Latest news with #ABAM
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Hyderabad's bridal industry empowering young women, turning them into entrepreneurs
Sania Tabassum Hyderabad's wedding culture, steeped in Nizami grandeur, has fuelled a booming bridal industry, helping transform young Muslim women into entrepreneurs. From intricate henna designs to bespoke makeup, young artistes are redefining financial freedom in a multi-crore market driven by personalised services. Nineteen-year-old Saara, daughter of a motor mechanic, grew up in financial hardship. Her mother's tailoring business waned as readymade bridal wear surged, pushing her to contribute to the family earning after Class 10. She honed her henna and makeup skills under the mentorship of a skilled bridal artiste, Fathima. Now charging ₹3,000 per henna session, with clients covering travel, Ms. Saara's success quelled her father's initial concerns about late-night events. Her story reflects a broader movement among Hyderabad's young Muslim women, turning bridal services into a path to independence. Woman-centric industry In Hyderabad's Old City, from Charminar to Yakutpura, young women from modest backgrounds are reshaping tradition. The bridal industry, once parlour-bound, now thrives on creativity and independence. The bridal industry offers a safe, women-only space, free from male-dominated workplaces. Clients often arrange transport, easing logistical challenges. Social media has revolutionized access, allowing artistes like Ms. Saara to compete with high-end studios. Brides like Meherunisa say that she discovered talent online, drawn to Ms. Saara's ability to deliver precise looks inspired by celebrities like Alia Bhatt's minimal henna design or Anushka Sharma's pastel lehenga. This digital shift has democratized the industry, enabling artistes to serve diverse budgets while fostering a vibrant community of shared techniques and global trends. High-end artistes like Aliya Baig, founder of Aliya Baig Makeovers and Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup (ABAM), ranked among Asia's top three, mentor aspiring artists. 'At ABAM, we transform women into confident entrepreneurs,' Ms. Baig says. Her academy guides students from their first brushstroke to building portfolios and securing clients. Many graduates become freelancers, studio owners, or educators. Similarly, Meena Mehendi, a pioneer with eight years of experience, teaches at MS Degree College, training hundreds annually. 'I started for money, but now I uplift my community's girls,' Ms. Meena shares. Her students view henna as a lucrative career. Educational and government support Colleges like Andhra Mahila Sabha College offer makeup and beauty courses for ₹15,000, enrolling over 200 girls annually, 80% of them Muslim. Director Laxmi Cakancharla notes: 'They learn fast, earning quickly.' Government initiatives bolster this growth. The Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana by SIDBI provides up to ₹10 lakh loans with flexible repayment, enabling artistes to invest in quality products. Telangana's women-focused programs, like the Telangana State Rural Livelihoods Mission, offer grants and skills training, empowering rural women to enter the industry. Challenges amid growth Despite its vibrancy, there are challenges like when clients undervalue services, offering as little as ₹1,500 for premium work requiring costly products and travel. Safa Khan, mentions late payment . 'Clients call us 'parlour walis', but this is art,' she says. Social biases and the need to constantly learn trends pose a challenge. Yet, the women-only field breaks barriers, offering a lifeline to those once pushed toward early marriage. Social media amplifies these artistes' reach, earning them awards like social media icon honours and empowerment recognitions at local events. These platforms spotlight their creativity, inspiring more Muslim girls to build online presences and pursue bold dreams. Workshops by mentors like Ms. Fathima further empower girls, teaching them to wield brushes as tools of change. As Hyderabad's weddings dazzle with Nizami splendor, artists like Saara, Safa, and Meena craft legacies of beauty and empowerment, proving every design is a step toward a bolder tomorrow. (The writer is intern at The Hindu, Hyderabad)
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Yong-chin Breslin brings Hollywood makeup magic to Hyderabad
There was a quiet buzz of anticipation in the air as students gathered at Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup (ABAM) in Banjara Hills for a masterclass like no other. After all, it's not every day that you get to watch a renowned Hollywood SFX, cinema, and prosthetics makeup artist at work — especially someone like Yong-chin Breslin, who has been appointed as the senior faculty member in Special Effects (SFX), Cinema, and Prosthetics Makeup at ABAM. The celebrity makeup artist speaks to CE about the experience, her inspiration, and more. Flying down to Hyderabad for the first time, Yong-chin brought her world-class expertise, her easygoing charm, and a treasure trove of knowledge straight from the sets of international films. 