Alia Ahmad Sultan: A Journey to Success and Self-Discovery
Alia Ahmad Sultan, popularly known as Alalymakeup, is more than just a makeup artist. She is a passionate Emirati woman balancing her career in government marketing, her role as a mother and sister, and her entrepreneurial journey in the beauty industry. Alia’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and a desire to empower others through makeup, helping them embrace their inner and outer beauty.
Finding Passion in Beauty
Alia’s love for makeup began with a transformative experience early in her career. She worked with a 15-year-old girl with a burn scar on her face, whose joy and newfound confidence after Alia’s makeover left a lasting impact. Witnessing this transformation solidified Alia’s mission: to use makeup to uplift and empower people. For her, makeup is not about concealing imperfections but about enhancing natural beauty and building confidence.
Choosing a career in the beauty industry wasn’t straightforward. With a degree in media and various interests, Alia initially struggled to find her path. However, her passion for makeup ultimately led her to build a career that allowed her to embrace her creative side and gain financial independence. Today, Alia balances her government role with her work as a makeup artist, pouring her heart into both.
A Career Milestone: Best Makeup Artist Award
In 2017, Alia achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning the Best Makeup Artist award. This recognition validated her hard work and fueled her ambition to one day become a globally recognized makeup artist. She dreams of offering beauty consultations worldwide, showcasing her skills on an international stage while proudly representing her Emirati heritage. For Alia, this award was more than a title—it was a symbol of how far she had come and how much further she aspired to go.
Learning from Challenges
Entering the beauty industry over a decade ago came with its own set of challenges. At the time, makeup artistry was not widely recognized or popular in the UAE, making it difficult for Alia to establish herself in the field. With few local role models and a limited support system, she faced an uphill battle. However, Alia’s determination and commitment to her craft helped her persevere. Over time, makeup artistry gained popularity, and she became one of the pioneers in the UAE, inspiring others to pursue careers in beauty.
Alia believes that challenges are essential for growth. Each setback she encountered taught her valuable lessons and strengthened her resilience. By constantly pushing herself and striving to improve, Alia has managed to turn obstacles into stepping stones, allowing her to grow both personally and professionally.
Building an International Beauty Brand
Today, Alia is working towards her next big goal: developing her own beauty brand. Drawing on her background in media and marketing, she envisions creating a brand that resonates with people across the globe. Her ultimate aspiration is to be recognized as a global beauty expert, offering consultations and products that empower people to embrace their unique beauty.
Alia’s vision is not just about building a successful brand; it’s about inspiring others. She aims to be a role model for Emirati women and showcase the strength, talent, and creativity that the UAE has to offer. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to representing her country on a global platform reflects her pride in her heritage and desire to make a positive impact.
Inspiration from Sheikh Zayed
As an Emirati woman, Alia draws inspiration from Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE. His legacy of supporting women’s empowerment has been a driving force in her career. Alia believes that his vision encourages Emirati women like herself to excel and make a difference. She is motivated to honor his legacy by excelling in her field and representing Emirati women in the global beauty industry. Through her work, Alia hopes to highlight the strength, beauty, and resilience of her country.
Defining Success as a Journey
For Alia, the definition of success has evolved over time. Initially, she viewed success as reaching a final destination or achieving specific goals. Now, she sees it as a continuous journey of growth, learning, and resilience. Success, in her eyes, is about overcoming challenges, staying committed, and embracing each milestone as part of a larger journey. This perspective has allowed her to stay motivated, remain open to new opportunities, and push herself to reach new heights.
Advice for the Next Generation
If Alia could offer advice to her younger self, she would emphasize the importance of seizing every opportunity. She encourages young people to focus on self-discovery, surround themselves with supportive friends, and stay committed to their dreams. Alia believes that with the right team and mindset, anything is possible. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and self-belief.
Legacy of Empowerment and Transformation
Alia Ahmad Sultan hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the beauty industry. She aspires to be remembered not only for her artistry but also for her impact on people’s lives. Her goal is to inspire and empower individuals worldwide to embrace their unique beauty and potential. Through her work, she aims to transform not just faces but also hearts, instilling confidence and self-love in everyone she meets.
Alia’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is about more than professional achievements. It’s about using one’s skills and passions to make a positive impact on others. As she continues to build her brand and pursue her dreams, Alia remains committed to her mission of empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the world of beauty and beyond.
For a closer look at Alia’s journey and her work, you can follow her on Instagram.
