as preference is given to certificates and degrees. So, I had to do a certificate course as well in both these fields,” said Azrah.
She said that she has done certificate courses in both the fields from New Delhi in 2019 and 2020 respectively, even though she has learnt the art on her own in 2018.
Azrah has done her schooling from a government school, and she comes from a humble family background, which has at times forced her to fight stereotypes and even sometimes resent opposition by parents to choose this field.
“Earlier, my parents would not support me to choose this field as I come from a humble family background, but with the passage of time and seeing my passion for makeup art, they too started supporting me. I also started earning a handsome amount of money through my work,” she said.
She said that her friends and cousins also supported and encouraged her in this endeavour. “I am a self-taught makeup artist and I also do Mehandi art as well. Since I was very much interested in this field, I started it early by myself and there was a time when I did not even own a cell phone. I would learn through YouTube on my sister’s phone,” she said.
She said that after doing a certificate course from New Delhi in 2019 and 2020, she created an Instagram page, where she posted photos of her work with some models from Kashmir.
“As soon as I started posting photos on Instagram, I started getting bookings and I also started earning a handsome amount of money. Earlier, I would get makeup kits and other things required for my work out of my own pocket,” Azrah said.
Azrah has done her graduation from Women's College MA Road Srinagar and currently she is focusing on her art as she wants to continue with this as her profession and earn her living from this.
“I have completed my graduation and as of now I am not thinking about continuing my studies further, but I will have to do that. But at the same time, I am going to continue with this art as my profession and earn a living for myself and do something for my parents as well,” she said.
What is unique about Azrah is that she offers free bridal makeup to orphan girls and offers makeup at a reasonable discount to those who cannot afford higher makeup charges.
“I am offering free bridal makeup to orphan girls, and I also provide a reasonable discount to those girls who cannot afford higher charges. This year was very productive for me as I got a lot of bookings this year and I hope this will continue in future as well,” she said.
Azrah said that it is really heartening to see people recognise and appreciate your work. “From day one when I started this profession, I have been getting a lot of appreciation and encouragement not only from my family members and friends but also from my clients,” she said.
She said that she charges around 10K for HD and bridal makeup and as she already said, she offers free bridal makeup to orphan girls and for those who cannot afford these charges, she offers a reasonable discount.
“Through my profession I also want to do something for the society, and I want to help the poor and destitute through my work. Providing free makeup to orphan girls in one such step towards that direction,” she said.
Azrah, who is second last among her four siblings (all sisters), wants girls to be independent and earn a name for themselves through their talent and ability.
She said that if one has to achieve something in his or her life, he or she must stay away from negative thoughts and negative people and from those who demotivate you. “Such people will not encourage you for anything, but you will have to defeat them by your success,” she said.
She also said that like other arts, makeup is also an art and people should not think otherwise of it and should not look down on those who choose this as their profession.
In today's age of social media and to have maximum reach in showcasing your work and talent, Azrah, like other professionals, has created an Instagram page, which goes by the name "azrahmakeovers".