We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anzal Khan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anzal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up in an immigrant household, my parents carried the weight of dreams far bigger than themselves. They left behind their home, their comfort, and everything familiar to give me and my siblings a better chance—better education, better opportunities, and ultimately, a better life. Like many immigrant parents, they envisioned a future for me in medicine or healthcare, fields they saw as stable and respected. But even as they guided me toward that path, they never stifled the spark they saw in me—the little girl who lit up at makeup counters and could spend hours perfecting an eyeliner flick.

What they did right wasn’t just in the sacrifices they made, but in the balance they gave me. They encouraged me to pursue a strong education because they believed knowledge was something no one could ever take away from me. But they never dismissed my passion for makeup and creativity either. They let me be a girly-girl, let me explore my artistic side, and never made me feel like my love for beauty was less important than my academic pursuits.

One story that comes to mind is when I first started taking makeup seriously—not just as a hobby but as something I wanted to build a future around. My parents could have brushed it off as a phase or as something frivolous, but they didn’t. Instead, they quietly supported me, showing up in the little ways that mattered—like asking me how a client appointment went, complimenting my work, or simply reminding me to take care of myself after long days balancing both my 9-5 and my makeup gigs.

Today, at 26, I hold a master’s in Healthcare Administration, bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, and a full-time role as a Medical Staff Coordinator. But I’m also living out my dream as a makeup artist, building my brand, and connecting with people through my artistry. I didn’t have to let go of my dreams, nor did I have to let go of theirs—and that’s because they taught me that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.

Everything I am today is a reflection of their sacrifices, their wisdom, and their love. I owe them not just my success, but the courage to chase my dreams while honoring theirs. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

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 am a makeup artist driven by a deep passion for beauty and creativity, a love that began in childhood and has grown into a meaningful career. My journey started with curiosity and admiration—watching my mom get ready, observing makeup artists at local beauty counters, and eventually teaching myself through countless tutorials and hands-on practice with family members. Over time, I gained professional experience working at Ulta and Sephora, where I not only refined my technical skills but also learned the importance of building trust and meaningful connections with clients. In 2023, I decided to take a leap and officially launched my makeup services, sharing my work on social media and building my presence in the St. Louis community.

I specialize in two key areas: *the no-makeup makeup look* and *Pakistani/Desi bridal artistry*. The no-makeup makeup style focuses on enhancing natural beauty, creating a radiant, flawless finish that feels fresh and effortless. It’s all about subtlety, balance, and celebrating what makes each face unique. On the other hand, Pakistani/Desi bridal makeup holds a special place in my heart. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and modern elegance, where every detail—from perfectly blended eyeshadows to the precise choice of lip shades—comes together to create a timeless look that honors culture while feeling current.

Makeup, for me, isn’t just about applying products; it’s about solving a problem many clients face—feeling confident and comfortable in their own skin. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or someone preparing for a special occasion, I approach every client with care, patience, and attention to detail, ensuring their vision comes to life. My goal is not just to make someone look good but to make them *feel* good—empowered, confident, and radiant from within.

When it comes to products, I’m intentional about the brands I use to ensure quality, performance, and a flawless finish. I prioritize working with *ethically safe brands* such as *NARS*, *Huda Beauty*, and ABH*. These brands not only deliver exceptional results but also align with my values by focusing on cruelty-free practices, ethical sourcing, and responsible manufacturing. It’s important to me that my clients not only love their final look but also feel good about the products being used on their skin.

What sets me apart is my dedication to creating a personalized experience for every client. I invest time in understanding their preferences, their comfort levels, and their unique features. My approach is collaborative—I want every client to feel heard and involved in the process. Beyond the artistry, it’s the trust my clients place in me that I value most.

Balancing my makeup career with my role in healthcare has been one of my biggest challenges, but it’s also one of my greatest achievements. It’s taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of staying grounded in my passion, even on the busiest days. I’m proud of the space I’ve carved out for myself in the beauty industry while continuing to excel in my professional healthcare career.

At the end of the day, what I’m most proud of is the balance I have created, relationships I’ve built with my clients, and the confidence they leave my chair with. Every face I work on is a new canvas, a new story, and a new opportunity to make someone feel their best. For me, makeup is more than just a skill or a service—it’s a way to connect, uplift, and celebrate beauty in all its forms.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success follows a single, linear path. Growing up, success was often defined by traditional milestones—earning advanced degrees, securing a stable career, and following a clear-cut trajectory. While I’m incredibly proud of my academic achievements and my full-time role in healthcare, I had to unlearn the belief, shaped by societal norms, that pursuing my passion for makeup was somehow less valid or less meaningful than my professional career.

My parents, on the other hand, always instilled in me the importance of staying true to myself, holding firm to my beliefs, and carrying my culture and religion with pride. They raised me to respect others while never compromising on my own values. The self-doubt I experienced didn’t stem from their guidance but rather from external expectations—the subtle societal pressures that suggested certain career paths held more prestige or worth than others.

For a long time, I felt like I had to compartmentalize my two worlds—healthcare and makeup—as if one was serious and respectable, while the other was just a hobby. But the truth is, both are extensions of who I am, and both require discipline, creativity, and dedication. Unlearning this mindset didn’t happen overnight. It took moments of self-doubt, long hours balancing both careers, and, ultimately, realizing that success isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Today, I’ve redefined success on my own terms. I see my healthcare career as a foundation of discipline and resilience, while my makeup artistry allows me to express my creativity, connect with people, and make them feel their best. Both paths complement each other, and neither takes away from the value of the other. It’s a lesson that has shaped not only my career but also how I approach challenges, balance priorities, and honor every part of who I am.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection I get to build with people and the confidence I’m able to help them discover within themselves. Makeup, to me, goes far beyond blending colors or perfecting techniques—it’s about understanding someone’s vision, their insecurities, their personality, and then bringing that all together to create a look that makes them feel truly seen and celebrated. Whether it’s a bride on her wedding day, someone preparing for an important event, or even a client who simply wants to treat themselves, being trusted with those intimate moments is an incredible honor.

There’s something so special about watching a client see themselves in the mirror after their makeup is done—the way their face lights up, the way they stand a little taller, and the way they carry themselves with newfound confidence. It’s not just about the physical transformation; it’s about how they *feel* in that moment. Knowing I played a small part in making someone feel beautiful, confident, and empowered is a feeling that never gets old. It’s what keeps me inspired, motivated, and deeply grateful for the work I get to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: book.squareup.com/appointments/5nj7nty0u05rct/location/LYRC2G0P6D7DG/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapanzalkhan/profilecard/?igsh=aHhkMHR6aXU1YzNj