When Sumayya Khan was just four years old, her fascination with makeup and art began.
“I have always been drawn to the arts, colours, symmetry, shapes,” she explained.
Khan moved to Bradford in 2013, but has operated her own mobile and home based beauty business, Sumayya & Co. Studio since 2008.
She went to university and ended up working in the insurance industry before realizing she needed to do what she “loved”– makeup and beauty.
“I love people and their stories and nothing makes me happier than to invite someone into my studio and have them feel comfortable relaxed and supported. Helping people feel their best inside and out is priceless. I’m so grateful for what I get to do,” she shared.
Sumayya & Co. Studio offers a wide range of beauty services including hair styling, makeup, waxing, threading, microblading, powder brows, and micropigmentation.
Most recently, Khan launched her own eyelash line, using lashes that are 100 percent cruelty free and hypoallergenic with cotton bands, which she says help people with sensitive eyes.
“Lashes have become such a big part of makeup, some people don't wear any makeup but they like to have lashes on,” explained Khan.
Khan describes herself as a “lifelong learner” and likes to keep on top of beauty trends by continuously educating herself through various courses, workshops and training programs.
“There will always be new products and trends and I intend to keep on top of them for my clients,” she said.
Khan lives with her husband and children, and credits them for being able to do what she loves each and everyday.
“My husband is my backbone and best friend. He’s always involved in all of my projects, even the lash launch. And my kids are by far the most motivational beings around - their smiles keep me going. It also helps that my mum makes dinners for us on the nights I have to work late,” she said.
Operating a business in Bradford has been great for Khan as she says she really feels supported by the community.
“The families here are so wonderful and encouraging,” she said.
“We all work together to support local shopping and business owners - it’s pretty powerful. Bradford is a tight-knit community and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
And to prove her point, she has recently enlisted the help of another local business, Farrah Shaikh-Grozelle of Oh Darling Creative Media, to assist her with her online marketing.
“Farah helped me not only launched the product but helped me develop and create the project. I could not have it without her,” she shared.
Through running her own business, Khan has developed strong relationships with her clients, who have become more like friends.
“I treat them like family, because to me they’re just that - Friends that I chose to be a part of my inner circle,” she said.
Working from home, Khan has a flexible schedule in order to accommodate her clients needs.
“I am very flexible so I can work around my clients’ busy days.”
Sumayya & Co. Studio can be frequently found out and about in the community, sharing her skills and services with local women. Just this past summer, she participated in the Bradford Mammas first ever fashion show, providing all the hair and makeup services for the models.
To learn more about Sumayya & Co. Studio, check out their Facebook page here.
