We recently connected with Aiym Assimkanova and have shared our conversation below.

Aiym, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my opinion, success is only achievable if you’re willing to take risks that others aren’t. If success were easy, everyone would be successful! True success requires courage. Taking a risk means that even when something is scary and there’s no guarantee of winning, you still go for it.
For me, the biggest risk was moving alone to a new country at the age of 22, without knowing English and without any family or friends. That was the most significant risk I’ve taken so far. Since then, I’ve faced many other risks, and I’m sure there will be more. I’m excited for what’s to come!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! My name is Aiyma. I’m a Makeup Artist & Hairstylist, Beauty Blogger, and the founder of Aimakeup Beauty Academy! Originally from Kazakhstan, I moved to New York nearly six years ago.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with celebrities, participating in Fashion Week shows, collaborating with pageants like Miss New York and Miss NJ, and partnering with world-renowned brands such as Nike, Armani, and NY&Co. I’ve also worked with various beauty brands, brides, and students, teaching Makeup Artist Courses and self-makeup classes, while creating beauty content and more. In 2023, I opened my first studio in Manhattan, and I recently launched a larger studio in Long Island City. I’m truly passionate about beauty and everything related to it! Additionally, I have my own lash brand, Aimakeup Luxury Lashes.
People often feel inspired by my story—how I came here alone and achieved so much in a short time. Personally, I feel there’s still a lot more to achieve, and I’m steadily working toward those goals. Achieving all this has required discipline and dedication. I’m extremely goal-oriented; when I set my sights on something, I go after it relentlessly, no matter what it takes.
For now, I’m managing everything on my own, without family here or a partner to lend support. My greatest motivation is my family, and I strive every day to make them proud.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The funny thing is, when I started my business, I had no clue about business. I graduated as a geologist and never thought I would be an entrepreneur one day! Before opening my business, I was working as a freelance makeup artist. But when I saw how much makeup artists could make with their own team and staff, I thought, “I want my own beauty business.” So, my first investment was paying an accountant to set up a corporation for my business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first started, I had no clients and was working as a bartender/server at a restaurant. I knew that if I quit my job, I’d have more time to create content and look for clients. So, I took the leap—without any guarantee for tomorrow or even a single client booked. I risked everything, including possibly ending up homeless in another country, alone and without a job. It was scary—haha! But I believed in my passion, in God, and in myself.

And it worked! Since the day I quit, I haven’t worked anywhere else but in my makeup artistry career. Today, I have many clients who love me, as well as my wonderful students.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.aimakeupbeauty.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aimakeupnyc/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aimakeupbeauty?si=VSJmnVeXKHNwTBkl

Image Credits

Aiym Assimkanova