Behind the scenes: An interview with professional henna artist and emerging makeup artist Shinaaz Johal by Betty Mulat

The self-taught beauty expert strives to make the beauty industry a level playing field

 @NaazGlam

Shinaaz Johal - @naazglam on Instagram - is a currently a visual art student at SFU. But the Vancouver-based makeup and henna artist of Punjabi descent is also a makeup influencer. Johal is known for her beauty related content online, currently making use of Youtube and Instagram to share her knowledge pertaining to the field of beauty. Having been passionate about makeup artistry and henna since her teen years, Johal uses her online platform to advocate for inclusivity within the beauty world. Johal recently did my makeup at a photoshoot where I caught up with the artist to talk art, navigating the industry and more.

 

Betty Mulat

Introduce yourself and what you do?

Shinaaz Johal

My name is Shinaaz Johal, I am both a makeup and professional henna artist working out of the Lower Mainland. My work is displayed across multiple social media platforms, with instagram as my main source. These mediums are my biggest passions in life and I love being able to express myself creatively through them. 

Betty Mulat

How has your upbringing and background as a Punjabi woman informed your experience in the art and beauty world?

 

Shinaaz Johal

Being around the Indian wedding industry has allowed me to see the constant demand for both henna and makeup artists. I haven’t experienced much backlash in the Indian community, but when reaching out to individuals outside my community for potential collaborations, sometimes when I say my full name, their attitude changes. This is something that is a prominent issue in our communities and my goal as a young artist is to bring awareness to such issues that have been present not only for my generation, but for many before me.

 

Betty Mulat

Do you ever feel like you have to prove yourself as an artist to clients, or the community at large as an emerging henna and makeup artist?

 

Shinaaz Johal

When it comes to my henna artistry, I feel as though I'm always having to prove myself clients. I think because I'm a younger artist with lots of experience, at times folks who hire me feel I am “too young” to be qualified, but once they see my work in action, they understand.  

 

 

Betty Mulat

What has fuelled your motivation to advocate for diversity and inclusivity within the beauty industry? 

Shinaaz Johal 

I think the level of understanding I have for BIPOC folks has driven me to advocate for representation in the beauty world. I am always looking for opportunities to work with people that have melanin skin tones with the hopes to further my skills and more importantly, to provide a positive experience for them during the process. It’s sad to see the lack of makeup artists in Vancouver that are willing to work on BIPOC folks, and I pride myself in being an artist that is ALWAYS willing to fill this void. 

Betty Mulat

What does your creative process look like and how has it shifted since the lockdown started?

Shinaaz Johal

My creative process for makeup consists of researching current trends online, then fusing these trends with my style. Because this process is primarily online, the pandemic hasn’t affected things. I’ve actually created content more frequently due to having the extra time. 

Betty Mulat

How long does it take you to come up with an idea and then actually produce and publish it?

Shinaaz Johal

My henna process typically takes a while, as I create original, personalized designs. When applying henna, a bridal design can take anywhere from 2-6 hours to complete. My makeup looks on the other hand, have a process anywhere from one hour to a day or two. 

Betty Mulat

Do you feel like your background in visual arts informs your makeup practice?

Shinaaz Johal

My background in visual art pushes me to take risks with my makeup artistry. I have learned many things through the visual art program at SFU but I think the one thing that will always stick with me is the importance of sticking with your art, regardless of what people say. 

Betty Mulat

How do you remain authentic to yourself and others?

Shinaaz Johal

I pride myself in staying true to my beliefs and I refuse to lower my expectations or hide my morals when it comes to my work. I believe no amount of money is worth disregarding your values and beliefs, and if an opportunity doesn't align with your values, it's important to speak up.

 @MehndiByShinaaz