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

Hi Amin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me, it started with a simple but powerful realization: the beauty industry is overflowing with talent, but there was no platform that truly empowered the artists — the ones who actually do the work. I’ve seen too many gifted hair and makeup professionals struggle to find consistent, well-paid work, while big salons and agencies took the lion’s share of the profit.

I wanted to flip that model on its head.

The thought process was: How can we build something that gives artists more freedom, more financial control, and more respect? I envisioned a business that prioritized the artists, not just the bottom line. From that came the foundation for both Team Flawless and the TF App — platforms built to support, showcase, and elevate beauty professionals while delivering an exceptional experience for clients.

Starting my own business also came from a personal place. As someone living with a terminal cancer diagnosis, I don’t take time for granted. I wanted to spend the rest of my life building something meaningful — something that would outlive me and continue helping others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The business I’m most proud of right now is the Totally Flawless App, which is launching very soon. It’s an on-demand beauty platform that connects clients with vetted hair and makeup artists for in-home or on-site services. Think of it like the “Uber for glam,” but with something deeper at its core. We’re building not just a booking app, but a support system for freelance artists.

What sets us apart is our focus on empowerment and integrity. Most platforms in this space take the majority of the artist’s earnings, but on TF App, artists keep 60–75% of their booking revenue. We also go the extra mile with safety and quality control. Every artist is vetted through background checks, live demo calls, and portfolio verification before they go live on the platform. And for clients, that means peace of mind and a more diverse, inclusive set of glam options; all textures, all tones, all styles.

Getting here was not easy. Building a tech company as a makeup artist has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of my life. Add to that my battle with Glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, and there were many moments when it would have been easier to stop. But the challenges gave me even more determination. I realized I didn’t just want to build a business for myself, I wanted to create something that could outlive me and give back to independent artists, especially through initiatives like the Health Fund we’re working on for freelancers who often don’t have access to healthcare support.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but powerful: never underestimate yourself, surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to pivot or learn new things. What I want the world to know about our brand is that it’s more than just makeup and hair. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and creating a professional standard in an industry that too often leaves artists on their own.

We’re just getting started, and I’m so excited for the world to see what Totally Flawless can do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Houston for a week, I’d make sure they got a real taste of the city. We’d definitely start with food! Houston has such an amazing and diverse food scene. Some of my personal favorites are Candente for Tex-Mex with a twist, La Mexicana for that classic, no-frills Mexican comfort food, and Barnaby’s, which is not only delicious but also one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly spots in town. I also love walking around Rice Village, it’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon of shopping, coffee, and people-watching. I have to give a special shoutout to my friend Roston. He’s the ultimate foodie and always knows the coolest new places to eat. Whenever I’m unsure where to go, he’s the one who takes me to hidden gems across the city. Beyond the food, he’s also been by my side during the hardest moments of my health battle, when others disappeared. That loyalty means everything to me. One of his favorite spots is Kuhl-Linscomb, this really unique department store where you can find everything from home goods to quirky gifts, so of course that would be on our itinerary too. Between great meals, shopping, and catching up with friends, that’s how I’d show someone the best of Houston; through its food, its culture, and the people who make it special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! My story is really a story of the people around me. First and foremost, my husband, Albert Luiz, has been my rock. Through every challenge, every dream, and especially through my health battle, he’s stood by me with unconditional love and strength. I couldn’t have built Team Flawless or the TF App without him.

My family has also been at the heart of everything. My brother Shiraz and my nephew Sahir have been by my side, not just as family, but as partners in carrying this vision forward when my health made it difficult for me to do everything on my own. Their belief in me and in this mission means the world.

When I was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a terminal brain cancer, it changed everything. I knew I wanted my legacy to be more than just artistry, I wanted to give back to the community of independent artists who, like me, often work without a safety net. That’s why we started the TF App. It’s not only about connecting clients and artists for beauty services; it’s also about creating opportunities, fair pay, and eventually building a Health Initiative fund so freelance artists can have support for the things most of us take for granted.

And of course, I have to acknowledge the artists and clients who’ve trusted me over the years. Their loyalty and encouragement have been my fuel. My journey, and this app, is really for them.

Website: https://totallyflawless.co/

Instagram: @flawlessbyamin, @totallyflawlessapp

Twitter: @totallyflawlessapp

Other: @teamflawless.co – Instagram for Team Flawless

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.