We were lucky to catch up with Poojasri Ranganathan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Poojasri, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Hailing from the vibrant town of Harur, India, I, Poojasri Ranganathan, embarked on a transformative journey that led me from a Bachelor’s in Fashion Technology to becoming an internationally recognized Makeup Artist and Hairstylist based in Snohomish, Washington.

Upon getting married and arriving in the United States, I found myself at a crossroads, searching for purpose and direction. It was during this period of self-discovery that I realized my passion for makeup – a natural extension of my love for fashion. This epiphany led me to enroll in an intensive 7-month program at the prestigious Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology in Seattle. I got trained in varying aspects of makeup and hair like Studio, HD makeup, Special effects and Bridal makeovers.

The journey wasn’t easy. Learning from scratch and working with diverse individuals from various cultural backgrounds and ethnicities presented its challenges. However, what began as a hobby soon blossomed into a thriving career. My initial goal right after graduating was to do a makeover for at least one bride to help them with their special day, but people started recognizing my work and my calendar started getting completely booked. Beyond my client work, I’m committed to empowering others through my online personal grooming classes, teaching individuals how to enhance their natural beauty through makeup. I started conducting online classes for self grooming and that was a huge hit during the pandemic with folks joining from all over the world. I soon recognized that this is a good business opportunity and registered my business in the state of Washington.

Today, I’m proud to say that I run my own business specializing in makeup and hairstyling for a wide array of events and occasions and have been voted as the top 20 makeup artists in the Greater Seattle area 4 years in a row. My portfolio includes work for runway events and fashion shows, Magazine shoots, YouTube video productions and 600+ makeovers for weddings and special occasions. I also provide saree draping services to my clients which is a niche art to master.

I’ve had the honor of being featured on the cover of the international magazine “Edith” and have been showcased in over five international publications.

At the core of my work is the joy of helping clients see the best version of themselves. This transformation – both external and internal – is what drives me every day. My journey has taught me that with self-belief and perseverance, one can achieve anything.

Remember: There is no expiry date for a woman’s dream!

Poojasri, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In Jan 2020, I graduated from an intensive 7-month program at the Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology in Seattle, where I honed my skills and transformed my hobby into a thriving career. Right after my graduation the pandemic hit and I conducted my my online personal grooming classes, teaching individuals how to enhance their natural beauty through makeup. As the restrictions of the pandemic started to reduce, I registered my business with the state of Washington and started providing professional services for all sorts of events.

Today, I offer a wide range of makeup and hairstyling services for various occasions, including:

Bridal and wedding party makeover
Fashion show and runway event styling
Saree draping services
Magazine and photoshoot makeover
YouTube video production makeover
Personal grooming and makeover classes

What sets me apart is my ability to work with diverse clientele, drawing from my international background and my experience with various cultural aesthetics, skin tones and skin types. I pride myself on enhancing each client’s natural beauty while ensuring they feel confident and comfortable in their look.

For my clients, I solve the challenge of looking and feeling their best for important events or everyday life. My expertise lies in creating looks that not only photograph well but also withstand the demands of long events or challenging environments.

I’m most proud of the growth I’ve achieved since starting this journey. From being featured on the cover of international magazine “Edith” to running my own registered business in Washington State, each milestone reinforces my belief in the power of perseverance.
Some of my additional awards I am proud of are:
Swecha’s women’ excellence award for “Entrepreneurship” 2024
Ampowering “Woman of Substance” award in 2022
Top 3 finalist for the “Best Before and After” in the prestigious International Beauty Industry Awards 2022

What I want potential clients and followers to know is that my approach goes beyond just applying makeup. I’m committed to empowering individuals through my craft. Whether it’s through my services or my online personal grooming classes, my goal is to help people see the best version of themselves.

Lastly, I want to inspire others, especially women, to pursue their dreams regardless of age or circumstances. As I often say, “There is no expiry date for a woman’s dream!” This philosophy drives my work and my interactions with clients every day.

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

One incident that truly tested my resilience occurred on what should have been a routine day of work. I was on my way to a client’s wedding – a day that was immensely important to her and one where my services as a makeup artist were crucial. Suddenly, I found myself in a severe car accident that completely totaled my vehicle.

Despite the shock and the immediate stress of the situation, my first thought was of my client. I knew how significant this day was for her, and I was determined not to let her down. While I was fortunately not severely injured, the accident was serious enough that most people would have canceled their plans for the day.

However, I made the decision to press on. With the help of my friends, I managed to get myself and my equipment to the client’s location, leaving my husband to handle the aftermath of the accident – dealing with the police, the tow truck, and the other driver involved.

This experience truly exemplifies my commitment to my clients and my profession. It showcases my ability to remain focused on my responsibilities even in the face of unexpected and stressful circumstances. More than that, it demonstrates my belief that our work is not just about providing a service, but about being there for people during their most important moments.

This incident reinforced my resilience and dedication, traits that I believe are essential in my field. It also reminded me of the importance of having a strong support system – both personal and professional – to help navigate challenging situations.

Ultimately, this experience, while difficult, strengthened my resolve and reminded me why I’m so passionate about what I do. It’s not just about the makeup; it’s about being a reliable, professional presence for my clients, no matter what obstacles may arise.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the makeup and hairstyling industry has been a journey of dedication, professionalism, and adaptability. Several key factors have contributed to establishing my name in the market:

Pandemic Preparedness: I launched my career during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the importance of safety and hygiene, I immediately obtained my Barbicide certification. This proactive step set me apart from competitors, as clients appreciated the extra care I took in maintaining sanitary conditions and cleanliness. This attention to detail quickly spread through word-of-mouth, enhancing my reputation for professionalism.

Unwavering Reliability: I’ve made it a point to never cancel on a client, regardless of personal circumstances. This commitment to reliability extended even through my pregnancy and postpartum period. In fact, I was actively serving clients up until just 10 days before the birth of my first child. This level of dedication has significantly contributed to my reputation as a dependable professional.

Consistency in Quality: Maintaining a high standard of work, regardless of external factors or personal challenges, has been crucial. Clients know they can count on me to deliver excellent results every time.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, especially during the pandemic, showed my flexibility and resourcefulness. This quality is highly valued in the beauty industry, where trends and client needs are constantly evolving.

Personal Touch: I’ve always strived to create a personal connection with my clients, understanding their unique needs and preferences. This approach has led to strong client relationships and repeat business.

Continuous Learning: Staying updated with the latest trends, techniques, and products in the industry has helped me offer cutting-edge services to my clients.

Professional Network: Building strong relationships within the industry, including with photographers, event planners, and other beauty professionals, has helped expand my reach and reputation.

Online Presence: Leveraging social media and online platforms to showcase my work and engage with potential clients has been instrumental in building my brand.

By combining these elements – prioritizing safety, maintaining unwavering reliability, delivering consistent quality, and adapting to challenges – I’ve been able to build a strong reputation in my market. This reputation is not just about the technical skills I possess, but also about the trust and confidence clients have in me as a professional who will be there for them, no matter what.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupbypoojasri.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeup_by_poojasri/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbypoojasri/