Dancing Queens' Pooja Mehta's Makeup Business: What to Know

Aug 12, 2023

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Pooja Mehta strives for diversity with her bridal makeup and hair business, which also features a line of cosmetic products.

Ballroom dancing can be a costly hobby, but Dancing Queens’ Pooja Mehta is working hard for the money. It's not just about ballroom dancing for her. She also runs her own business, a business that sets her apart from other family members.

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Here's what to know about Pooja Mehta's job.

Coming from a family of doctors (who also dance), Pooja is the creator and C.E.O. of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based Makiaj Beauty, a company providing full-service hair and makeup primarily for brides on their big day. Founded in 2010, Makiaj comprises of an all-female team of artists known as the "glamfam," with Pooja at the helm.

"Being a makeup artist, that's like hired help back in India," Pooja said in Episode 4 of Dancing Queens. "My parents, they wanted something more. They wanted me to be in something that was well-respected, but my way of excelling is very different than doing surgery or listening to people's problems.

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"I found success in a career I was more passionate about," Pooja continued.

Dancing rival Colette Marotto paid Pooja a visit at Makiaj in Episode 5 of Dancing Queens. While the company doesn't sell moisturizer (much to Colette's dismay), there is a whole lot they do have.

Makiaj carries their own line of cosmetic-related items, including affordable lip glosses (in colors such as "Peach Me," "Blossom," "Overnight," and "Rebel"), makeup brushes, false eyelashes, and hair extensions. Candles and beauty lights also give customers that extra touch of radiance.

Brush easels and makeup bags are also for sale, handy for toting all your favorite Makiaj products.

Beyond the Makiaj collection, the business is known for providing mainly bridal makeup and hair services. Having trained at the Fleurimon hair and makeup school in Paris, Pooja wanted to emphasize a focus on growth, artistry, and authenticity, according to her website.

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"A company is an extension of its leadership, and Pooja continues to lead her company with cultivating the value of inclusivity," the website states. "We believe beauty is diverse and pride ourselves on having a vast range of knowledge about various complexions."

Makiaj specializes in a wide range of bridal styles, including "western," which gives "elevated artistry" to the "high-end, modern bride." The group also caters to the "South Asian" bride, which consists of specialized jewelry and the traditional dupatta, a shawl commonly worn by women in the Indian culture.

"With over 30 artists, Makiaj Beauty has been recognized internationally for their work," according to the website. "Beyond being the best in the business, highly educated, and with over 50 years of experience combined, we are as versatile as the women we meet."

When not serving an international clientele, Makiaj also offers a wide range of makeup courses, including artistry and lessons in technique and business. Live webinars, memberships, and certification to become a Makiaj artist are also available.

Videos can be sent straight to your inbox, with tutorials about daytime glam, winged liner, red lip, and more.

With fellow makeup expert Vanessa — whom Pooja met eight years ago during a runway show — the Dancing Queens cast member believes it's vital that her clientele not just look beautiful but also feel beautiful. Both women say their passion is learning and educating others.

"We strive to educate artists on how to create a unique niche for themselves through technique, photography, content creation, and business education while keeping up with trends," the website states.

Makiaj's Instagram page has thousands of followers and showcases an array of beautiful photos with stunning brides, makeup applications, and even discounts for Makiaj products. Several bridal photo shoots are set in picture-perfect settings, such as cathedrals, deserts, mansions, and at the Makiaj studio.

Pooja told Dancing Queens’ producers that while bridal hair and makeup are typically more "virgin-esque," dancers require a more "burlesque" style, which is why viewers get to see her in the chair for the first time to be made up by ballroom hair and makeup guru Boyko Ivanov.

"Not many women wanna look like a drag queen on their wedding day," said Pooja.

Needless to say, Pooja keeps busy with Makiaj, even when "caught off guard" by her rivals entering the building, as seen in the new Bravo series.

To see more of Dancing Queens, watch new episodes Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo, available the next day on Peacock.