Meet Mayra Malik | Educator, Hairstylist, & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mayra Malik and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mayra, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.

What makes me happy is helping others by sharing my knowledge and life experiences. I feel very blessed to have been able to learn and continue to learn from my friends, family, and work colleges that I am always willing and ready to help others. Being successful does take a lot of dedication, motivation, knowledge, failure and most importantly the ability to learn from your mistakes and try again. I am very thankful to all those who have helped me overcome obstacles in my career and allowed me to learn from them so that I can become a better person and be successful. It is extremely important and satisfying for me to help others grow their passion and dream. There isn’t anything more rewarding than to see others grow and become who and what they want to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am the owner and lead artist of Simple Beauty Artistry. We are a team of on location or in studio hair stylist and makeup artist specializing in bridal beauty. We offer hair and makeup services for any event including Quinceanera’s, birthdays, corporate events, commercial, prom, graduations and more. I am extremely grateful beyond words for my wonderful team who has been there for me and has allowed me to grow the business to what it is now, I couldn’t have done it without them! I have been in business now for 13 years and it was a lot of hard work and sacrifice getting here, there were many times where I questioned my decision to start the business and wanted to give up, but I continued pushing forward. It was very difficult finding a balance between raising children and building a business and although I am still not good always good at finding a balance, I have done it all for them.

This year’s new venture will be with Simple Beauty Academy. I am extremely excited to teach the new generation of stylist and artists the new trends in hair and makeup, how to start a successful team, and build a prosperous business. Simple Beauty Academy will offer classes to students in cosmetology eager to learn hair and makeup techniques, classes for teens who are ready to start wearing makeup, ladies and gentlemen who are wanting to change or create an everyday look, as well as those who are already in the industry but would like to perfect their skill and grow their business. We will have guest speakers from all over the world come and teach techniques that will surely set you apart from others. I am beyond ecstatic to begin this new journey!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

At my age now I am not sure about any interesting or happening places, but I am all about food. If my best friend was here visiting, she knows we are about to eat some good food! Our week vacation would start with:

Monday-Breakfast tacos at Villa Arcos followed by some coffee at Oso coffee. We would walk down Navigation and enjoy some of the local shops and artwork. We would then head to the Zoo and see all the animals and have a few drinks until lunch time. Because the drinks are already flowing and it’s her first day here, we need to head to the original Ninfa’s for some margaritas. We would eat and drink till we can’t take anymore lol. Next, we would head to the Post downtown and enjoy some of the rooftop views, drinks, music, and more food.

Tuesday-We are starting the morning at the breakfast club with some chicken and waffles. Followed with a walk in the park down Allen parkway and maybe do some shopping in river oaks. I know we have been eating quite a bit so we will keep it light today and go to Leaf & Grain. My bestie and I are all about watching a good movie and bowling so what better place to go to than Showbiz. We would bowl a few rounds, have some drinks, and end the night early with a good movie. And on our way home we stop by for a late-night snack for an elote and Frito pie. Ohhhh yessss, an elote!

Wednesday-It’s hump day and we need to get ready for the weekend so let’s have a girl day! Breakfast at Snooze AM Eatery followed by a full day at the Houstonian. Mani, pedi, full body massage, lunch, wine, hair and makeup, we are doing the works!!! Next, we need to get an outfit for the weekend so what better place to go shopping than the galleria mall. Dinner at the Oceanaire seafood then home for a game night and drinks.

Thursday-Breakfast at home with some traditional Mexican food. Dress casual and fun to head to City center for some outdoor walking, music, and shopping. We would then head out for some sushi and ramen at Mikoto. Then we would go home for a quick change and head out to a comedy show. End the night with drinks downtown.

Friday-And we have the dancing shoes ready. Breakfast at the house of pies and head to an Astros game. We would eat light because we are going to have a big fancy dinner. After the game we head home to change and get ready for a night on the town. We start off with dinner at Chama Gaucha followed by dancing. We would visit many bars downtown for some salsa and cumbia dancing. When our feet are numb and tired its time for some tacos and gorditas at our local taco truck on our way home. Best way to end the night!

Saturday-Afternoon we would get up for some pho to take care of the hang over and recover for another fun night. My bestie and I are all about concerts so a concert at the Toyota center would be a must on Saturday night followed by drinks, restaurants and bars on Washington avenue.

Sunday-what better way to end the week with fun day Sunday at clutch bar.

Like I said we are all about the food and drinks at my age lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Well, this is a loaded question because I honestly can’t thank just one person, there are so many people I have to thank. Victor Soto is the one person who comes to mind first. At the young age of 16 he taught me to never give up no matter how difficult things might be, to always hold your head up. And although there will be times when we feel like we have failed and we want to give up, there is always something to learn from that mistake that will make us a better person. Smile and do things that make you happy and remember where you came from and to always help others with an open heart. I am extremely grateful for my friend Lee Jaramillo who was a great mentor and always an inspiration. He allowed me to grow as an artist and always pushed me to teach more. I knew I always had a passion to teach but was always afraid of speaking in public and being the center of attention but knowing that I had Lee there with his smile and his support I knew I could do it. His artistry and infectious personality always inspired me to do more. Lastly, I want to thank my family and friends who have encouraged me to stay on task and continue being the best of myself even through these though times. I hear you loud and clear and let’s just say 2024 here I come!

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