Srinagar: In the quaint outskirts of Srinagar, a young girl’s journey from obscurity to empowerment through the transformative power of makeup is capturing hearts and minds across the region.
Azra Nazir, 23, who hails from Soitang, has become a beacon of hope for many, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for others to follow suit. According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Azra’s ascent in the makeup industry is nothing short of meteoric.
From a modest beginning of one client slot per day in 2022, she now juggles five appointments daily, cementing her status as the fastest-growing makeup artist in the Valley. She shot to fame when her success story featured in a local news portal in 2022, which thrust her into the spotlight and transformed her life forever. What sets Azra apart is not just her exceptional talent, but also her enigmatic persona.
Despite her burgeoning popularity, she remains a mystery to her clients, as she doesn’t reveal her face and clients only catch her glimpse on booking days. “Yet, my anonymity hasn’t deterred mer from making a profound impact. I try to charge nominal fee and if any don’t afford even these charges, I extend a generous discount to them,” she says.
Azra, the youngest makeup artists of the Kashmir Valley, says she gives generous discounts to clients who cannot afford even her nominal charges, ensuring her services are accessible to all, regardless of their financial means.
Her success goes beyond her flourishing career, it’s a testament to her resilience and determination to defy societal norms. In a culture where traditional gender roles often dictate a woman’s place, Azra’s story challenges the status quo. She not only supports herself but also provides support to her parents.
She says that girls can indeed be pillars of support for their families. As she continues to inspire and empower, her story serves as a rallying cry for girls everywhere to shatter barriers, defy stereotypes, and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.
In her journey, she proves that with passion, perseverance, and a touch of makeup magic, anything is possible.
She says her mantra is simple, “Don’t think you cannot do it, don’t think you cannot be a support to your family, especially to your parents. Believe in yourself, defy the odds, and remember, you have the power to support your family, especially your parents. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
