Mariam Al-Ameri

“Mimiii I want lipstick and eyebrows!!” That’s what I hear from my little sister every time I do my makeup. In her language, this means she wants eyeliner and lipstick. Every time she does this I am reminded of my childhood self. My sisters and I would sit in my room, set up the iPad, and record different makeup looks. I would come home from school and do crazy eyeshadow looks, take pictures, and show all my friends at school. As a kid, it made me feel like an artist 🎨 . That is how my passion for makeup blossomed 🌸.                                       As I grew older, my curiosity for makeup and cosmetics grew with me. When I traveled with my family to Iraq, I first experienced how to apply base makeup and eyeliner with my aunt. It not only served as a bonding experience but also fueled my passion for makeup. After coming back to America, I attended school shortly before covid hit. During quarantine, I spent my time perfecting my signature eyeliner look that I still do to this day. During that time, I also expanded my horizons and dipped my toes into a whole new category of art 🎨 . I started a period of trial and error as I delved into the world of acrylic nails. At this point, I started getting interested in more than just makeup.

As covid was nearing its end, I got engaged and was inspired by my bestie Afnan to start learning how to apply eyeshadow. Without her, I would have never had the courage to try out BOLD eyeshadow looks and bright colors. While my engagement didn't last, my newfound confidence in makeup stayed with me to this day. I started expanding my skills and even found joy in applying makeup for friends and family. I even started styling their hair as time went on. 

Recently, I decided I wanted to continue my education 📄. However, I was puzzled about what I wanted to do. At first, I looked into accounting and discovered that it didn’t resonate with me. After that, I thought that I can get into business and even started my application at Phoenix College; however, something deep within me told me that I was heading in the wrong direction ❌. I sat down with myself and thought about my future as a business major. The picture that was painted in my mind was of me dreading the work life and the same old routine I would experience as I sit down at my desk. Instead, I thought to myself I should be doing something I truly wanted, something that I wouldn't ever get tired of, something that I deeply loved 💕. That is what led me to your doors and allowed me to imagine the future that I truly desired for myself. I look forward to starting my career and allowing my passion to reach more people… 

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