From Botox to fillers and silicone implants, the beauty industry has seen it all, particularly in developed nations. And in the country, it is still in an emerging yet promising stage. Many aspiring and certified makeup artists are taking up eyelash extensions, nail extensions and gel polish makeup artistry as a profession. Until a few years ago, it was rare to see Bhutanese opting for makeup artistry as a career option.
Yeshey Tshering Pelden runs a makeup studio in the heart of the capital. She studied Communication Arts and sustains her life doing what she loves most. Today, she is a full-time makeup artist living her passion.
She started her business, “Yesh makeup” in 2019 when people started to make appointments with her after she posted a short video of makeup.
Yeshey attends to about five customers every day on an appointment basis. She does nail and eyelash extensions, and gel polish.
Eyelash extensions are semi-permanent fibres that are glued to natural lashes to make them appear longer, thicker and darker. And nail extension involves the addition of an artificial tip to the nail to increase the length.
“Through this work, I get hired for lash and nail extension during weddings, events and music videos. I also got an opportunity to be the makeup artist during the Miss Bhutan pageant in 2022. This business is a source of income for me. I believe that other Bhutanese youth can sustain themselves as makeup artist too,” said Yeshey.
She is not alone in the business. And there are other ambitious makeup artists in the town.
“When I was working in Japan, I got to experience that a lot of people are interested in doing nails and lashes. Though I did my major in journalism, I was always interested in nails therefore I turned my passion into a career,” said Lhaden Wangmo, the owner of Lha Studio.
“My plans include providing training to the aspiring youths who want to take it as a career and to supply the nail products with higher quality at a cheaper rate to all the nail artists in Bhutan,” said Tenzin Dorji, the owner of Bhutan Nail Spa.
Owing to an increasing number of customers over the years, makeup artists plan to expand their business.
“I will start with pedicure services from November and the services will be included for men too. From my experience, I am confident that Bhutanese youth can take make-up as a career as long as they have a genuine interest in it,” said Lhaden Wangmo, Lha Studio.
For nail art, they charge about Nu 1,000 to 1,500 and for lash extension, they earn Nu 2,500 to 4,000. Although the business is profitable, they have to compete with many others in the same business.
And customers, prefer to extend their nails and lashes because of the durability and the variety of art.
“Since they are professionals, they do the nail art nicely, because of which I prefer coming to the studio than doing it at home. After I get my nails done, my nails look ten times prettier and the lash extension makes my natural lashes look thick and better,” said Khandu Om, a customer.
“At the end of the day, it is to do with the pampering session that you want. Who would not want to have nice-looking nails and the overall look of your fingers change when you have good nail growth or say finely polished nails? For me, it has made a big change. I have always admired my nails after availing of the nail service,” said Dorji Wangzom, another customer.
Seems the business is only set to boom so long as Yeshi and other artists can keep up with the ever-changing standard of beauty with more people exposed to diverse makeup content on social media platforms.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
