Latest news with #semiPermanentMakeup
Entrepreneur
23-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
From Beauty to Business: The Rise of Self-Made Beauty Entrepreneur Ashley Aquilina
You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. In a world saturated with trends and influencers, few stories stand out like that of Ashley Aquilina, a British beautician who turned her passion into a thriving beauty business. From a £4 -an-hour job at a spa in her hometown of Manchester, to launching a mobile beauty business in her local area, Aquilina's career trajectory changed when her mother helped her find a lucrative niche. "When I was 23, I had my brows tattooed for the first time, and my mum advised I should learn how to do this. Semi-permanent makeup (SPMU) wasn't big at the time, but I followed my instinct—and it's been the best decision I've made," she says. Before long, her mobile beauty business evolved into a specialist business focused on semi-permanent makeup, servicing clients in Manchester and Dubai. "Four years ago, I expanded by launching my own academy and online SPMU product shop." Looking back at the early days, Aquilina says that the biggest challenge was financial. "Working in salons paid poorly, and being self-employed was risky, especially without consistent client flow," she explains. "There was also the pressure of educating clients about treatments that weren't yet mainstream, like SPMU back then. But I believed in the quality of my work and stayed persistent." Today, Aquilina specializes in beauty treatments for eyebrows (microblading, ombre brows, and combination brows) and lips (lip blush). "Currently, I have a small but dedicated team that helps manage the academy, product orders, and client bookings. I work closely with my staff to ensure the business still feels personal and high quality—something I've always valued," she explains. Ashley Aquilina Academy was borne out of her desire to help aspiring beauty professionals build a lucrative career. In a blog post on her website, Aquilina lays out the full cost breakdown with complete transparency- investing between £1,200 and £4,000 in microblading training can lead to a monthly income of £5,000 to £32,500. "After years of perfecting my craft, I realized there were so many aspiring artists who lacked guidance and proper education," she explains. "I created my academy to empower others—to teach them not just the technique, but the business side of beauty too. My courses are designed for beginners as well as professionals looking to upskill." Ashley Aquilina, founder of Ashley Aquilina Academy. On her main learnings from this part of her business, Aquilina says, "I've learned that teaching is an art in itself. People learn differently, and it's so important to provide not just information, but mentorship and confidence-building. It's also taught me how fulfilling it is to watch others succeed from something I helped them achieve." Her curiosity and ambition eventually brought her to Dubai, a place she had long considered "full of opportunity, especially in beauty." She explains, "I noticed that SPMU was in demand here, and the entrepreneurial culture really aligned with my mindset. I knew I had something valuable to offer, and I wanted to grow beyond the UK." However, entering the the Dubai beauty market was no easy feat. "The biggest challenge was adapting to a new market with different regulations, consumer behaviors, and even cultural expectations," Aquilina explains. "It took time to understand the licensing and legal requirements to operate professionally. I overcame these challenges by researching thoroughly, networking with other professionals in the region, and staying adaptable." When it comes to style and consumer expectations, the markets of the UK and the UAE have its differences, Aquilina says. "The UAE market is more trend-driven and fast-paced. Clients expect a very high level of service and are willing to invest in luxury treatments. In the UK, clients are sometimes more reserved in their approach, and trends can take a bit longer to catch on. However, both markets value quality, trust, and professionalism—which I always aim to deliver." Her future plans include expanding her training courses further internationally, introducing more advanced education options, and growing her online store. "I'm also exploring brand collaborations and product development, especially in the SPMU space." Aquilina is equally passionate about both artistry and entrepreneurship which might be the secret to her success. "I'm passionate about the creative side—brows, lips, pigments—but I also love the business side. I schedule time for both. I treat my artistry like a craft I constantly refine, while also focusing on growing the academy, brand, and online store," she concludes.
Vogue Arabia
14-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vogue Arabia
Effortless, Elevated, and Here to Stay: Yara Alnamlah's Newest Beauty Move
There's a new kind of beauty revolution happening in Saudi Arabia, one that favours subtle enhancement, long-lasting results, and thoughtful self-care. At the forefront is beauty entrepreneur Yara Alnamlah, the force behind Treat, a spa concept that blends luxury with intention. Her latest addition? Semi-permanent makeup, a service that promises to simplify daily routines while preserving that polished, naturally elevated look Saudi women are known for. 'We introduced semi-permanent makeup at Treat as a natural extension of our commitment to enhancing our clients' beauty while saving them time and effort,' Alnamlah explains. 'It aligns perfectly with our philosophy of effortless elegance and long-lasting results.' In a culture where beauty holds deep significance, the demand for treatments that offer both convenience and refinement is growing. 'Saudi women have an incredible eye for detail and a deep appreciation for looking well-groomed,' Alnamlah says. 'This service allows them to feel confident and camera-ready without needing to reapply throughout the day.' This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Alnamlah is a personal fan of the technique herself. 'It's such a subtle way to enhance your features, just enough to feel polished but still very much yourself. It gives you that extra confidence with minimal effort.' As beauty trends in the Kingdom evolve, she notes a shift in focus, 'There's a clear move toward natural beauty, skincare-first treatments, and services that deliver real, lasting results. Women are more discerning. They want treatments that reflect their individuality and fit their lifestyle.' So what makes Treat stand out in this growing landscape? According to Alnamlah, it's all about a bespoke experience. 'We're obsessive about hygiene, precision, and client satisfaction. Our artists are expertly trained, we use top-tier pigments and tools, and every client starts with a personalised consultation. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach.' Before committing to the service, Alnamlah encourages clients to be informed. 'Skin type and lifestyle can impact results, so we make sure expectations are clear. The consultation covers everything, from the healing process to aftercare, to ensure they feel comfortable and supported.' The ideal client? 'Anyone who wants to cut down on their beauty routine without sacrificing how they look,' she says. 'It's especially beneficial for working professionals, mums, or anyone with sparse brows or uneven lip tone.' And the results are impressively low-maintenance: 'They usually last 12 to 18 months, with minimal downtime, maybe a little redness or peeling, but most clients are back to their normal activities right away.' This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Ultimately, Alnamlah believes the art lies in restraint. 'We never want the work to overpower the face. It's about harmony, enhancing features in a way that feels balanced and true to each person's natural structure.' For those still on the fence, she offers a reassuring note: 'It's normal to feel nervous. That's why we start with a full consultation, share before-and-afters, and answer every question. It's about empowering you to make a confident, informed decision.' With services like these, Treat isn't just offering a treatment, it's offering time, confidence, and a new kind of beauty ritual. One that feels less like a trend and more like a thoughtful evolution. Booh here:
