Get That Life: How I Became A Celebrity Makeup Artist

Arti Nayar, 29, is the go-to celebrity makeup and hair stylist for our favourite Bollywood beauties. Arti's client list includes, Sonam Kapoor, Pernia Qureshi, Alia Bhatt and more. Her secret to success? Be passionate and work extremely hard! 

I was born in Assam, but grew up in Calcutta. I moved to Mumbai to finish my college, but never left this amazing city! I studied Sociology in college but always had a lot of interest in fashion and films. I remember scrolling through magazines and was always mesmerized by the hair, makeup and styling on all the editorial features and knew I wanted to somehow become part of this industry. I didn't know which direction to pursue, so I took up a three month makeup course and completely fell in love with all things beauty! I knew then that I wanted to work in the beauty side of the film industry.

However, finding a job in Bollywood was not easy at all. I didn't have much experience but made my career intensions clear to my friends and family to help me find a job. One day, I received a call from a very talented costume designer, Prianjali Lahiri, who at the time was starting a film called 'Wake up Sid'. She needed as assistant to help with the costumes on set, and even though I wanted to pursue makeup, I quickly took up the job of being her assistant. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life because it was my entry into the industry I wanted to work in.

I worked as a stylist for a few films after 'Wake up Sid' and even though styling was not my end goal, I took any job that came my way because I wanted to connect with as many people in the industry as possible. Through my styling jobs, I met my mentor, Namrata Soni, who is an amazing celebrity makeup artist. She truly took me under her wings as her assistant and taught me all about the beauty and film industry. Because of Namrata, I worked with celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Pernia Qureshi and more. I was part of her team for a few years, then decided to pursue my makeup artist career on my own. It was not an easy decision to work independently, but Namrata always told me "Let your work speak for itself. You are good at what you do, so people will always call you", which gave me the courage and motivation to become my own boss. 

[pullquote align="C"]Let your work speak for itself. You are good at what you do, so people will always call you.[/pullquote]

From there, one thing led to another and by the word of mouth, I started to book jobs on my own. I definitely feel that I have been successful in this business because of my work as well as connecting with the right people, who guided me in the right direction. Networking is a crucial part of one's growth because working with the right people can get you ahead at a much faster pace, than if you were on your own. 

[pullquote align="C"]Networking is a crucial part of one's growth.[/pullquote]

Along with networking, it is also important to develop good work ethics, especially if you want to be part of the film industry. I have been on set for up to 14 hours at a time, working back to back on my clients, but because I am extremely passionate about what I do, it never feels like work. My advice to anyone who wants to pursue makeup/hair or styling in the film industry is be passionate about this line and work extremely hard. You have to be fully dedicated, be ready to work long hours and always give your best. With hard work, talent and perseverance, you will most definitely succeed. 

[pullquote align="C"]Be passionate and work extremely hard.[/pullquote]

Follow Arti on Instagram and Facebook

Get That Life is a weekly series that reveals how successful, talented, creative women got to where they are now. Check back each Friday for the latest interview.​