The bride was in tears.
Her makeup artist had messed up, and the wedding guests were already gathering outside.
Amid the chaos, someone suggested, “Nisha can help.”
With just her personal makeup kit, a calm mind, and no professional gear, Nisha Sultana stepped in. She fixed the bride’s look, took care of the post-reception touch-ups, and even did makeup for a few relatives. Her charge? Just ₹3,000. But what she got in return was much more – a new identity as a makeup artist in Hyderabad.
That wedding changed everything.
How a 26-Year-Old Hyderabad-based Makeup Artist Built a Thriving Bridal Beauty Business From Her Home
At just 26 years old, Nisha Sultana Mohammad Feroz Shaikh, founder of Nisha’s Make-Up Studio & Aesthetics, has turned what started as a side hustle into a thriving beauty business that now earns her an average of ₹35,000/month, with net profits of ₹15,000 and no overheads.
Nisha comes from a conservative family, where the norm for women was simple: early marriage, household chores, and no financial independence. Her grandmother and mother were both married by the age of 15, and no woman in her family had ever worked outside the home. She was expected to do the same.
But Nisha had other plans.
“As a child, I always felt I wanted to do something. I didn’t know what exactly, but I knew my life wouldn’t just be about the kitchen or family functions,” she says.
She worked in aviation for a year after finishing school, drawn to the grooming and presentation aspects of the job. A medical course followed, but financial struggles forced her to drop out.
When she finally said she wanted to start a career as a makeup artist, the family resisted. She fought hard and was given a one-year deadline to “prove herself.”
Her First Bridal Client Came by Chance – Now She’s a Leading Makeup Artist in Hyderabad
“I had done my own makeup for a pre-wedding function I was attending in Ahmedabad. The bride saw my look and was impressed. Her artist didn’t show up properly, so they asked if I could help,” Nisha recalls. That chance wedding moment, where she filled in for another artist, marked her first client experience. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t fancy. But people noticed.
“Everyone took my number. That’s when I realised maybe I can do this full-time.”
That one moment encouraged her to pursue a formal degree. She completed her BSc in Cosmetology and launched her business, Nisha’s Make-Up Studio & Aesthetics, in 2020. She officially registered it on January 24, adding structure and long-term vision to what began as a spontaneous favour.
She didn’t rely on advertising; instead, it was word of mouth, referrals, and her own warmth that did the job.
“I think I’m good with people. Clients become friends, and friends bring in more clients,” Nisha smiles.
She started off working alone. Today, Nisha leads a team of four – a receptionist, two hairstylists, and an assistant.
Unlike many small businesses, she didn’t rely on digital ads. Instead, her client base grew organically, from walk-ins, social circles, and referrals from past brides. Her presence on Instagram, under the handle @hyderabadmakeup__artist, is strong and consistent, with over 250 posts and more than 8,000 followers.
“I’m not flashy on Instagram, but I show real work. I think people trust me because I’m convincing. I talk to clients like they’re family,” she says.
Her client profile is primarily young women seeking bridal and party makeup, as well as aspiring artists who wish to train under her.
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Financial Growth as a Freelance Makeup Artist: From ₹3,000 to ₹1 Lakh in 2 Days
“I earned ₹1 lakh over two days during a big fat Indian wedding,” she recalls. “It was my biggest financial win.”
Her average income over the last six months has been ₹35,000 per month, with net profits of around ₹15,000. The secret? No rent, no overheads – she runs her makeup studio from home.
Nisha’s financial instincts are as strong as her creative ones. She keeps personal and business accounts separate, allocating 70% of revenue to business reinvestment. Of her collections, 50% come through digital payments, and she manages her cash flow with a mix of online transfers, debit cards, and active net banking.
With zero fixed expenses, thanks to operating from her family-owned property and no salary to herself, her net profit margin reaches 42%. Her business is registered with Udyam. Her credit scores and Personal Loan scores reflect responsible behaviour.
How a Business Loan Helped Her Expand Into Cosmetology Services
With this setup and consistent walk-ins, Nisha applied for a Mahila Money business loan to expand her services. After evaluation, she was sanctioned ₹1 lakh, which she is using to invest in cosmetology and buy a Hydra Facial machine and other related products.
“This loan is helping me level up. I’ve been planning this for a while, and I know the demand is real.”
She also shares, “Cosmetology is the next step. Bridal makeup is seasonal, but skincare services are year-round.”
From Family Doubts to Family Pride: How Her Beauty Business Changed Her Role at Home:
So, what changed in the family?
“Earlier, they didn’t care much. Now, before any function, they ask me for my dates, my granny checks my calendar,” she laughs. “Even my grandmother checks if I’m free before planning a family event, be it a birthday party or just a family dinner.”
There’s pride in her voice- not arrogance, but the quiet satisfaction of being seen, heard, and finally, valued.
Next Goal: Becoming One of India’s Top Bridal Makeup Artists and Trainers
Nisha is not slowing down.
“In two years, I want to be among the top 3 makeup artists in India. I want to grow this brand, add services, train others, and maybe one day, start an academy.”
She already trains aspiring makeup artists, quietly shifting the landscape for other women, just as she has shifted her own.
Advice to Other Women: Dream in Plurals, Not Singular
When asked what she’d tell young girls in her family who want to walk a different path, she says:
“Always follow your dream. Don’t go for a single vision. Keep your options open, try different fields. One door always opens to another.”
Read more success stories:
How This Delhi Woman Built a ₹12 Lakh/Year Home-Based Art and Craft Business from Her Living Room
How a Teacher Turned Fashion Entrepreneur Grew Her Small Business with Mahila Money
How a Single Mother Entrepreneur Found Her Calling as Dr. Mital, the Skin Doctor
How Tehseen Built Three Businesses with Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
If you are a woman entrepreneur who wants to take your business to new heights and is in need of working capital and entrepreneurship resources, come speak to us on Mahila Money. For more such #JiyoApneDumPe live conversations, download the Mahila Money App on Play Store or visit us on www.mahila.money.
