Discovering a Passion for Makeup
Fatma Bahgat’s career path is a testament to the power of pursuing your passion, no matter how daunting the leap may seem. Fifteen years ago, Fatma was working in the corporate world, climbing the proverbial ladder like many others. But her heart had always been somewhere else—since she was a teenager, she had been fascinated by makeup, experimenting with beauty products, colors, and techniques. It was more than just a hobby; it was her true calling.
One day, she made a life-changing decision. She left the security of her corporate job and embarked on a journey to become a professional makeup artist. “I took a lot of courses to turn this passion into a profession,” Fatma recalls. “It happened overnight. One day I was in an office, and the next, I was on my way to fulfilling a lifelong dream.”
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
The transition wasn’t easy. Like any career, becoming a makeup artist came with its challenges. The long working hours were one of the biggest hurdles Fatma faced. But for her, it was all worth it. The ability to work closely with people, often during the happiest moments of their lives, kept her motivated. “I’m a people person and love sharing happy moments and stories with everyone. Makeup allows me to witness my client’s happiest moments, whether it’s for a wedding, a major event, or even a personal transformation.”
Her hard work and dedication paid off, leading her to one of the most pivotal moments in her career—working as the lead makeup artist for superstar Donia Samir Ghanem. Fatma had the opportunity to be part of Ghanem’s comeback in the Ramadan season series Gat Salima. “It was a career highlight for me, and it fit perfectly with my career goals. Working with celebrities is always a plus in our line of work,” she says.
Building a Reputation
Fatma believes that the key to success in the makeup industry is having a good reputation. “In our field, reputation is everything. Clients have to trust you with their most important moments, and that trust comes from consistently delivering great results.” Over the years, she has built a name for herself as a reliable and talented artist, always punctual and respectful of her clients’ time and needs.
In an industry that’s constantly changing, Fatma has managed to stay relevant by following a simple mantra: “Respect is the key to success. Respect your clients, be punctual, and never let your personal issues affect your work. Makeup is a happy job, and I love sending happy vibes to my clients.”
Inspiration from Industry Leaders
Like many successful professionals, Fatma draws inspiration from leaders in her field. One of her biggest inspirations is Huda Kattan, the founder of the beauty empire Huda Beauty. “Huda managed to create a brand out of a single lipstick and turned it into a makeup empire. That’s something I admire and strive for—to build something that lasts.”
Fatma’s goal isn’t necessarily to create a global empire like Kattan, but she’s always looking to grow and improve. Her career has taken her from private clients to working with celebrities, and she’s currently working on an upcoming movie featuring Donia Samir Ghanem as the lead makeup artist.
Motivation and Support
What keeps Fatma going, even during tough times, is her entourage. She firmly believes that the people around you have a big impact on your success. “The key to staying motivated is always my entourage. Having people around me to help when I’m down is the best motivation anyone can have. It’s super important to be surrounded by successful people who have positive thinking.”
Her strong support system, coupled with her love for what she does, keeps her striving to be the best in her field. Fatma also stresses the importance of competing only with oneself. “You’re not competing with anyone else; the only competition is yourself. The most important thing is maintaining a good reputation.”
Defining Success
For Fatma, success isn’t about fame or wealth; it’s about client satisfaction. “Success for me equals a happy client. It doesn’t matter how famous I get; if my clients are happy, I’m successful.”
She’s also quick to mention that, thankfully, she hasn’t had any major failures in her career. “Honesty, I don’t have any major failures in my career, thank God,” she says humbly.
Fatma’s story is an inspiring example of how following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career. From a corporate job to becoming a trusted name in the makeup industry, Fatma Bahgat has built a career based on passion, hard work, and respect for her clients.
As she continues to grow her brand and work with celebrities, Fatma remains grounded in her belief that success is all about bringing joy to others. “Makeup is a happy job, and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of so many happy moments in people’s lives.”
Conclusion
Fatma Bahgat’s journey from corporate life to makeup artistry is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and a strong support system can help anyone achieve their dreams. Her reputation as a talented and trusted makeup artist continues to grow, and as she embarks on new projects, including her latest work with Donia Samir Ghanem, she remains focused on what truly matters—making her clients happy.
