Samina Merchant is one of the most wanted make-up artists in Dubai and has been gaining quickly gaining prominence with her make up and hair styling skills. From working with celebrities such as Mohan Shakti and getting brides ready for their special day, Samina Merchant has done it all and done it well too. But this is just one of the labels she holds for she is also the proud mother of three children.Balancing life at home and a thriving career is no mean feat, but going on to become the best in her profession is something all together. When we asked her what changed after she became, she was candid to reply, saying “ The first time I became a mother, at just 21, was probably the most challenging. Being so young didn’t make it any easier, but looking back now with my oldest daughter at 17, I realise how much we learned together. We grew up side by side, navigating life hand in hand. The second time I became a mother, at 26, brought new lessons, like finding even more patience and learning how to multitask while being fully present for both my children. Just a few months ago, I became a mother once more, this time with an 11-year gap between my youngest and the older ones. It’s shown me that love doesn’t divide—it multiplies. Each child brings new joy, more strength, and a deeper compassion. Motherhood is a journey that keeps expanding with every child, each one shaping me in new and wonderful ways.”
Samina’s devotion to her role as a mother was nothing surprising seeing that when we asked her who was her role model, she was quick to answer that it was her mother “My mother is my role model. She’s always been there when I needed her, standing as a pillar of strength and support. She taught me resilience and how to see even the toughest situations in the best possible light. Her unwavering positivity and kindness are qualities I try to carry forward in my own life and pass down to my children.”
Apart from being the doteful mother, Samina also a person whose very much rooted in her culture and traditions and wants to pass the same values to her children. When asked what are some memories she wants to share with her children in the future, she says “I have been sharing my memories along the way —the ups and downs, the lessons learned, and the joy of being together through it all. The little traditions we had during cultural and religious celebrations are especially dear to me. Those moments of family unity created lasting memories, and I hope to pass them on so my children can carry the same warmth and togetherness forward. Those traditions remind us of who we are and connect us through generations.”
Hearing all the optimism with which she brings to her motherhood journey, made us curious about her own childhood. When we asked her to share a bit more about her own childhood, she answered “My childhood was filled with unforgettable memories, a journey of both highs and lows. During the highs, we experienced the best of life—living in beautiful homes and traveling to new countries. In the lows, we found strength in each other, creating our own kind of joy and sweet memories together. My parents were strict when they needed to be, and now, as a parent myself, I understand the protective love behind their guidance. Those experiences taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of family support.”
Being a mother, whether it is for the first time or not, is always a very challenging time. When we asked Samina how did she care for her mental health during that time, she says “Caring for my mental health often means carving out little pockets of alone time. Sometimes it’s quality time with a friend or a good phone conversation, depending on the day. Self-care like skincare, haircare, or even a long shower can feel like a refreshing break. I love a peaceful drive with my favorite music playing, and with a baby and a busy schedule, even scrolling through Instagram can feel like a quick recharge.”
Before we moved on from the topic of motherhood, they were still two questions that we wanted Samina’s take on. When asked what was something everyone should avoid telling new mothers, she says “Avoid giving unsolicited advice, comparing how you would handle things, or judging their parenting style. Constantly correcting them can be overwhelming. Every mother knows what’s best for her child, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Each journey is unique, and support means respecting that.” And when we asked what was some advice she would like to give all new mothers, she said “Trust your intuition and take things one day at a time. It’s not always easy, but remember, this precious time goes by so quickly. Speaking from experience with my teenagers, I was always in a rush for them to grow up, and now I wish I could go back to those little moments. I hold my baby a little closer now, knowing how fast they’ll grow, and I remind myself to cherish every cuddle and smile.”
We really loved hearing Samina’s insights on her time as a mother and wanted to hear more from her. When asked what was her favourite dish, there was no doubt about it “Biryani is a favorite in our home—something my whole family loves. Anytime there’s a festival or celebration, it’s the first dish that comes to mind. There’s just something about the warmth, flavor, and tradition of biryani that makes every occasion feel even more special.” When asked about who was her go-to person for life advice, she said “My go-to person really depends on the situation, as I have a few trusted people with different strengths. My top three are my mother, who is always wise and compassionate; my husband, who brings a balanced perspective; and my best friend, Vanisha, who is like a sister to me. Each of them brings a unique insight that I cherish and rely on.”
We finally ended our interview, asking Samina about some of the projects that she excited about for the future and she was more than happy to share with us about them “I’m thrilled about several upcoming projects where I’ll be collaborating with some of my favorite brands, as well as a few I’ve always dreamed of working with. On a personal note, I’m excited to see what the future holds and can’t wait to experience the journey ahead!”
Seeing Samina do it all, pursuing her passion while being such an excellent mother to her three children, really lifted our spirits and make us hope that we can achieve the same kind of success in our endeavours. We really wish her the best for her future and wish that we could soon have the opportunity to interact with her joyful and bubbly self quite soon in the very near future. It was truly a lovely opportunity for us to listen to Samina Merchant’s story.
