Nabila’s World | A Glimpse Into the Mind Behind Pakistan’s Beauty Revolution
For over four decades, Nabila has shaped the beauty narrative in Pakistan with a quiet confidence that speaks louder than words. From the humble beginnings of a makeshift salon to becoming a name recognized far beyond borders, her journey is a masterclass in perseverance, vision, and meticulous craft. What sets her apart is not just her skill, but her instinct—an almost uncanny ability to anticipate trends and translate them into something deeply relatable. In this candid conversation with HELLO! Pakistan, she opens up about her beginnings, the lessons that shaped her career, and her plans for the future, offering a glimpse into a world where passion and purpose collide.
Reflecting on 40 years in the industry, what would you say is the most significant change you've witnessed in Pakistan's beauty and fashion landscape?
Thanks to social media, people are more aware and are making informed choices.
Your journey began from a small salon to now being a global icon in beauty. What do you attribute your enduring success and influence to?
It began from an 8x8 ft maid's room. That mindset from the early days is still vivid. The space was thoughtfully designed with a parrot green and electric blue two-seater bench, collages from Vogue on the walls, and crepe paper in matching colors. The air conditioning worked, the music was good, and clients were offered coffee. Appointments were made through a receptionist, and sticking to a schedule was a priority.
Nothing has changed about the mindset; the scale is just a lot bigger now.
Punctuality and professionalism were key, with every client receiving the best possible service. Constant investment in skill development, creating an inviting atmosphere, and offering globally trending services have been central to the journey. The approach has not changed; only the scale is bigger now.
With the launch of innovative products like the No Makeup Palette, how do you stay ahead of beauty trends and continue to meet the evolving needs of your clientele?
Being an extremely picky and difficult-to-please consumer is key. Only products that deliver 100% results are used, and if such a product doesn’t exist, it is created. Four decades of hands-on experience have built a deep understanding of the unique requirements of brown skin and hair, along with the solutions needed to address them. Every product sold is something that would be personally purchased and used.
If I don’t find that product, I make it.
You've collaborated with a wide range of celebrities and brands, including your role at IIFA where you replaced MAC as the official hair and makeup partner. How did this achievement impact your career and your brand’s global recognition?
For the team, it is just an event where the focus is on delivering the best possible results, regardless of the client’s profile. The impact, however, has been huge, further solidifying the brand’s global recognition.
Lead by example, share vision, train, train, train.
Mentorship and nurturing talent seem to be a big part of your legacy. How do you approach mentoring the next generation of beauty professionals?
The approach is to lead by example, share a vision, and emphasize consistent training. Mentorship is viewed as an ongoing process to prepare future professionals for excellence.
Beautiful dewy skin and timeless trends will never go out of fashion.
Your philosophy emphasizes simplicity and enhancing natural beauty, which is quite distinct from traditional, more elaborate styles. How did you develop this unique approach, and how has it been received?
Beautiful, dewy skin and timeless trends are the foundation of this philosophy. The focus has been on creating a “you but better” look, offering face products with varying coverage intensities and textures. Formulas with built-in correctors, designed to be easy to build and blend, ensure foolproof results.
These products provide reliable and intelligent solutions, which have been widely appreciated and are flying off the shelves.
Change is the only constant. The joy it brings to their faces keeps us going.
You’ve expanded your brand to include services like N-Gents and specialized salons. What’s next for Nabila—are there any new ventures or innovations we should look out for?
The next decade is dedicated to empowering clients with home care products that reduce their dependency on salon visits. This will be achieved with the launch of a haircare line.
Your work has often been described as transformational, especially in terms of image makeovers. What has been your most memorable makeover, and why?
Change is the only constant, and makeovers are a part of everyday work. While transformations of stars often bring attention, hundreds of girls and boys visiting salons nationwide also experience life-changing results. The joy and confidence these transformations bring are the driving forces behind the work.
My talent was so evident, I would have skipped school and started at least ten years earlier than I did.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your career?
Talent was so evident that skipping school entirely and starting at least ten years earlier would have been a better use of time.
Invest in learning, be disciplined, work hard. There is no shortcut!
As someone who has set benchmarks in the industry, what legacy do you hope to leave behind, and what advice would you give to aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs?
Investing in learning, maintaining discipline, and working hard are non-negotiables. There are no shortcuts to success.
Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja
Photographer: Rizwan Ul haq