'It was a really exciting opportunity to come to Hyderabad — I'd never been to India before. I knew Aliya Baig, and my good friend James Mac Inerney had done this course too, so I was really excited for the three-day masterclass. It's quite a rare opportunity to have the creative freedom to create the makeup you want and inspire others, so it was truly a great experience,' she shared, her eyes lighting up. Inside the studio, she got to work, turning a fresh-faced young model into a frail 80-year-old woman by using the intricate magic of prosthetics. Over the course of two to three hours, every wrinkle, every droop of the skin was meticulously sculpted. The transformation was nothing short of spellbinding — a true testament to the art of makeup and how makeup and prosthetics can make you feel like you are in the middle of an amazing film shoot. When asked about her inspiration for the look, Yong-chin explained, 'This makeup is a step away from my norm — it's inspired by the horror trilogy X, Pearl, and MaXXXine , where Mia Goth transforms into an old, scary woman. The look reflects a character who's aged badly and horrifies others, playing on people's insecurities about ageing and forcing them to confront it. So yes, this is my take on that.' Of course, creating such complex prosthetic illusions isn't without its hurdles. Timing, she admits, is the biggest challenge. 'Timing is always a challenge with prosthetic makeup — it's like solving a jigsaw puzzle with different materials and pieces. Things can go wrong, but knowing how to fix and tweak them comes with confidence and experience,' she noted with a knowing smile. Despite her packed schedule, Yong-chin was eager to explore Hyderabad beyond the studio walls. 'I haven't seen anything yet besides the studio. I can't wait to explore everything,' she said, laughing. For someone whose professional kit must be packed with a dizzying array of tools, Yong-chin's personal essentials are refreshingly simple. 'Eyeliner, a contour stick, and lip balm. Can't have crusty lips!' she quipped, her sense of humour as sharp as her artistry. When asked which celebrity she'd love to work on, her answer came without hesitation: 'Lady Gaga. I think she is bold and fearless, and working on a project with her would be something completely new.' Her brief thoughts on India's makeup industry left a lasting impression. 'It's heavy, yes,' she mused, referencing the grand, opulent style typically associated with Indian bridal makeup. 'People showed me images from Indian movies I hadn't seen before. I love how it's bold, over the top, and truly extravagant,' Yong-chin said. Although she has no plans to dive into the Indian industry right now, her admiration for its artistry was genuine. RAPID FIRE: 1. First makeup product you ever bought. Lipstick. 2. Favorite SFX material to work with. Pros-Aide. 3. One makeup trend you wish that made a comeback. 90s contour. 4. Your go-to snack during long shoots. Crisps. 5. Most challenging character you've transformed. The one at the masterclass! 6. Favorite city for inspiration. London. 7. Most memorable moment on Glow Up (a reality competition). My first week challenge and the first look I created was my favourite on the show — I absolutely loved it and it received a really great response. 8. Describe your style in one word. Over the top.
Hans India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Hollywood makeup artist Yong-Chin Breslin joins ABAM
The Aliya Baig Academy of Makeup (ABAM) has made a landmark move by appointing internationally renowned Hollywood makeup artist Yong-Chin Breslin as Senior Faculty Member in Special Effects (SFX), Cinema, and Prosthetics Makeup. The announcement was made during a grand masterclass held at ABAM's Banjara Hills campus, drawing widespread attention from media and industry enthusiasts alike. During the masterclass, Breslin demonstrated her world-class skills in prosthetic makeup by dramatically transforming a 20-year-old model into a convincing 70-year-old character, showcasing the fusion of art and technology that defines modern special effects makeup. Speaking on the occasion, Aliya Baig, Founder of ABAM, expressed her excitement over the appointment. 'With the addition of Ms. Breslin, alongside our existing international faculty such as James Mac and Beryl Bernard, we are committed to offering our students unparalleled exposure to global standards and cutting-edge techniques in makeup artistry,' Baig said. She further emphasized ABAM's mission to nurture talent and set new benchmarks in the education sector for beauty and makeup. Breslin, known for winning Season 4 of Netflix's acclaimed reality competition Glow Up in 2022, brings a wealth of international experience to ABAM. Expressing her enthusiasm, Breslin stated, 'I am thrilled to join the ABAM family and share my passion for special effects and prosthetic makeup. It's an incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of artists and push the boundaries of what makeup can achieve as a transformative art form.' The collaboration with Breslin aligns with ABAM's ongoing efforts to create a world-class learning environment. As one of only three academies in Asia affiliated with the prestigious International Makeup Association (IMA), ABAM continues to pioneer new standards in beauty education, offering students access to state-of-the-art facilities and a globally recognized curriculum. Highlighting the significance of the appointment, Aliya Baig noted, 'This partnership reflects our commitment to keeping pace with global trends and preparing our students to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. With the cinema makeup industry booming in South India and poised for unprecedented growth, training under experts like Ms. Breslin will give our students a crucial competitive advantage.' With this exciting new addition to its faculty, ABAM reinforces its position as a leader in professional makeup education, poised to shape the future of the beauty and cinematic makeup industry in India and beyond.
