Words by Jumana

The precision of beauty and the creative fancies of makeup: Khadija Sajna says she has always had a keen interest in the area. You may have seen her work and gravitas in the most recent show-stopping photoshoot with desingerazzy’s pink dress. Or even in the stunningly elegant and classy Kelevnti campaigns that always deserve a second look.

Tell us about yourself and your journey to this field.

I developed an interest in makeup, and mostly beauty, since I was little. Especially as a teenager, I used to love making face packs at home. For makeup, I used what was accessible to me at the time, which would have been like an eyeliner and lipliner and things here and there. I was working as a cabin crew at Maldivian when I decided to quit and officially study the field. So I began the beauty therapy and makeup course in Malaysia and have been moving forward since.

How did you come up with the name? ‘Redefined’ sounds very interesting.

Before the page @saju__beauty_redefined, I used to run a page called Saju MUA. But with the onset of Covid-19, makeup was limited and I began making my own beauty products while at home. I used to gift these to family and friends and they got back to me with really positive responses. I wanted the products to enter the market and be accessible to people so the page was rebranded and I arrived at “Redefine your beauty”.

What’s your favorite face mask on a tough day?

The mask with the most immediate effects is my lentil-glow pack. The ingredients in it bring an immediate brightening effect. You could have the busiest day and get home and use the pack, scrub and wash away to reveal an instant brightening glow.

Lentil is such an interesting ingredient to use in a face mask. How do you come up with your ingredients?

I do a lot of research and read a lot. I also focus on what products are available at home, since these are homemade. I research the benefits of several ingredients I come across like lentils or potato and see which combinations work the best.

Can we look forward to seeing a line of your products in the future?

In sha Allah, yes, I would love to have my own line and I am working towards that. So yes, the dream is to have a line of face masks, scrubs, toners and such. I do home visits within different atolls in Maldives in addition to the Male’ area and I have several regular customers and there is a high demand for the products even now.

Are your products available through the page only?

For now, yes! I would love to be able to sell it in shops and there are a lot of offers even now but I am very careful with my products and since a lot of the products need to be maintained-like refrigeration and shelf-life, I haven’t been able to do that yet. If I had a reliable prospective partner, the story may be different.

What’s your take on the beauty and makeup industry now?

I’m very happy to say that both industries in Maldives are expanding. Even with the quick-fix route taking shape in the beauty industry, there are a lot of people who would like a more consistent approach to it as well. I get a lot of encouragement for my services within the other atolls where there may be only one or even no local salons offering beauty services.

How does the process of bookings in different local islands work?

I work with a partner in each of the islands who gives me a pre-booking for a certain number of customers (minimum 15-20 facials). Any island that would like to have these beauty treatments can reach out to me and I would love to allocate my time and go to them.

You also offer foot massages and other beauty services?

Yes, I do home visits for facials and massage (for ladies only) like full body massage, shoulder and foot massage. You can turn it into a full pamper session with packages that combine shoulder massage or foot massage with the choice from around six facial services now. If clients find it difficult to receive treatment in their houses, I also sometimes use my home for treatments.

We saw the most recent Kleventi campaign. It was stunning! How different is it working on campaigns vs. weddings and events?

Photoshoots have a more exaggerated makeup and it will be according to the photoshoot concept while event makeup has to be simpler and more natural on the eyes.

How do you find inspirations for photoshoot makeup?

Most of the time, photoshoots are a collaboration between the makeup artist, photographer and models. After a discussion about the concept, I hit the internet for research and inspiration and come up with sort of a mood board for the shoot. Other times, like with the recent Keleventi one, the stylists would have already come up with their own mood board and approached me.

Any advice to burgeoning entrepreneurs who want to do something similar?

There is so much young talent out there right now, so my advice would be to go ahead and display your work and social media. I would love to see more Maldivians taking an active part in the beautician role. There is something very special, satisfying and interesting in someone reaching out to you with their insecurities and concerns and you being able to help them overcome that.What is your dream photoshoot concept for makeup and hair? I would love to do a more creative and heavy approach to hair and makeup.

What are some things we can see you doing in the future? What are your hopes and dreams?

I have so many aspirations for new products and services in the future. Looking forward, I would like a more spa vibe rather than a saloon-feel. I would like to own a very tranquil, quiet, calm and relaxing space where people can get massages, facials and rejuvenate themselves.