Today we’d like to introduce you to Huda Suleiman.
Huda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up I’ve always wanted to be a cosmetologist. Especially a Mua. When I was in middle school, I would sneak makeup on as soon as i would get to school then go to the bathroom and wash it all off before going home because I wasn’t old enough to wear it yet. Until one day, momma picked me up from school unexpectedly, and that all changed. Makeup was something I was always into. It was my craft. Shockingly, I didn’t go to cosmetology school right out of high school. My older sister had already become a cosmetologist so my parents didn’t feel the need to have two daughters doing the same thing. So I went to school to become a paralegal. A couple of years into working at a law firm, my sister decided cosmetology was not the field for her anymore. At that point. I told my parents, “what’s the excuse now? I’m going to cosmetology school.” And I did! Right out of cosmetology school, I hustled my ass off. I wasted no time looking to get started. I always knew that I wasn’t going to work for anyone. I wanted to be my boss. I freelanced for the first few years of my career. During my freelance days, I connected with so many different salons that didn’t have Mua‘s and told them if they ever needed one for any bridal groups or occasions to contact me. From there, I was able to build my clientele, eventually rent a studio to owning my salon now. I had a vision, goals, Dreams! I dreamed of making it big and was so determined to get there! I even worked for people & projects for free just to put my name out. There were times when I serviced people for free to promote my work. 15+ years ago there was no Fb, IG, or TikTok. It was word of mouth or you saw my work for yourself. Once, I even did the Lake Erie Monster cheerleader’s makeup for free and that’s what led my foot in the door with the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the cheerleader’s MUA’s. I was with them for about 8 years. Do I regret anything I worked on for free? Absolutely not! I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not.
I have to say, the big jump in my career started with The Cavs. From there my career took off. I’ve been privileged to work NYFW, Good Morning America, Vogue, Babyliss, and multiple celebs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t necessarily say there were times I wanted to quit. But I certainly can’t say it was all smooth either. Sometimes on this road called life, we run into bumps or a pothole here and there. It’s part of life. The hardest thing I faced in my career wasn’t getting anywhere honestly. It was losing my mom. Having to put on a facade that I’m okay, as if I didn’t just lose my most prized possession. But I did not want to be the one to ruin a bride’s big day by canceling on her. We wait our whole lives for this special moment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist of 15+ years. I specialize in bridal & full glam makeup. I am known for my dramatic looks and educational classes. My most proud moment is when i was able to start working with celebs. I just recently worked with a high profile celeb. I wish i can further discuss, but due to a disclosure I signed. I can’t. But stay tuned haha.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I give ALL credit to my mother. My career, accomplishments, even opening my salon. Unfortunately, I didn’t open til after she passed. Truth be told, I never cared to. I enjoyed traveling for work. It was great money. But I did it in her honor. Being of Palestinian decent, doing what I was doing as a female in the start of career wasn’t very common then. She wanted me to succeed no matter what others had to say. She was my biggest fan. My only wish is I opened my salon sooner so she was able to see it for herself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Glambyhuda
Image Credits
Cleveland Cavaliers
