Behind the Brand: Pooja Mehta Opens Up About Building Makiaj & Finding Purpose
By Maddie
Pooja Mehta, a seasoned makeup artist and entrepreneur whose career has spanned over two decades, originally started her journey as a makeup artist with MAC Cosmetics. Pooja refined her craft in Paris and became a leading expert in bridal makeup, an industry that skyrocketed in popularity by 2011. In 2020, she launched Makiaj’s Beauty Light, a groundbreaking product designed to help makeup artists elevate their work with the perfect lighting. By 2025, it had become an essential tool for professionals in the beauty industry. Join us as Pooja shares her insights, experiences, and the journey behind her rise to prominence in the beauty world.
Photo of Pooja Mehta | Emily Kat Photo
Her journey into the world of beauty was deeply influenced by her time in Paris— the fashion capital of the world, where Pooja was drawn to the city’s beauty and the elegance that permeates its culture. Paris, known for the luxurious atmosphere and high attention to detail, inspired the creation of the Makiaj brand. The brand focuses on how beauty looks, feels, and reflects light in the most luxurious way you can imagine.
Launching her business, particularly the Makiaj Beauty Light, was driven by Pooja's long-standing love for light and its transformative effect on images. Her initial motivation was to help the creative community improve their work. She mentions, “People always asked me how are you making your photos and videos look more beautiful and stand out?” She recognized that helping others was a powerful way to evolve and that over time her brand would expand into a vibrant community, fueled by the mutual support among its members. Pooja believes that the true connection behind her business lies in the shared values of support and inspiration, creating a feeling that goes beyond just a beauty product and into something that resonates deeply with people.
Photography by Ushna Khan
Pooja’s work beautifully blends cultural influences, especially South Asian and Western bridal styles, reflecting her unique identity as both "100% Indian & 100% American." Born and raised in the US with strong ties to her Indian roots from her parent’s influence, Pooja explains, "What you see on the website is a reflection of me.” Her brand serves the population that mirrors her own background, and she believes this authenticity is key to building trust with her clients. When it comes to her creative process, Pooja focuses on fostering a strong emotional connection with her clients. "I think the first thing is creating a safe space," she says, emphasizing the importance of trust, especially on significant days like your wedding day. For her, the act of transformation goes beyond just changing appearances—it’s a spiritual experience. "Creation isn’t happening from mind, it’s from spirit. It’s a joint venture," she notes, highlighting how connection and creativity intertwine in her work.
She defines beauty as a constantly evolving concept, acknowledging that trends do come and go, but that timelessness always endures. As she explains, "Trend is a trend for a reason—it’s important for a little while and then it isn’t. We made a very clear definition, Makiaj is not a trendy brand, it is an everlasting brand." Her focus is on creating beauty that lasts, especially when it comes to bridal makeup and hair, where she prioritizes timeless elegance over short-lived trends. Leading a team of over 30 artists, Pooja fosters a space where creativity and expression is central. "Expression is a pillar of being an artist," she says. Her drive to explore new aspects of the beauty industry—whether through education, digital content, or product development—comes from a desire to grow and expand. "If you’re not expanding, you’re contracting," she reflects. "Everything comes from the need and desire to grow and expand." Her constant motivation is to meet the needs of creators, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and heard, with new products coming soon that will push the boundaries of beauty even further. "Let’s just say it’s the next generation of what we already have," she teases, hinting at exciting developments in the pipeline.
Emily Kat Photo
Outside of Makiaj, she participated in competitive ballroom dancing which influenced her approach to both creativity and leadership. As she reflects, "When you step out onto the floor for a competition, the lights are on you—you take the stage. It is your art form that you are bringing for yourself and for others to enjoy." Dance has taught her to embrace bold-ness and visibility, qualities that are just as essential in the beauty industry. "The industry is very competitive. Dance is very competitive," recognizing that both fields require a combination of confidence and artistry. For Pooja, dance has also instilled a sense of discipline, which she carries into her leadership. "It’s about showing up in the world as your best self," she says, emphasizing how the discipline required in dance mirror the commitment she brings to her work in the beauty industry.
Photo of Pooja Mehta | Emily Kat Photo
Her definition of success has evolved significantly over the years. "Success is not outward, it is inward," acknowledging that, at first, she was programmed to view success as something external. Now, she views it through a more personal lens, guided by three key pillars. "Balance is the first and hardest one," she says, explaining the challenge of juggling her career, two kids, a husband, and personal hobbies. The second pillar is discipline, especially doing the work on "boring days," which she believes truly count. Third, she emphasizes the importance of trusting her own intuition over external opinions: "You can have mentors and coaches, but your intuition is your guide." Staying in tune with her intuition, she explains, requires quiet time and meditation. "The universe tries to push you away from intuition," she says, "but you have to tune it like an instrument." When asked about the biggest challenge in her creative journey, Pooja opens up about still grappling with imposter syndrome: "If I sit here today and think of everything I’ve done, I think anyone can do it." However, through her spiritual journey, she is learning to find her true purpose, which she sees as sharing her wisdom and helping others discover their gifts. "Tools can help bring that out," reflecting on how her own experiences have shaped her mission to support others in understanding their unique potential.
For anyone beginning their creative or entrepreneurial journey, Pooja offers an insightful piece of advice: "Learn the skill—understand the skill, and then focus on who you are, yourself." She emphasizes that, while mastering a craft is essential, it is equally important to develop a strong sense of self. "You are going to be the one providing the skill or service," she explains, noting that people often overlook the importance of self-awareness. This includes learning how to connect with others, read a room, and build meaningful relationships. She stresses the importance of working on interpersonal skills, as "Your skill isn’t going to build itself. You have the power." She reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that there is no shortcut to success: "Nobody is entitled to anything, work hard, show up. There is no easy path."
It is proven clear that Pooja’s journey is a true testament to the power of authenticity, perseverance, and her continuous growth. From her early days as a makeup artist to building a thriving brand that inspires a giant community, her passion for beauty and creativity shines through in everything she does. Her emphasis on balance, discipline, and staying true to one's intuition offers insights for anyone looking to carve their own path. With a focus on empowering others and pushing the boundaries of what beauty can be, Pooja’s journey is far from over—and we can’t wait to see where her passion takes her on her journey.
Edited by Marquez Rodriguez on June 6, 2025
