Owner of Hala Beauty Glam, Hala Elnour a beauty therapist born in Libya to Sudanese parents who lived in Egypt for four years and since then have moved to Australia. Before living in Canberra with her family and establishing her beauty business, she was based in Sydney with her parents. Her passion had always been centred around all things beauty and makeup which she pursued despite her parent’s expectations to take the traditional route — university.
Hala’s focus upon settling in Canberra was to get into the beauty industry which she sought after by joining beauty courses. Despite taking the opportunity to educate herself on everything beauty-related it didn’t seem to be progressing the way she had hoped. Hence, in 2016 she opted to achieve her diploma while simultaneously working from home which she completed in 2017. This year Hala started working in a beauty clinic which got her interested in skin care and provided her with the experience to further her skills. However, her attempts to work in a salon didn’t go according to plan due to religious reasons. “It’s hard for me to work in a professional setting when there are men around despite businesses trying their best to cater to my needs”. Regardless of her setbacks, she continued progressing her beauty business at home where she specialised in spray tans, bridal/ formal makeup, and hair. To top it all off she is currently studying to become a clinical aesthetician to concur her dreams.
What inspired you to go on this journey?
What guided Hala to pursue this journey starts from her childhood. “I was a young girl dreaming to get into beauty and makeup”. She grabbed the opportunity to fulfil her ambitions as the words of her late cousin and father stated she would be able to pursue her dreams once she went overseas. Their words remind her never to give up, to follow her dreams and get out of her comfort zone.
Day-to-day activities
Hala’s day-to-day duties while on the clock consist of assisting her clients with waxing, spray tanning, and makeup to name a few. All this while ensuring a pleasant customer experience. Despite, working from her living room she makes sure her set-up is presentable and ready to get the job done. She hopes to one day have her salon to expand on the services she can provide to her growing client list.
The most rewarding part of working in beauty
The most rewarding aspect of her profession is when her clients express their joy and happiness towards her work. “When I find myself doubting my abilities and I receive positive feedback from my clients, it makes me want to continue growing in this business”. She doesn’t allow the negative comments to get to her as her positivity overpowers those who choose to hinder her growth. Her enjoyment stems from doing people’s makeup and spray tans but is always happy to gain work in other areas.
Keeping up with trends
She is currently studying health science at university to learn beyond facials and makeup. Her current lessons consist of learning about lasers, and skin peels to name a few. Hala ensures she keeps up to date with the latest trends by studying new looks on social media to cater for a constantly changing market. “I am committed to keeping myself up to date on the latest trends so I can cater to my client’s wishes”. Her customers are currently into spray tans due to the colder weather in Canberra and Australia heading into the winter season. When it comes to makeup, she sees a rise towards the end of the year when formal, special occasions and New Year is around the corner.
How to become a beauty therapist
Her motto for a career in beauty is not to listen to anyone with negativity towards your craft. “Keep practising every day even if you feel as though it’s not working out”. It is an industry that is getting tougher to break into as social media has spotlighted this profession. It doesn’t make it easy for newcomers especially those who have no connections in this industry but doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do so. “I don’t have any connections and there are so many beauticians in Canberra, but I am still trying to be present in this space”. Hala mentioned she currently works casually in a salon and beauty school while still working from home. She is currently at university studying to become a clinical aesthetician. The drive and focus to continue to learn and grow in an industry is what will get you to your goals.
Makeup kit must-haves
Apart from her other services, Hala runs us through what makes up an ideal makeup kit. A professional makeup kit needs to include a palette of good eyeshadows such as the brand Morphe. A palette of foundations is ideal as carrying bottles around can be challenging. Palettes for everything is the way to go and not to be concerned about getting pricey products. It is also important to have a gel liner and a bunch of disposable applicators to avoid reusing them on clients. Also, a spacious makeup bag to carry all your tools. It is recommended to buy products that are affordable and are good quality. Many professional makeup artists are sponsored and get a variety of products for PR purposes which isn’t something that happens when you’re starting out. Besides makeup invest in a ring light to take photos of your work and post them online to attract potential clients.
Hala Beauty Glam is available for all your beauty needs. Visit her socials for a glimpse of her work and book an appointment.