January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
There is nothing that will lift your face game more than an eyebrow overhaul. We spoke to the master of microblading Suman Jalaf on how to balance your face and the high-calibre clients demanding her services the globe over.
What do the first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
As often as I can, I devote the first 30 mins of the day to self-care. That includes limiting all things digital when possible. I have a morning shower while listening to soothing nature soundscapes; then I meditate, practice yoga; have a coffee or breakfast and later, I connect with mum through Facetime so I can wish her a good day and see my baby Pomeranians. My pups give me so much joy!
How did you start in your career and how has your skillset grown?
I grew up learning the craft of all things brows early on. My mum was diagnosed with cancer and had several rounds of chemotherapy, which caused her to lose her hair. At that point, my childhood craft sublimated into a passion for working at the intersection of art and beauty. By the time I turned 13, I began my first brow business where I bartered tidied brows for school lunch (food has always been the way to my heart).
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How did you know it was the right time to launch your own company and what were the stepping-stones to that point?
While working at multiple salons for over five years, I recognized that there was a huge need for brow services and most salons were myopic in their view of the bespoke artistry of brows.
What’s the key to curating the perfect face-framing brows?
Keeping it natural is key #SumanSays. I see brows as art and I strive to enhance what’s already there. Symmetry and the ‘Golden Ratio’ are fundamental. That, along with hair, skin tone and eye colour need to be considered when starting as brows frame the entire face.
Can we ever grow brows back and if so, what helps?
This is a popular question asked all the time. If you have been an “over-plucker” since your teens, then it’s likely that you have damaged the hair follicle. To prevent losing brow hairs due to age and to allow for hair growth and nourishment, I believe in using organic castor oil nightly. It definitely is a slow process but it’s an important part of a beauty regime. RevitaLash, RevitaBrows and BioPeptin Complex are other notable mentions.
Also, never tamper with your own brows if you don’t know what you are doing! Keep them growing and see a professional brow artist to maintain the definition and tidiness of them like you would go to your hairdresser for a haircut/style. Treat your brow hairs in the same way.
Do you feel more drawn to the creative or the business side of the brand and how have you grown the team to support this?
I am passionate about my craft. The business is completely secondary and an afterthought, to be completely honest. When I knew I could make my passion my career – that’s when the magic started!
I have many long-term clients and it is difficult to fulfil the need. As such, I grew my lean team through intensive apprenticeships and proprietary teaching materials I developed. I regularly keep my team up on the latest techniques and trends to make certain we remain at the forefront of this burgeoning industry.
Do you have any mentors or guides and how does this help navigate the right path throughout life and your career?
Victor Ferdinandi (my accountant) is my North Star in all things business. Without his business acumen, I could not have made my passion into a viable business. Errol Douglas MBE: He gave me my first break and the ‘push’ to make it happen. My family and my Best Friend / Significant Other (who chooses to go unnamed): They always have my back and give me the support I need.
During the second lockdown in London, you decided to visit your clients throughout the GCC. Tell us more?
I had to cancel several client engagements given the UK prohibited travel to the GCC. I took first opportunity to go to the GCC to keep the commitments I had made to my clients there.
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How has this year impacted the industry both positively and negatively?
The beauty industry was particularly hard-hit by the lockdown. As beauty professionals, we are taught to keep a high standard of hygiene and sanitation, including the use of PPE (apron, gloves, masks) as standard so it was disappointing to see salons have to close. One positive was that we were extremely busy when we reopened with clients having a renewed appreciation for our work!
How has social media affected the luxury beauty industry and which platform has been most useful?
Social media is helpful in keeping connected with my clients or showing a potentially new client my portfolio of work and services. That being said, 80 per cent of my business is built organically through word of mouth from thrilled customers. The finished brows speak for themselves.
Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
@The Kash Collection, as I love art.
@Sadhguru, a yogi and mystic visionary.
@Thebodycoach by Joe Wick: Great for quick, healthy recipes and motivational pieces on fitness.
@TheGoodQuotes
Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
Herbal Tea, documentaries to unwind and reviewing the client roster for the next 1-10 days. I also add notes to my creative mood board.
If you were not on your current career path, which other role would you have chosen career-wise?
An Oculoplastic Surgeon: I’m passionate about all things peri-ocular and have a very strong attention to detail and steady hands – I am a perfectionist!
How do you stay positive?
I am mindful to surround myself with people and things that keep my vibration high – positive vibes all the way! Family, friends and my two Pomeranians.
January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
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