Conversations with Layla Malkat

Today we’d like to introduce you to Layla Malkat.

Hi Layla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a passion for beauty and fashion. When I was 14 years old, I started experimenting with lip gloss and a little bit of mascara. My mom wouldn’t let me wear full-blown makeup yet, but I remember seeing makeup looks on TV and in magazines and feeling inspired to express myself in different ways.

As I got older, especially around 17 when I got my first job, I started buying my own makeup. From there, I became even more creative and began experimenting with different looks, techniques, and styles. I loved the way makeup allowed me to transform not only my appearance, but also the way I felt about myself.

I eventually started doing makeup for a few clients, but at the time, I didn’t take it as seriously as I could have. Then, one night on prom night, I did my best friend’s makeup. Something about that experience made me realize that this was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.

After that, I decided to really lock in and start building my clientele. I began doing makeup for more people and turning something I loved into something bigger. I remember feeling so happy knowing that I could make money doing something I genuinely enjoyed.

What started as a little lip gloss and mascara at 14 eventually grew into a passion that I knew I wanted to take seriously.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout my journey have been finding a space to do makeup and having the financial resources to invest in my business. I was still young when I started, and I didn’t have much money, but I worked incredibly hard to make things happen for myself.

Another challenge that was difficult for me was not receiving as much support from my community as I expected. I’m from East Africa, specifically Kenya, and for many people who come from where I come from, building a life and making a living in America can come with so many obstacles and challenges.

When I first started my business, I honestly thought my community would be the first to root for me. Unfortunately, only about 10% of the people I expected to support me actually did. While that was difficult to accept, I’m incredibly grateful for that 10%. Their support has meant so much to me.

I’m also deeply appreciative of everyone else who has supported me throughout my journey and continues to support me as I create makeup content and grow my business. Every like, share, booking, word of encouragement, and genuine show of support reminds me why I started in the first place.

Despite the challenges, I’ve continued to show up, work hard, and believe in myself and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create beauty content focused on teaching people how to do their own makeup, while also sharing styling tips and beauty inspiration on my Instagram.

Although I consider myself a retired MUA, I’ve been seriously thinking about coming out of retirement. Over the years, I’ve received so many DMs from people asking me to come back to the scene and open my bookings again. I’m excited to announce that it’s officially in the works!

Looking back on my journey, what I’m most proud of is that I never gave up on myself. I’ve faced challenges, experienced setbacks, and taken different paths along the way, but I’ve always continued to grow and evolve.

I’m constantly learning, creating, and becoming a better version of myself. And now, I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes me.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see myself attending major beauty events, collaborating with well-known beauty brands, and building meaningful partnerships within the industry. Some of the brands I would love to work with include Maybelline New York, NICKA K, NYX, and Fenty Beauty.

Maybelline holds a particularly special place in my heart. It was the first brand I purchased foundation and powders from when I was a little girl buying makeup for myself for the very first time. Maybelline was affordable and within my budget, so it became one of the first brands that introduced me to the world of beauty.

Years later, Maybelline became the first major beauty brand to send me PR, even while I had fewer than 10,000 followers which I still have today. That moment meant so much to me because it reminded me that brands can recognize your passion and potential before you reach a certain level of success.

I’m incredibly grateful for that opportunity, and I hope to continue growing my relationship with Maybelline while building partnerships with many of the other beauty brands I genuinely love and use.

Ultimately, I want to continue growing as a creator, expanding my presence in the beauty industry, and creating opportunities that inspire others who come from where I do aspiring beauty artists and creators to believe in themselves and their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real.laajlaa
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@layla.malkaat