Areej Daghlas- MUA
Areej Daghlas is a licensed esthetician and a freelance makeup artist. She is known for “the glow” and a flawless finish on all her clients. What sets Areej apart is not only her talent, but her incredible energy.
From personal experience I can say that she truly has a gift for making clients feel at ease right away, as if she’s a long-lost friend. With all of the stereotypes about the beauty industry and the cattiness that can exemplify it, Areej brings a warmness and a kindness that is hard to find in today’s world.
She has been in the makeup industry for over 9 years and is currently at Cool Blue Salon, as well as working as an esthetician at the newly opened Lash & Co.
Areej sat down and talked with us about what inspired her to get into the beauty industry, who she looks up to the most, and how she sees the beauty industry changing.
Tell me a little about your background, both professional and personal.
I was born in Jordan, and then I was raised here in the US, in Michigan. As I was growing up, I was surrounded by my mom’s family, mostly my aunts and they always had this love for art and beauty, so that’s what really motivated me and inspired me… I was always sketching things on paper, watching them, and then I realized that I had love for anything that had to do with art.
I got caught up in makeup and then just a year ago I decided to get back into esthetics. I give client’s advice for their skin for a better makeup application.
I could totally see that. I am a makeup fiend, but I started realizing that I needed to pay more attention to my skin. As a teenager I had bad skin and that’s what I thought makeup was about was piling on pasty makeup to cover it up, instead of just dealing with the bad skin.
That’s really what we all thought makeup was about- covering up, but it’s really about enhancing.
How did you actually get started in the field of makeup? Did you just get started by doing it on your friends and then growing from there?
So, I used to do my own makeup. I did it for prom and then I got so many compliments that after that I would have friends come over and they would ask me to do their makeup. After that, I applied to work at a salon at Cool Blue. And that’s where I grew.
That’s awesome! So for makeup, you’re completely self-taught?
Yes, yes I am.
And how did you get started in esthetics?
I was still in high school when I was taking the course. I was a senior. I loved what being an esthetician was; being able to take care of your skin. Even the medical aesthetics field was so interesting to me. I felt like they both went together.
Like I said, I’m super into makeup but I feel like the beauty industry as a whole is super misunderstood. I feel like there are still people outside of it that look down upon it a little bit. They’ll say things like “Oh, it’s just very superficial, it gives women image issues.” What do you think is the most misunderstood part of being in the beauty industry?
People think that it’s superficial, that you’re trying to hide who you are or the way that you look. But in reality I think it plays a huge role in how you feel. Especially nowadays in the beauty industry I think we’ve gotten better with being happier with ourselves.
I feel like at the end of the day people should do whatever it is that makes them feel better; If that’s what makes you feel better, then do it. I don’t think anyone else should have a problem with it- that’s between you and yourself.
What are some things that you think need to change about the beauty industry?
It’s just that with Instagram; it’s made it a little bit unrealistic for people. That’s one thing that I would change because as a professional makeup artist everytime that clients would bring me a photo, I can tell it’s been retouched, it’s been filtered.
And they’ll tell me they want their makeup like that, but it’s unrealistic because all of these pictures have been made for instagram to make them look like they’re perfect. But in real life we have pores, fine lines, and we’re still going to have those imperfections when makeup is applied.
How does Detroit inspire you?
I’ve fallen in love with the city itself in the past few years. Just because I’ve seen it grow and I see how much potential we have in downtown Detroit with all of these artists. You walk around and there’s so much positivity and so much support. You feel like art just lives there. It’s continuously growing. There are so many things that are being accomplished.
What does success mean to you?
I feel like success is when you’re at peace with yourself internally and you’re happy with yourself and what you’re doing and then that will reflect on the success that you have whether that’s in relationships or even professionally. Because then you’re able to give it all the love that you’ve given yourself. Success to me means being happy and comfortable with your own life, and making others feel good.
I know this is a very weird question at this time, but post-corona, what are your goals for 2020?
My goal post-corona is to be really grateful for every moment and not take anything for granted. To really appreciate the work I love even more.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself, hopefully in less than 10 years, having my own studio and being able to teach other artists who are just starting out how to succeed in the beauty industry; how to be confident. Just being able to provide them with the skills that I’ve learned over the years. I definitely see me educating, whether that be with makeup or with skincare.
I definitely think you’d be an incredible teacher. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? And by whom?
The best advice I’ve ever been given was by my mom. It was after I’d had a really rough weekend, I had a few not so nice people in my chair and it really put me down- this was in the beginning of my career.
I remember my mom telling me “You know that you love what you do and that’s what brings this person to you. So always believe in what your skills are and make sure that every day you’re learning something to get better and to provide for yourself.”
Who’s been the most inspiring female influence in your life?
It would have to be my mom for sure. Ever since I was a little girl she was going to school, she graduated university with a degree, she came here and she was away from her family and she was able to keep us all together and stay strong, while not having her family near her, and I admire that. And just for always pushing us to do better.
