"A deep interest in make-up and strong confidence on thy helped me to start my very own make-up company – Kaviya Artistry," says a 23-year-old successful entrepreneur Kaviya Ramakrishnan from Chennai.

This enthusiast holds a degree in Journalism and currently pursuing her MBA. Above all, she is the founder of a make-up company, Kaviya Artistry in Chennai. Sulekha interviewed this young talent in which she talks about make-up for Indian brides, common make-up myths, what it takes to run a make-up company amidst tight competition, common mistakes in make-over and more.

Q: Tell us about your company.

A: Right from my childhood days, make-up fascinated me. I always took an interest in learning about it and never got tired of experimenting it. Gradually, this passion for make-up made me take this as a career and start a bridal make-up company. For this, I did professional courses and learnt the art of bridal make-up. When I decided to start my company, I had no clue if I could succeed in this try. But, my self-confidence and hard work are what brought me to this place. I started Kaviya Artistry in August month, and with this month, I am completing my 25th bridal make-up project, which is a significant success for a four-month-old company. For now, I take care of bridal make-up, and my hairstylist is Renuga Devi. She helps me most of the times.

Further, I am getting a good number of orders and lots and lots of support.

Q: How competitive is the make-up services field?

A: I would say, make-over field, on the whole, is a highly competitive field. Unlike before, people are more aware of a make-over, and they are also clear about what they want. The competition is more because the clients have got more chances. Though word of mouth is the best way to build our business, an active social media profile is what helps you grow your business. In that way, I created my social media network and developed a good bunch of contacts. It helped me to shout out about my business, and it got a good reach.

Q: What is the challenging part of your business?

A: Currently, the complete bridal service is taken care by me. I get orders across south India. Though most of my clients belong to Chennai, I have also travelled to places like Karaikudi, Vellore, Tirupati, Coimbatore, etc. for my bridal job. I cannot depend on public transportation as I may have to drop in the location in odd hours and apart from that I will have to carry my products’ bags. So, I drive my vehicle. Usually, for a Hindu wedding, the Muhurtham timing is in the early morning. I make sure to be present at the Mandapam by 2.30 am. It will change according to the Muhurtham schedule. So, after being awake all night, I will sleep by 9.30 am and wake up by 3.30 pm to set my bride for the reception. It is the usual routine. So, to travel, to skip sleep and lunch is the challenging part for now.

Q: What are the broad make-up categories?

A: There are two major make-up types. One is HD Make-up where the finish is to the point, and another one is Air Brush Make-Up. The latter helps in blocking your pores, smoothening your skin by layering over the acnes and blackheads and more. The brides are now mostly preferring the air-brush make up style. It perfectly suits all Indian brides.

Q: What are Indian wedding types?

A: As we all know, the three major types of weddings include Hindu, Muslim and Christian marriage. Of all what remains common is the make-over part. For all kinds of wedding, the foundation process is the same. It is applied according to the bride’s skin tone. The eye-shadow and contour are what brings a significant difference. However, the Hindu wedding the brides wear either normal saree, or the red cotton saree (Koora Pudavai), or the Brahmin style saree (Madisaar style) – for all these there will be a change in tone according to the vibe of the bride’s wear.

Q: When it comes to make-up, do you customize your style according to your clients?

A: Of course, yes. Before I start my make-up process, I will hear my customer’s expectation. I will let them explain what look they exactly want. Since people are a lot more aware of the make-up styles, they are clear on what they want, and I will customize it accordingly. Because, more than make-up, the happiness from within is what makes a bride look bright. So, I totally work for my client’s satisfaction.

Other than this, I do bridal photoshoots where I showcase my make-up talent.

Q: What are the common mistakes done by a make-up artist?

A: I am learning and working for the betterment of my talent. However, I think make-up is all about texture and blending. The common mistake I found is some make-up artists do not care to blend the colours well. For example, if they use multiple colours in eye-shadow, the artists just abruptly skip from one colour to another. Blending is what brings out the beauty.

Q: What is the common myth among people about make-up?

A: For ages, the widespread myth is that make-up doesn’t suit dusky skin people. In fact, they are the make-up artists’ delight. Also, people always go for bright colours like dark red, dark pink, etc. It’s nothing wrong, but you should also consider whether it suits the background, the costume, your skin tone, etc.

Apart from this, the one-sentence every single bride says to me is, ‘I want the make-up, but people shouldn’t feel like I’m wearing make-up.’ Why is it? Why can’t you go confidence in your make-up? It is all about how you carry it.

Q: What is one secret way you follow to get a natural glow?

A: I always follow my mom’s advice when it comes to taking care of my skin. Besides, facials and make-overs, the natural brightness is obtained when you use turmeric to your face.

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