We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marian Hagi Hassan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marian below.

Hi Marian, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with your education. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

I’d like to start by saying that I have a passion for the arts and social behavioral sciences. My major is in political science and criminal defense.

My creative side is reflected in my work as a makeup artist. Specifically, I use cosmetics to express and process any negative emotions I’m feeling. For example, I am the owner of a cosmetic line called Marian’s Beauty Boutique. The inspiration behind this brand stems from the intersection of mental health and makeup. I founded this business to elevate both the self-care routine and the attitude toward self-care. I’ve been fortunate to be recognized in SD Voyager magazine and awarded “Best Makeup Artist of the Year” two years in a row. My work ranges from runway and fashion shows to celebrity clients from MTV, and I’ve been featured by local news stations such as KUSI and CBS. Through my brand, I’ve helped build a community focused on mental health awareness.

What I’ve been able to achieve is twofold: raising awareness and assisting people in their self-care routines, which also helps in addressing mental health. My creativity helps me solve problems by starting with a clean canvas and clear mind—journaling to address negative thought patterns, understanding my trauma responses, and then giving myself grace. I use these same skills in the classroom to keep going and make a positive difference. This mindset, over time, becomes a beautiful set of tones and textures that brighten the aura of my life. I’ve learned to embrace my past, recognizing that it doesn’t make me weak. Despite the many adversities I face, I remain stronger and wiser with each brushstroke and lesson.

Freelancing also provides me with an income on weekends, and I truly love every part of it. I get to meet people from all over the world, and each client leaves my chair happy with the results. Makeup artistry has not only helped me financially, but it also saved my mental health and my life. Without art, I wouldn’t have had an outlet for what I was feeling. I love making people feel beautiful and bringing awareness to mental health. It’s a reminder to always be kind and gentle because you never know what someone is battling—like mental health.

Marian, we love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask more questions, could you take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who may have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Marian Hagi Hassan. I first fell in love with cosmetics when I watched my mother apply her kohl for the first time (also known as Galena Eye Gel, an ancient Egyptian eyeliner). She would even use it to fill in her brows. I admired the self-care rituals passed down through my family. All the women in my family have such distinctive features, and I have always loved working with different skin tones and complexions.

When I was about fourteen, I remember attending henna parties with my relatives and getting ready for cultural Somali weddings. That’s when I became more curious about cosmetics. On my wedding day, I sat in the glam chair, and a makeup artist blended warm brown shadow on my eyes. The rhythm of her brushwork intrigued me, and from that moment, I started watching YouTube tutorials religiously. I remember thinking, “I wish I could do that.”

Now, years later, I’ve learned so much, though there’s still room to grow. I wear many hats—mother, partner, and businesswoman—and I’ve also faced the loss of several loved ones. To cope, I took makeup artistry seriously and practiced every day. Juggling emotional challenges, mental trauma, running a business, and raising a child has not been easy, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I’ve had an unconditional support system in my mother, who supported me through being a teen mom and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. I’m forever indebted to her.

Another early encounter with cosmetics involved sneaking into my aunt’s drawers as a nine-year-old, showing off her classic red lipsticks to my classmates. I’ve always had a passion for self-care, influenced by the women in my family who take pride in their own routines. In the first five years of my career, I spent two years building my skills through self-taught methods and watching YouTube tutorials. Over the next few years, I earned my certification and worked as a freelance makeup artist. As a young mom, I was on a tight budget, so I started by purchasing drugstore products to build my makeup kit.

I also landed my first beauty advisor position at a Lancome counter as an independent contractor and cosmetics advisor. This opportunity helped enhance my skill set, particularly in full glam and neutral makeup applications. I attended a seminar with other Lancome professionals across San Diego, where we trained on product application and empowered each other. At my retail job, I worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, gaining invaluable training from a Residential Artist with 15 years of experience. His mentorship helped me tap into my full potential, refine my techniques, and build my confidence in customer consultations.

Despite these experiences, my ultimate goal has always been to own my own business. This led me to launch Marian’s Beauty Boutique, where we embrace not only makeup artistry but also the importance of self-care and mental health. Mental health is something I am deeply passionate about, especially after experiencing personal losses, financial struggles, and the challenges of being a single mother. My brand is for those who are striving to be okay every single day. I share my struggles and how I’ve overcome them, which has shaped me into the strong woman I am today. I believe that we are the masters of our own fate, and we can break through barriers by believing in ourselves. At Marian’s Beauty Boutique, we believe in the power of mental health and its impact on our daily lives. Our mission is to encourage self-care through makeup, providing a moment of peace and beauty for everyone.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When I first thought about starting my business, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I aimed to cover at least 85% of the overhead costs for units and products from overseas labs and warehouses.

I worked with several labs, and there was a lot of trial and error. Some products turned out great, while others didn’t sell as well. However, I learned the importance of estimating finances and being financially responsible.

I funded the entire business myself. Through careful budgeting and reinvestment, I was able to ensure that 78–95% of the money I made from sales went back into the business.

Let’s talk about what drives your audience. What’s important is to connect with them in a relatable way. Mental health is something that touches everyone. Can you speak more about how your products relate to this?

Mental health is universally relatable. Every person has a story, and everyone deserves to be heard through their self-care routine. One example is our “Love Collection,” which includes setting powders named after affirmations.

One of my favorite products is our “Worthy” banana setting powder, which works for a wide range of skin tones. Another popular collection is the Liquid Love Collection, which includes bundles of two complementary matte liquid lipsticks. My personal favorites are “Capable” and “Optimistic.”

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn, and what’s the backstory?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/mariandamua/profilecard
• Instagram: mariandamua
• Youtube: mariandamua

Image Credits

Perception magazine

Mariansbeautyboutique