We were lucky to catch up with Suki Nijjar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Suki, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Makeup by SKN came from a mix of passion and necessity. Growing up in Birmingham, I was always the one doing hair and makeup for my friends and cousins, and I quickly realized how much I loved the transformation that happens when someone sits in your chair.

At the same time, being South Asian in Birmingham, I noticed a big gap: there weren’t many artists who understood our skin tones, undertones, or cultural styles of glam. For weddings or big celebrations, a lot of us had to book artists from out of state or settle for looks that didn’t feel authentic. That lack of representation really lit a fire in me. I knew if I was feeling that, others definitely were too.

That’s when it clicked — I wasn’t just playing with makeup and hot tools, I was solving a problem no one else was addressing here. I could bring inclusive, skillful artistry to Birmingham. And as I started working with more and more clients, I realized the need wasn’t just in the South Asian community; it was universal. People from all backgrounds want to feel understood and celebrated.

The most exciting part for me was knowing that Makeup by SKN could be that space. A space where everyone, regardless of their background, could sit down, feel seen, and leave glowing inside and out. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a hobby, it was a worthwhile endeavor.

Suki, 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?

I’m Suki, the founder and lead artist of Makeup by SKN, offering both hair and makeup brand services worldwide. I entered the beauty industry because I believe that hair and makeup are powerful tools for self-expression, confidence, and storytelling.

Makeup by SKN offers a full range of services, from bridal and event hair and makeup to editorial and personal glam. Every look is customized. I focus on creating styles that reflect each client’s personality, occasion, and individuality.

One of the driving forces behind starting my business was the lack of representation I saw growing up as a South Asian woman in Birmingham. There weren’t many artists who understood our skin tones, hair textures, or cultural traditions for weddings and special events. That gap inspired me to build a brand that serves everyone while keeping inclusivity and personalization at the heart of my work.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine artistry with empathy. I don’t just style hair or apply makeup — I create experiences where clients feel seen, heard, and confident. I’m proudest of the trust my clients place in me and the community I’ve built. Makeup by SKN is here to empower people of all backgrounds to feel beautiful, authentic, and celebrated.

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

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was undervaluing my work. When I first started, I kept my prices really low because I thought that was the only way people would book me. At the time, it felt like I had to prove myself, but what it really did was leave me feeling overworked and like my artistry wasn’t being taken seriously.

I eventually realized that undercharging wasn’t just hurting me; it was also affecting other artists in my community. If one of us charges too little, it creates this pressure for everyone else to do the same just to stay competitive. That was never the kind of environment I wanted to contribute to.

Over time, I learned that my prices needed to reflect the quality of what I do — the makeup and hair itself, but also the professionalism, the care, and the overall experience I give each client. And honestly, once I started valuing my work, my clients did too. They weren’t just booking me because I was “affordable,” they were booking me because they trusted me to deliver.

That shift was huge for me. It taught me that respecting my own value allows me to show up fully for my clients, and in the end, that makes the experience better for everyone.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what really helped me build my reputation was consistency in both my artistry and the way I treat my clients. From the start, I made it a priority that every person who sat in my chair, whether it was for hair, makeup, or both, left feeling confident, cared for, and celebrated.

Word of mouth in Birmingham was a huge marketing driver, and over time, it naturally started spreading beyond my hometown. I did a couple of jobs outside of Alabama, and from there, people started talking — now I’m seeing more and more bookings from across the Southeastern states like Mississippi, Florida, and Georgia. This organic growth has been incredible, and it’s also given me a taste of what I hope to do on a larger scale: travel around the world and bring my artistry to clients in different places, connecting with people and cultures everywhere I go.

Another thing that sets me apart is versatility. I love working across different skin tones, hair textures, and styles, so I never limit myself to just one type of client. At the same time, I know my South Asian clients in particular often felt underrepresented in the beauty scene here, and being able to fill that gap while serving a broad, diverse clientele helped me set myself apart from other artists.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say my reputation has been built on quality, care, and community — starting in Birmingham, naturally expanding across the Southeast, and now heading toward opportunities around the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makeupbyskn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbyskn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupbyskn1/
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makeupbyskn