We were lucky to catch up with Aisha Suramayeva recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

It’s been 4 years since I started doing makeup professionally. Before that, since childhood, I had a passion for art and design, I drew a lot of paintings, nature, cartoons, etc. By the time I turned 14, I was in school in Kazakhstan, and usually after 9th grade, you can go to college to get a secondary education. I knew I was good at drawing, and I wanted to study something close to design, art, and fashion. It took me a long time to decide on a profession, and my parents suggested that I study finance and accounting, because financial education is always useful. That’s how I spent 3 years of my life studying accounting in college and 3 years at university. In 2021, when I was studying at the university, I also took a professional makeup course. It was one of the best investments of my life, which was not easy for me to pay for, and then I put together a good set of cosmetics, which is not cheap. This was especially the case after the pandemic. I am a student, I do not have a permanent job, but I helped other students with their homework, research papers, diplomas, and I invested all the money I earned in cosmetics.

Really, looking back, I feel very grateful to myself for starting it then, and now little by little I see the results of my hard work. Especially moving to New York helped me a lot to continue doing what I love, this big city continues to provide me with incredible opportunities for professional growth as a makeup artist.
I still work as an accountant for a real estate company in Brooklyn, which was a good reason to move to New York. I also like my job, and I have pleasant colleagues, but the creative side of my soul wants to do something fun, creative, bright and get full pleasure from it. There is a good phrase: “Do what you love, and you won’t have to work 365 days a year” is all about makeup and fashion in my life.

My contract with company ends soon, and after that I plan to work as a freelance fashion makeup artist. My partners and I are now owners of the International Beauty and Fashion Association, a non-profit company, and next year we plan to hold fashion shows not only in US and to move in Milan, London, Paris, and Japan.

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.

I’m a Accountant, Award-Winning Makeup Artist, Co-Founder of International Beauty & Fashion Association, and Lead Beauty Expert at Fashion Week Projects. And my dynamic career that has flourished since 2021, when I graduated from makeup school in Kazakhstan. What began as a hobby while studying at university soon evolved into a full-time profession, as I discovered my deep love for the art of makeup. After working in beauty salons, I transitioned into freelance work, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience, participating as a makeup artist for filming music clips, advertisings for local popular singers, companies and concerts.

I specialize in all types of makeup: editorial, bridal, fashion, creative, photoshoot, etc. and I do my offline makeup courses individually and for a group of students.

My journey took a major leap forward when I moved to New York, where I joined the International Beauty & Fashion Association in January 2025, further solidifying my expertise. My passion for makeup and fashion grew exponentially, and by July 2024, I joined Anelya Alim Makeup School in New York. My talents was caught the attention of industry leaders, leading her to assist at a high-profile Fashion Show in the Hamptons Fashion Week in July. By September 2024, I was leading the beauty team at Digital Fashion Week and Times Square Fashion Week as Lead Makeup Artist, working with renowned designers like Diana Mahrach and Malan Breton during New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

I had also opportunity to work with Japanese cosmetic brand Shiseido in October 2024, where we did a creative photoshoot for magazine of Brooklyn Beauty Fashion Labo. It was a honor for me working with them and first time having my work published in the magazine cover.

My exceptional work and dedication also extended to assisting celebrities with everyday makeup and hair services during NYFW. This hard work was recognized when I was awarded for my role as Director of Makeup at the Orlando International Fashion Week.
My journey has come full circle—from assisting others to now teaching my own makeup courses. Today, I’m passionate about mentoring and guiding aspiring makeup artists and beauty professionals, helping them realize their potential and achieve success in the beauty industry. For me, there is no greater reward than empowering others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in the world of beauty.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem is such an important task, and by my point of view there are some ways that society can do this. A strong creative ecosystem isn’t just about the artists themselves; it’s about creating a culture that values creativity, innovation, and the diverse expressions that come from it.

First of all,
Accessible Arts/Makeup/Hair Education: Providing affordable, high-quality education in the beauty at all levels—from primary school through to higher education—is crucial. It shouldn’t just be focused on traditional art – beauty forms but include digital, multimedia, and experimental practices as well. Everyone should have the opportunity to explore creativity in different forms.

Next, I think if there will be more Workshops & Mentorship Programs, offering free or low-cost workshops and mentoring programs gives aspiring creatives access to practical skills, feedback, and networking opportunities that might not otherwise be available to them. That’s what we do for our members of IBFA and for disadvantaged persons. You can also join us where we do workshops about makeup and fashion weeks every second Saturdays in Park Slope.

Providing Cultural Hubs and Creative Spaces – Providing physical spaces where creatives can come together—like artist residencies, community art centers, co-working spaces, and galleries—helps foster collaboration, innovation, and access to resources. These spaces can also be a place for creatives to share ideas, get feedback, and build relationships. Usually it cost’s little bit expensive to rent a spot in the city, even we had a hard time finding it even as a non-profit company. But now we have a good partners where we are planning to do all of our events, meet ups, networking meetings, etc.

Join our International Beauty & Fashion Association Corp. which focuses on supporting makeup artists, hair stylists, estheticians, models, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative community from all over the world. In our community everyone will be seen, heard and understood, doesn’t matter are you beginner or professional, there is always spot for everyone. We provide opportunities to work on fashion weeks, private events, red carpets, art exhibitions, championships, The Makeup Show, work with brands, to do collaborations and even do retreat sessions.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, as a creative entity, the most valuable aspect of being an artist or a creative person is the ability to express and explore the inner world, as well as shed light on new perspectives and inspire others. Creativity is not just a way to convey one’s feelings and thoughts, but also to transform the surrounding world, see it in a new light, and share this visualization with others.

Makeup for me is more than just a job—it’s a creative journey that allows me to express myself and connect with others in a meaningful way. The way I describe the process—how I can immerse myself in the creative flow, whether it’s a 30-minute makeup session or an extended 2-hour experience—shows how much I enjoy the art of transformation. It’s incredible how the act of creating something beautiful can be so relaxing and fulfilling.

The most powerful moment, seems to be when my clients or models see their reflection for the first time. The way their eyes light up, the “WOW” moment—they become part of mine creative process, and I’m able to witness firsthand how my work boosts their confidence and self-love. That emotional connection, where my artistry brings out their natural beauty and enhances how they feel about themselves, is such a rewarding part of the experience.

It’s clear that makeup is more than just about the final result for me —it’s about the entire process, the transformation, and the joy you bring to others. Helping women see themselves in a new, more radiant light, and fostering that self-love, is truly special. The passion for my work really shines through!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://internationalbeautyfashionassociation.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suramayevva?igsh=eWd2OWx0b3N6cmxi
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/aishacreatez?igsh=djd4ZGNnaDExYWlt

Image Credits

@beasilvaphoto Beatriz Silva
@annna.cher
@lika.shakur Enlik Daukenova
@sergiil Sergii Lakhno