Makeup artistry may be a naturally-acquired skill, but it is also something that can be learned. Many makeup artists (MUA) are self-taught and excellent at their craft. However, learning how to apply gorgeous face makeup is only the beginning. The Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years was definitely a hard time for most people, but there was also some light shed despite the dark moments. Apart from food, clothing and essential businesses, another industry has weathered the storm – makeup, thanks to its dedicated MUAs.
I happened to be searching for some makeup artists for an event recently, and my go-to spot is of course Instagram. My, there are tonnes of options! Although there were many choices, the one thing I was worried about was the pricing and how the look would turn out. Having brown skin, I struggle to get the look I want because, sometimes, the make up just makes you look completely like a different person (like, hello, who are you?) and I prefer something rather natural. After much scrolling, I came across this new (yet rapidly rising) make up artist duo called Asachi.
Meet Asha and Achi, the founders of ASACHI MUA. Well, the ‘ASACHI’ is basically a combo of their names. I instantly thought the name and concept was adorable. Like, two friends combining their names for a business, and it’s not often you can get a perfect name match. Before diving into their extraordinary skills, let’s do a flash back. Miss Asha and Miss Achi were roommates back in college. Back then, Achi used to help her mother tie sarees and later on, she enjoyed tying sarees for Asha and a few other friends. Instantly, the duo realized that Achi has the magic touch in draping sarees.
As for Asha, make up was barely even a thing for her. But things changed after she joined a dance group called ‘PEWARIS’ and ever since, she began learning a bit more about makeup. “I’ve always tried out new ways to improve and master my makeup skills by trying it out on my own face and unfortunate friends’ faces. Well, at least now they are fortunate to have me as their personal makeup artist,” said Asha. With the magic these two had, ASACHI was born! In March 2021, the duo randomly came up with the idea of doing something that they both would enjoy and are now established MUAs.
But wait, these ain’t your regular make up artists. These two were school teachers and suddenly, boom… make up artists too? Most teachers choose to tutor as their part time job. ASACHI tried this, but it seems they’d wanted to try out something else, something out of the teaching field. I really admire the boldness these two have. Moving from one field to another ain’t an easy job. But it’s the passion they had that drove them to explore, learn and grow in a different field. And despite all the good money they make from what they do as a part time job, above all, they experience enjoyment, satisfaction and happiness at seeing other women, girls, sisters, mothers and friends glowing in confidence after each makeover.
What’s a world without challenges, right? Well, obviously, the main challenge is to get customers, since they’re still babies in this makeup industry. It’s no joke, especially when there are Malaysian makeup artists who are extremely crazy-talented and ruling this industry! Also, people now prefer to choose someone well known, someone whom they’re comfortable with and has good skills. Thankfully for ASACHI, they have friends and relatives who trusted and believed in them and slowly, they began receiving unknown costumers. Of course, you can’t leave out the part on how ‘hectic’ life is with their day jobs as teachers. Both Asha and Achi are actively involved in school programmes during the weekdays. So, they take make up jobs mostly during weekends or school holidays. But even if there are jobs during the weekdays, they usually do it after school working hours. That’s quite a juggle between both jobs, but still, they made their way.
By far, their proudest achievement is that there’s hasn’t been a single negative remark from any of their customers. All the positive reviews and love are the main source of their energy and motivation to rise further as MUAs. A fun fact I got to know – their first bride customer was their very own best friend. Asking about their future plans for ASACHI, they said they only have one plan, which is to always give a makeover that makes the person both beautiful and confident! And for that, they’re willing to learn and improve their skills to be better.
Overall, I really enjoyed my session with ASACHI MUA. I loved their work and how delicate they were when they had to deal with a fussy person like myself! Also, their price is really, really affordable. For sure, I would book this awesome duo for any upcoming event!
Check out their Instagram page @asachi_mua to see more of their work.
