In a society where beauty ideals are often shaped by cultural expectations, Nerissa Nashin emerges as a transformative force in Bangladesh. As a certified makeup artist, she is making notable progress in tackling the widespread issue of colorism through her unique initiative: True to complexion makeovers. Colorism, the prejudice based on skin color, is deeply entrenched in numerous cultures, including Bangladesh, where lighter skin is often considered more attractive. This preference can lead to significant social and economic inequalities for those with darker complexions, affecting everything from personal relationships to career prospects. Aware of this reality, Nerissa has dedicated herself to empowering people by honoring their inherent beauty, irrespective of their skin tone. She shared with us her inspiring journey of coming this far during an exclusive interview with TINDS and let us have a peek into her amazing journey.
TINDS: Tell us a little about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Nerissa: I was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where I spent my entire childhood. After completing my schooling there in Sunbeams School, I relocated to the United States to pursue my undergraduate degree at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, focusing on economics and global studies. Reflecting on my upbringing, I often heard people express dissatisfaction with their own skin color or make remarks about others’ appearances, including mine. One comment that particularly impacted me was regarding my father’s complexion; he has a darker skin tone. As an athlete who spent considerable time outdoors, his skin naturally became darker. My maternal relatives often disapproved of his appearance and would make hurtful remarks that stung deeply because of how much I admire and love him. His strength and influence have always inspired me greatly.
TINDS: What three words would you choose to describe yourself?
Nerissa: Resilient, Hardworking and Innovative.
TINDS: Women usually get interested in makeup at a rather young age. How did you get involved?
Nerissa: The first occasion that sparked my interest in makeup was at my sister’s wedding. I purchased various makeup products to experiment with on myself, feeling quite enthusiastic about getting ready for the event. Typically, women opt for beauty salons or parlors for their wedding makeup, but my experiences there left me feeling unrecognizable. The artists never seemed to choose the right shades and always aimed to make everyone look overly bright. During my time abroad while studying, I discovered that makeup became a means of coping for me. Having been creative and passionate about art and drawing from a young age, I found that makeup allowed me to express my creativity within a shorter timeframe and on a smaller scale. After being diagnosed with depression while living overseas, doing my makeup proved to be therapeutic; it gave me a sense of control and provided comfort. This is how I began practicing—starting with myself and then extending to friends and family.
TINDS: How did you think of pursuing this as a profession or career?
Nerissa: Upon returning to Bangladesh after completing my studies, I noticed that the topic of colorism was rarely confronted. While individuals would bring it up during interviews when prompted, there was a lack of commitment to actively combating the issue or acknowledging its importance. Recognizing this gap in the industry, I decided to step in and address it myself. I observed a growing movement towards embracing and celebrating one’s race and skin color—an acceptance of all aspects of identity that are beyond our control.
TINDS: Tell us a little about Studio Salon BD?
Nerissa: I don’t own Studio Salon; I’m a makeup artist partnered with them. It’s not my sole profession, as I have various other pursuits. However, I do engage in public data work as well. While I was applying for a grant through the US Embassy and American Center, Studio Salon reached out to collaborate on introducing an innovative makeup concept within their establishment. This led to my involvement with them, and they have been established in the industry for quite some time. My goal was to explore my potential in the beauty sector and assess whether there was genuine interest in this new approach, which thankfully turned out to be true. People responded positively and felt a connection; they see me as a safe space where they can share their thoughts just like you do with me. The events and sessions I conducted were incredibly enlightening and significant for both me and those who participated.
TINDS: When did you start working with Studio Salon?
Nerissa: It’s been around more than a year that I have been working with them.
TINDS: What else do you do?
Nerissa: I manage a separate business in addition to my regular job, which involves both working for our family business and developing my own venture focused on solar panels. This initiative is part of the renewable energy sector, often referred to as green energy. I’ve always had a passion for social enterprises—projects that prioritize a social cause over mere profit generation. I believe they should contribute positively to society while also being financially sustainable. My interest in this area has been long standing; during my previous role as a consul, I led the strategic initiatives department and worked on various projects within the development sector. Social entrepreneurship has consistently captured my attention and enthusiasm.
TINDS: Why don’t you consider starting something of your own like a salon?
Nerissa: I’m uncertain if that’s the path I wish to pursue. However, I do have intentions to take action. As I mentioned, I’m looking to explore more opportunities in the beauty sector and, God willing, create more ventures that I can claim as my own.
TINDS: What age range of clients do you usually hear from?
Nerissa: I cater to a diverse range of clients. I would estimate my clientele spans from ages 22 to 65. My clients include brides, but a significant portion consists of working women who are often more aware of colorism and makeup techniques. This group typically ranges from their late twenties to forties, and they seek guidance on achieving a more natural look rather than heavy makeup. While I may have applied bold makeup today, my aim is for them to learn how to enhance their features without going overboard.
TINDS: Coming this far, what do you think you have had to struggle with the most?
Nerissa: Maintaining motivation is a significant challenge for me. I’m not sure if it’s just my personal experience or if others in the beauty industry feel the same way. Until about a year ago, I was navigating this journey entirely on my own. Recently, I’ve been fortunate to have a team that assists with various tasks and research, which has made a difference. However, before that support came along, it was quite tough to keep my spirits up. Continuing to work on something that doesn’t yield immediate financial rewards can be disheartening at times. While it was incredibly rewarding to know I was helping others, envisioning a bright future felt overwhelming. Staying motivated meant constantly reassuring myself not to give up and to keep pushing forward with my efforts.
TINDS: What are your plans for the future?
Nerissa: I have ambitious goals ahead of me, and that’s about all I can share for now. My aim is to transform many of the norms and practices within the industry, or at the very least, to question them. One of my initiatives includes organizing a Meetup for beauticians and beauty professionals, where I hope to foster a more supportive community for discussing these topics. Additionally, I’m looking to broaden my reach and connect with more individuals through various services or products. So, while I have plans lined up for the future, I recognize that achieving them will take time.
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Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nashin.nerissa/ |
