Nazia Rafique Malik is a creative force who has seamlessly blended multiple artistic pursuits into a thriving career. From acting to hosting, makeup artistry to fashion design, her journey has been one of passion, reinvention, and an unrelenting drive to create. Her story is not just about personal success but about navigating the delicate balance between artistry and business while staying true to her vision. With an international certification in makeup and years of experience in the media industry, Nazia has carved a name for herself in multiple fields, proving that creativity knows no bounds.
She has always been drawn to various forms of art, seeing a natural connection between acting, hosting, makeup, and design. Each of these fields, in her eyes, feeds into another, allowing her to express different facets of her creativity. Initially, she wanted to master everything, but reality demanded she make choices. Acting, although deeply loved, required an immense time commitment, making it difficult to sustain alongside other ambitions. Hosting, however, felt like home. It allowed her to merge her personality, confidence, and creativity while still engaging in her love for fashion and beauty.
Her early years in the entertainment industry saw her juggling both acting and hosting. Before becoming a prominent name, she hosted her first morning show, She’s on One, for TV One, followed by various other hosting gigs. While acting provided artistic fulfilment, hosting was a more sustainable career choice, especially when she began establishing her own businesses. A decade ago, acting was not as financially rewarding as it is today. Hosting and running her own studios provided her with the financial stability she needed, allowing her to build a solid foundation for her future.
Her journey in hosting has been filled with milestones. One of her most cherished experiences was working on Kisan Lazhat Ki Jan with Chef Mehboob, where she gained insight into continental cuisine and formed a lasting friendship. Hosting late-night shoots was exhausting but also gave her resilience. This period paved the way for her most significant breakthrough, hosting She’s on One, a morning show that introduced her to a much wider audience. Working alongside Chef Farah, she became a household name, gaining immense popularity. This success led to high-budget advertisements, endorsements, and further hosting opportunities.
Despite her deep involvement in media, her love for fashion never faded. Recently, she has reignited her passion for design by relaunching her fashion studio. Observing the Pakistani fashion landscape, she noticed a tendency for repetition in women’s clothing, with most designs following the same conventional patterns. This inspired her to create fashion that would make women stand out. She believes in pushing boundaries and creating pieces that exude elegance, sophistication, and individuality. Unlike many designers who replicate traditional styles, she seeks to innovate, experimenting with new cuts, embellishments, and structures. Her designs cater to the stylish woman who craves uniqueness, someone who wants to walk into a room and be remembered.
Managing multiple creative and business ventures comes with its challenges. With only 24 hours in a day, balancing responsibilities can become overwhelming. Prioritising health, sleep, and diet is essential, but in a demanding industry, it’s often difficult. Ideally, she would prefer to focus on one endeavour, but the economic landscape in Pakistan makes it necessary to diversify. Running multiple businesses is a strategic move to ensure financial security, even though it often comes at the cost of personal time and family life. Despite these struggles, she remains motivated, fuelled by both passion and practicality. She hopes that as her brand expands, she can delegate more tasks to her team, allowing her to focus on her biggest priorities.
Her journey has been enriched by formal training in various creative disciplines. She has an A-level diploma in art, training in photography, painting, and fashion design, along with international certification in makeup artistry. These diverse skills have proven to be valuable across all her ventures. For instance, her graphic design expertise has helped her create visually engaging content for her YouTube channel and social media platforms. Having hands-on experience in multiple creative fields allows her to be self-sufficient and direct her team more effectively. When working on fashion, she approaches design as an art form, drawing inspiration from her background in painting and illustration. Each discipline informs the other, making her work more dynamic and refined.
One of her proudest achievements has been integrating Pakistani culture into her work. The richness of Pakistani artwork, embroidery, and craftsmanship has always inspired her. Some of her collections have incorporated traditional embroidery and motifs, earning great appreciation. She finds that adding cultural elements to her designs not only enhances their value but also makes them globally appealing. Traditional pieces often command higher prices in the international market, and she has leveraged this to create designs that are both heritage-driven and commercially viable. Blending Pakistani and Western aesthetics has become her signature, a fusion that resonates with modern consumers. Her previous fashion shows featuring these cultural-infused designs were highly successful, and as she reenters the fashion industry, she plans to revive this aesthetic with her new collections.
Staying ahead in the fast-paced world of fashion and media requires constant learning. Fortunately, with platforms like Google, Meta, and ChatGPT, staying updated has never been easier. The industry is no longer reliant solely on fashion weeks or traditional trend forecasts. However, she has noticed that in Pakistan, people tend to follow their own style rather than adhering strictly to global trends. While it’s important to be aware of what’s happening in the fashion world, she believes in creating rather than copying. Fashion and beauty are about self-expression, and she encourages people to embrace individuality rather than conforming to societal norms. She acknowledges that in Pakistan, there is often a fear of judgment when it comes to fashion choices. Many people hesitate to be bold in their style due to cultural expectations. However, she is an advocate for personal freedom in fashion, encouraging people to take risks and express themselves unapologetically.
Having multiple creative pursuits has worked to her advantage. Although makeup, fashion, photography, and graphics may seem like separate fields, they all intersect in her work. During slower periods in her makeup studio, her fashion business thrives, and vice versa. This natural synergy allows her to manage her time efficiently. For instance, during religious months when makeup bookings decline, she shifts her focus to designing. Having multiple streams of income ensures that she is always productive. While she delegates tasks in her fashion business, makeup remains a personal art for her—something she prefers to do herself rather than outsourcing. However, for clients with a limited budget, she has a trained team that assists, ensuring that every client receives high-quality service.
Looking ahead, she is focused on expanding her business and making a strong return to the fashion industry. She plans to pursue further education and training in makeup, both locally and internationally, to refine her skills and stay ahead of industry trends. Alongside her business ventures, she remains committed to television, continuing to host select shows that align with her interests. Unlike a traditional job, her hosting work is flexible, allowing her to dedicate time to her growing empire. She is also open to collaborations and partnerships that will help her brand reach new heights.
Ultimately, her vision is to build a diversified business empire with multiple branches under one umbrella. She draws inspiration from global entrepreneurs who have successfully expanded across industries. Her ambition is to become a leading name in both fashion and beauty, proving that one doesn’t have to be confined to a single career path. With hard work, adaptability, and a fearless approach to creativity, she is determined to leave a lasting impact. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion—a testament to what’s possible when talent meets perseverance.
