MUA journey of Shrestha sisters

Stay focused, set your goals clear and don’t hesitate to try new things. Create a great work portfolio and network. Use social media to reach your target audience and keep yourself updated and most importantly stay positive, they say.

In the world of elegance and beauty, Kanchan and Kabita Shrestha, the sisters who own Lume Makeover Studio in Kathmandu’s Mid Baneshwor, are the picture perfect example of dedication and devotion. They started out as independent makeup artists, developing their craft and gaining recognition in Kathmandu’s thriving beauty industry.

Their big opportunity came in 2018 when they worked together with famed makeup artist Swastika Rajbhandari’s assistants for the Miss Nepal campaign. In addition to giving them a chance to display their abilities on a national stage, this opportunity gave the Shrestha sisters priceless experiences and insights that would influence their future undertakings.

Originally from a small town of Chitwan, Kanchan and Kabita moved to Kathmandu nine years ago for further education. Kanchan finished her MBA in Entrepreneurship from Kings College, while Kabita is currently pursuing an MBA degree at Herald College.

“We treasure our childhood memories, especially the ones we shared with our family. These experiences, which ranged from playing outside with siblings to assisting with household tasks like laundry and meal preparation, instilled in us the virtues of diligence, accountability, and cooperation. Above all, they made it possible for us to grow closer to our mother and absorb her strength and wisdom in a cozy and loving environment,” they say.

Cooking, baking, and gardening for their loved ones brings Kanchan and Kabita much delight, aside from their love of makeup. Through these pursuits, they may express their creativity, strengthen their bonds with family and the natural world, and find fulfillment and relaxation.

According to the sisters, spending time in silence with our loved ones and having in-depth, lengthy talks that uplift the spirit. “Whether it’s just chatting, exchanging ideas, or just spending time together. In addition to being a source of inspiration and renewal, these pastimes and quality time with one another also help people achieve balance and refreshment in the middle of daily chaos.”

Before starting their journey into the makeup business, both sisters earned a certificate in cosmetics from SMA Bangkok, a thorough curriculum that provides practical instruction in a range of beauty methods. With courses covering everything from special effects and prosthetics to wedding and magazine makeup, the curriculum gave them the tools they needed to succeed in the beauty business.

Motivated by their love of the beauty industry, the sisters looked into makeup artistry as a possible career path and saw a lot of room for expansion. They started out as freelance makeup artists, therefore it was first difficult for them to make the switch to opening their own studio and focusing on bridal beauty.

What’s the meaning of Lume? “After brainstorming for a long time, we picked the name Lume as a short form of illume. For us, Lume represents the light within or to spread the light upon,” the duo say.     

The sisters’ persistent love for makeup artistry and their ambition to start a company that reflected their ideals and creativity propelled them into the field of cosmetics as a vocation. They were excited to put their passion for cosmetics and their entrepreneurial drive together in order to launch a lucrative and satisfying career in the beauty business.

Living in Kathmandu has had a profound impact on both sisters’ careers and creative styles. The city’s lively energy, cultural variety, and plenty of inspiration have spurred their creativity and allowed them to explore new routes in the beauty business. Kathmandu’s fast-paced environment has taught them to adapt quickly, think on their feet, and accept change, all of which have helped them advance in their careers. Finally, Kathmandu acted as a spur for their professional development and a foundation for their artistic identity, molding them into the artists and professionals they are today.

As makeup artists, both sisters ultimate goal was to establish themselves as trusted names in the makeup industry. In addition to establishing them as a trusted bridal makeup artist, they are equally committed to building a core team of talented individuals who share a passion for minimal bridal makeup and dedication to exceptional service. Collaboration and teamwork are integral to providing a seamless and unforgettable experience for their clients.

Their ultimate goal is to be recognized not only for their technical skills and artistic vision but also for the personalized and compassionate approach they bring to every client interaction. Making people happy and helping them feel beautiful is at the heart of what they do, and they are dedicated to continuously honing their craft to fulfill that aspiration.

Talking about the memorable success they have achieved in their journey and business, “One of the most memorable successes in our journey came when we had the opportunity to contribute to Miss Nepal Shrinkhala Khatiwada’s introduction video for Miss World. Being entrusted with such an important task was not only an honor but also a significant milestone in our career as a makeup artist.”

“Another memorable success in our business journey was the opening of our studio with our hard-earned money from makeup. The journey to opening our studio was not without its challenges, but overcoming obstacles and persevering through setbacks only made the achievement sweeter. It was a testament to our passion, resilience, and commitment to excellence,” they say.

Kanchan expressed that if she wasn’t a makeup artist, she would have continued her passion for fashion as a fashion designer. She is fascinated by the world of fashion because of the options for creativity and self-expression it provides.

Kabita, on the other hand, would have been a dentist, as she was preparing for the entrance exams for BDS, but life had better plans and ended up being a makeup artist.

Staying up to date on the newest trends in the ever-changing cosmetics industry is critical for offering excellent service to customers. To stay competitive, the sisters frequently engage in a variety of training programs, conferences, and seminars. Attending makeup workshops, industry events, and trade fairs allows them to learn from renowned pros about rising trends, novel products, and sophisticated methods.

The sisters prioritize consistency in their work across several clients and scenarios. They accomplish this by following a systematic approach, performing in-depth customer consultations, referencing their portfolio for consistency, constantly upgrading their abilities through training, employing high-quality materials, and aggressively seeking feedback to improve.

As for now, they are currently booked up with appointments because the bridal season is quickly approaching. However, they are excited to begin working on new projects soon.