Meet Imani Akia | Make Up Artist

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

Hi Imani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business has always been inspired my mother who started hers. I wanted to work for myself and create a business that can always elevate and specializes in creativity. A MUA is your biggest supporter and heavily depended on to make women feel beautiful in their skin. If I can offer peace of mind for women in all backgrounds to feel naturally beautiful – then I’ve felt like an asset to them and motivated to continue.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I specialize in Soft Full Glam, it’s my way of bringing back naturally beautiful looks and making women feel comfortable in their skin. I think everyone looks good in Soft Glam and the market was more than open for it. So I went for it.

I am most proud of the success I’ve felt executing the beauty looks I go for, my clients feel gorgeous and they tell their friends and family – it’s a phenomenal feeling.

Consistency is how I’ve gotten where I’m at today, that’s great Power in consistency and never giving up – even if you aren’t getting booked yet. Social media has been the best tool to make things easier when it comes to marketing and moving forward with my brand. I recommend it.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is forget the haters – it won’t help you to cease your talent for others sake or peace of mind. At the end of the day, it’s courageous to build up from where you started and mold yourself into the business brand or mogul you desire to be and people will hate just because they can. Block it.

I want the world to know that I’m the next big thing when it comes to Soft Glam and can be trusted to accommodate anyones needs. ImaniAkiaBeauty is a brand that you can rely on and afford while ensuring you feel just as gorgeous on the outside as you are on the inside.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Austin is a completely different vibe than anywhere else. High rises, lush terrain and really incredible food, It’s hard not to find tasty cocktails and a beautiful skyline to match.
A Girls weekend would look like Friday night on Rainey street with live music and tropical cocktails as well as numerous food trucks.
Saturday is great for the domain, outside shopping and the best place to bring your pet, followed up by a night out at west 6th, just pick a bar any bar- street is packed with jamming music and really fun crowds.
Ending the weekend with Sunday Funday, we could grab some Salt Lick BBQ and float the River!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shout out to my partner Alex Merchant, without his unconditional love and support I wouldn’t have felt confident to pursue make up as I did. I knew I had the capabilities to perform and execute looks but Mr. Merchant was my spiritual and emotional support guide. It’s one thing to create your own dreams and hope they come true – it’s another when your partner envisions your own goals and dedicates their time to help you in any way you need. Thank you for being my rock.

Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/imaniakia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaniakia/?hl=en

Image Credits
ImaniAkiaBeauty