If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self what would it be?
It would be to love who you are and not be so hard on yourself and be more confident and outspoken because I was always very quiet and to myself. And just loving myself, I feel like I was always very rough on myself when I was younger.
What’s a helpful resource that you would recommend?
I really like Carly Bybel’s style and how she started and her story. And also, I would say Mario Testino as well. I get a certain vibe from those two that they worked really hard to get where they’re at right now and I’m inspired by their style of makeup.
Where you can find her:
Instagram @areejdaghlas
Latasha James- Owner of digital marketing agency, podcast host, + content creator
Our first interview was with local Detroit entrepreneur Latasha James. She's the owner of the digital marketing studio JAMES + PARK, a content creator, and a coach.
We talked with her about how she got started, what she loves about Detroit, and what inspired her to strike out on her own.
Read on for some great tips and resources from Latasha. You can find Latasha on instagram @thelatashajames, on her site https://latashajames.com, or on Youtube.
Tell me a little bit about your background. Did you grow up in Michigan? What was that like?
I’m a freelance marketer and I own James and Park. I’m also a content creator, I create digital content on Youtube. I’ve been in Detroit for 5 years and I’m originally from Kalamazoo. I love to eat and travel.
How did you get started in your field?
I was a poli sci and film major, originally I wanted to work in the news in college, but then I started researching career prospects- there wasn’t much money and I didn’t want to move far.
I started experimenting with making videos online and then people reached out to do freelance work. I started on [the freelance site] Upwork during college
Being a film major definitely helped. Social media is video now, I feel very confident knowing how to make videos. I definitely use what I learned in school everyday. Even poli sci really helps for cultural understanding, it helps to be able to relate to people on a deeper level. Also researching and having to write massive 30 page papers helped prepare me, so now researching comes easily.
Why did you decide to strike out on your own?
I started a freelance side gig in college. I always side hustled. I honestly was kind of bored. I didn't know many people at first. There wasn’t really one moment, I never really knew. The stars just kind of aligned for me...
I really liked my job and I’m glad that I worked those jobs. I don’t think that I would be as successful had I not had that experience. I could take time off, take my ideal clients, instead of taking projects out of desperation. I was able to register my business, pay for training.
What inspired you to start coaching?
I had this Youtube channel (tips on advice for business owners), and I started to get really in depth questions. So I started a course... and then really out of that course people were asking for it. I was really hesitant to do that, the imposter syndrome struck. I was hesitant to wear that label, seeing the results really helped.
What challenges do you think are unique to women in your field?
Paygap just like in every industry. I honestly feel like I’ve been able to earn what I’m worth, I’ve definitely had to say no and stand up for myself. If you don’t have that thick skin it’s tough.
I’ve heard disparaging comments about women in this industry… There was a male content creator who was saying “If I was a girl on the internet, I would have no reason to not make a shit ton of money.” Basically saying that people will watch anyone attractive. I want to look presentable but I’m not there to be some sex symbol, I’ve definitely experienced harassment as well. I definitely think there’s a toxic culture surrounding the content community.
How does Detroit inspire you? What are some things you wish you could change?
The culture of this city has really inspired me. All of the different kinds of people and things to do. There are always things to do. For any creative person it’s a really cool place to be.
But the city has lost a lot of its culture. It doesn’t feel like what it felt like two years ago. A lot has changed with gentrification. I feel like a lot of people are getting left out.
What does success mean to you?
Balance… I’ve also been really happy when I’ve made little money (and vice versa). As long as I’m able to take care of myself and I am able to do things, but money is not the only thing.
What are your goals for 2020?
I’m looking to grow my content production… I feel like I could do so much more and provide so much more value, especially on Youtube. I also want to grow my Youtube business, I also just want to keep doing that. I want to continue to try different things (with coaching).
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Before you publish any blog ask yourself- how is this helping someone? Even if it’s something fun. I’ve kind of used that behind every entertaining, educational, helpful etc. I think that’s what helps guide me. People want a connection, it’s all about connection now.
If you could go back in time and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would honestly say “relax”. I’ve always been kind of a workaholic, a blessing and a curse. It’s definitely helped me be successful, but I definitely fall out of balance. Take a day off, you’ve gotten through all of your hardest days.
What’s a helpful book or resource?
Super quick easy read, “Steal Like an Artist.” It’s relevant not just to artists, but also for business owners, and creatives.
He totally inspired my course creation. My favorite podcast is “Online marketing made easy” with Amy Porterfield.
Who’s been the most inspiring female influence in your life?
My mom, just because she is the definition of hard work and being a badass woman. She raised my sister and me by herself; she’s also incredibly supportive. That’s where I got my work ethic. Also, seeing how I’ve inspired her has been great and seeing her now want to do her own thing as well.
For someone just starting out in marketing, which resource of yours would you recommend they start with?
If you’re looking to start a business head over to latashajames.com/course.
For anyone else, who just wants some inspiration, check out my youtube channel.