Meet Naima Khan, the owner of Meraki Hair & Makeup Fiji.
She was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but moved to Fiji with her parents at the age of three.
Ms Khan mostly grew up in Lautoka and Nadi, and after finishing high school, she moved back to New Zealand.
There, she studied Business Management and worked as a supervisor at Starbucks Coffee in Auckland for four years.
“While working at Starbucks, I got an opportunity to assist one of the best make-up artists in New Zealand who specialised in hair and make-up for the country’s top models and television actors,” Ms Khan said.
The 34-year-old always had a major interest in hair and make-up, dating back to her school days when she would practice her skills on friends and family.
“I used to do henna designs during school holidays and weekends with my elder sister and I did make-up and styling for family and friends when I was young,” she said.
Ms Khan learned more about make-up and hair styling through videos on the internet which helped develop her skills.
After returning home to Fiji, she decided to set up her own freelancing hair and make-up business named Meraki Hair & Makeup Fiji in 2015.
On what she values most about her job, Ms Khan said: “As a freelancer, I love that my current role gives me the freedom to set my own schedule.
“As a makeup artist, I can prioritise my tasks, take ownership of my time, and be more efficient at my work.”
SunBiz spoke to the small business owner to learn about her personal journey, work life, and her favourite local destinations for food, leisure, and travel.
What is your daily routine on the job like?
On a routine bridal makeup day, my mornings usually start by waking up around 3am.
I prep my makeup kit a day before the event by washing and sanitising the make-up brushes, palettes, and other make-up products.
I make sure to have a proper breakfast in the morning before leaving home.
Getting a bride completely ready takes around three to four hours.
After returning home from work, I attend to my administrative responsibilities, like planning social media content and responding to client queries.
What do you enjoy about your line of work?
My job enables me to meet new people every day. I consider my job as my favourite hobby.
What are your favourite local places to eat and unwind?
Red Pepper Restaurant and Bar, Corner Café, McDonald’s, Cardo’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar, and The Coffee Hub.
Where do you take friends and visitors for a delicious meal and to relax?
My friends and I love to go to Red Pepper Restaurant and Bar in Nadi to enjoy tandoori chicken and drink Masala Chai. We also routinely visit McCafé to grab coffee and mochas.
What is your favourite local travel destination?
Locally, I love travelling to Savusavu as it is one of the most beautiful and serene places to visit in Fiji.
What is your top bucket list Fiji destination?
I would love to visit the Yasawa Islands in the near future as I want to explore its caves and waterfalls and enjoy its white sandy beaches.
What makes Fiji such an attractive destination for travel and to do business?
The islands of Fiji are renowned as one of the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. But Fiji is more than just white beaches and warm smiles.
It is also a growing location for business with transportation and communication links that make it an attractive investment destination.
With support from pro-business Government policies, Fiji’s excellent strategic position makes it the global hub of the Pacific Region, offering prime shipping and air travel routes, and global communications.
Fiji’s warm people, tropical climate, natural pristine environment, well-developed infrastructure, pro-business policies and legislation make this exotic locale an ideal investment destination for investors and exporters alike.
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj