It’s only fitting that we focus on someone who focuses on the beauty of other women this month for International Women’s Day — enter Lucky Allure. A career woman, a mother, a beautician, an artist and writer; an inspiration for women everywhere.

Lucky Allure has had a rollercoaster of careers, from gracing the skies as a flight attendant, instilling confidence as a drama teacher to writing inspiring words and now to making women even more beautiful than they already are. It takes real confidence in one’s ability and passion to leave a stable career behind to pursue your dreams, but that didn’t deter Lucky. After giving birth to her daughter, she realised she wanted to set an inspiring example and a took a leap of faith, as we learnt in conversation with this beauty guru.

What’s your relationship with makeup?
I had always loved makeup all my life. I used to do makeup on my friends and my sister, whenever I got the opportunity. Working as an air hostess for Sri Lankan Airlines gave me better training and an understanding about makeup and grooming.

Was your initial training enough to support your talent?
Honestly, I thought that this would come to me naturally. I thought I knew everything regarding makeup and the industry, but I was wrong. I put a lot of time and effort into learning what I know today. I joined Tajmeel, and everything I am today is due to their support and guidance. I followed the ITEC diploma to be a Beauty Specialist. This included everything from makeup, nails, skin care, facials, and waxing to salon management, health and safety etc. They gave me a proper insight into the beauty industry, which I use in my current operations.

Making a name for yourself must’ve been hard in such a competitive field, how did you stand out from the rest?
I started doing collaborations while I was still studying at Tajmeel, so by the time I graduated I already had a list of contacts and a portfolio. Apart from collaborations I also stepped out of my comfort zone and began to take charge. I started organising my own shoots; selected models, arranged locations, and collaborated with other aspiring talents in the industry. I mainly focused on newbies because I know how difficult it is to create a name for yourself, and this way we all helped each other grow.

Did you face any struggles in your journey?
Unfortunately, I did. I was still a new mother and was trying to juggle that with my career, by taking my daughter to sets, leaving to pick and drop her off from school, but always managing to make it in time for her bedtime.

What are some big projects that you have done?
The more my work got published, the more projects I was offered. I started working with Trinity Talent Qatar at the beginning. Now, I mostly work with The Film House and support on AL Jazeera tapings. They all feel like family to me. I’ve also had the privilege of working with international stars such as Tom Felton, Sonam Kapoor, and Xavi amongst others.

What is your favourite type of make-up?
I specialise in Au Naturale makeup and this is my favourite type. I also do many other forms, ranging from Hollywood Glam, Arabic, Film makeup and Creative makeup.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love creating funny video content with my daughter. We both bond a lot while doing this and while doing makeup. Yes, she maybe just five but she’s already a makeup enthusiast.

What’s next for you?
Well, I can’t give everything away, but I will be a presenter and a main part of an upcoming initiative for a TV show that is in production. This show is all about the fashion industry in Qatar and will be telecasted on a local TV station as well as internationally. The name’s a secret so you’ll have to wait to find out more.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Driven, patient and optimistic.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Getting to meet so many amazing people and visiting amazing places for shoots. I get to do what I love the most so that, at the end of the day, it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s like I’m being paid to enjoy my favourite hobby. I feel like a boss babe TBH.

What is a message you’d like to send to women everywhere?
You will fail multiple times in this journey of life, but there’s nothing better than pulling your socks up and telling yourself, “you can do this”. All you have to do is trust yourself and your abilities and don’t take no for an answer. ✤