Glow Up with Faradila Makeup

Changing the path of life is not an easy task, especially when the choice does not align with family expectations or one’s educational background.

For Faradila Ratnasari, however, the calling to follow her passion in the beauty industry became the starting point that led her to become one of the most prominent MUAs in Greater Solo. Faradila Makeup isn’t just known for its flawless artistry, it embodies the inspiring journey of a woman who dared to take risks to chase her dreams.

Dila, an alumna of UMS class of 2013, graduated with a degree in English Education. From a young age, she had shown talent in the arts and performed in various singing competitions in Wonogiri, her hometown.

According to Dila, her mother was skilled at styling her to look beautiful and elegant on stage. This habit, albeit indirectly, gradually introduced Dila to the world of cosmetics and beauty.

However, Dila’s passion for makeup truly blossomed during her college years. Joining the Arts and Film Unit (USF), she often applied makeup before performing on stage, whether for dancing or singing.

The result pushed her to start learning makeup techniques on her own. “From the beginning, I loved exploring, trying things out on my own until I eventually became confident in doing my own makeup,” shared her Tuesday (10/12/2024).

Over time, Dila’s skills began to be recognized by her fellow USF members. Her first request came from a friend who asked Dila to do her makeup for her graduation ceremony.

“That was my first experience doing makeup for someone else. It turned out quite satisfying, and even my friend’s mother and siblings wanted me to do their makeup as well. That became the turning point when I started considering pursuing makeup more seriously. It felt like I was getting encouragement and support from my friends,” she recalled with a bright smile.

Although Dila loved makeup, her formal education in teaching initially directed her toward becoming an educator. After graduating in 2013, Dila opened an English tutoring course at her home for 1.5 years, teaching elementary to high school students.

"I had prepared everything, from tables and chairs to teaching aids. I thought this was the path aligned with my education," she said.

However, amid her teaching duties, Dila continued to dedicate her spare time to exploring the art of makeup. She often practiced makeup on her students and captured the results with her personal camera.

“It was like building a makeup portfolio where I could also assess whether my skills were improving,” Dila explained.

Even so, Dila's decision to shift from education to the beauty industry was initially met with skepticism from her father. "He hoped I would remain a teacher because both my parents are teachers. But I felt my passion was stronger in makeup. Eventually, I made the big decision to prove myself to my father," Dila shared.

Faradila Ratnasari. Imam Safi'i/UMS PR

In 2014, Dila began pursuing the makeup industry. She established Faradila Makeup and Continuous Photo Studio, based in the Permata Village Dealova housing complex in Kartasura, not far from where she currently resides.

She built the business alongside her husband, who is also a professional photographer. Their collaboration grew steadily, adding significant value to their business.

“We often got clients who requested complete packages, I handled the makeup, and my husband did the photography. That became one of our business' unique selling points in the early days,” she explained.

Initially, Dila relied solely on Instagram to showcase her work, a relatively novel approach at the time, especially in Greater Solo. She said, “Back then, there were very few MUAs in Solo. So I felt it was the perfect moment to introduce myself through Instagram.”

On June 11, 2015, Dila received an extraordinary offer. She was entrusted to do the makeup for the wife and daughter of the Chairman of the Advisory Council of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), Jimly Asshiddiqie, for the wedding of President Joko Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Selvi Ananda.

“That moment became the turning point for my career as a makeup artist. Slowly but surely, my services began to gain recognition and attention. My name even appeared in several online media outlets and newspapers,” Dila shared enthusiastically.

After that event, the number of followers on her Instagram account, @faradilamakeup exploded. With consistent uploads showcasing her makeup results for all her clients, Dila successfully built a reputation as a professional and reliable MUA.

Dila's success is not just a stroke of luck. She truly put all her dedication into realizing her dreams. She never missed attending various workshops to improve her skills, even undergoing certification tests to prove her competence as a skilled makeup artist.

“In my opinion, we should always strive to learn and improve. Makeup trends change every year, so we must also adapt and remain skillful. Maybe because of experience, I have gradually become more proficient,” said Dila. On a daily basis, Dila and her team can handle makeup for two wedding events.

Dila doing makeup for one of her clients at a wedding.

“For graduation makeup, I have a team, and Insya Allah, they are all experts or certified. But for weddings, I have to handle it myself. No other hands are allowed, only mine!” she stressed.

With her increasing experience, Dila has often been invited as a speaker for beauty classes by various renowned local makeup brands since 2018, sharing her knowledge and experiences with participants.

“Being an MUA is not just about doing someone’s makeup. It also involves giving others confidence,” she said. Dila added that her greatest happiness is seeing her clients smile freely and feel satisfied after she finishes their makeup.

Dila during a session of Beauty Class with Skintific at Happy Beauty Day hosted by Sinar Kosmetik on Friday (29/11/2024).

"While doing makeup, I always chat with my clients. I often compliment them, saying things like, ‘You look so beautiful, Sis,’ or other phrases that boost their confidence,” Dila continued. According to her, this approach makes clients smile more, which allows their inner beauty to shine throughout the event.

The Covid-19 pandemic, which hit Indonesia for nearly four years, posed a major challenge for many business owners, including Dila. However, she successfully adapted by utilizing social media as a tool to stay connected with her clients.

“The pandemic taught me to be more creative. I used Instagram to maintain relationships with clients while also promoting my services,” she said. Today, her Instagram account @faradilamakeup has grown to hundreds of thousands of followers.

For Dila, her journey is proof that passion and hard work can lead someone to the peak of success. She confidently said, “Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams, even if the path you take is different from everyone’s expectations.”

Her business, Faradila Makeup, has now grown into a thriving and sustainable venture. “Alhamdulillah, everything is sufficient, as its profits ensure smooth operations, capital recovery, fair wages, and reinvestment opportunities for further development,” she responded.

The graceful woman conveyed she always gave 100% to her work. She believed suggestions and feedback as valuable lessons that help her grow and improve. In return, she often received heartfelt messages of appreciation from her clients.

They prayed for her business’ success and longevity. To Dila, that kind of message would eventually come if we gave our best work. “It is priceless,” she concluded.

Dila shared that being a makeup artist is not just about enhancing beauty but also about building good relationships with her clients.  For her, true success in makeup artistry is achieved when clients feel satisfied, more confident, and radiate their inner beauty.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Designer: Salsabila Kamila Wardah