About Yasmeenah
Hi, I'm Yasmeenah,
From a young age, I developed a strong inclination toward the beauty industry. My mother ran a hair salon from our home, where a makeup artist would regularly visit to cater to clients. I distinctly remember anticipating her visits, eagerly awaiting the chance to observe her skills at work.
In grade ten, I started doing hair on weekends to save money for upgrading my initial makeup kit, a thoughtful gift from my father. This marked the beginning of my career into offering bridal and matric ball makeup services. After completing matric, I took a gap year to gather funds to pursue a Diploma in Somatology, which was a personal aspiration. At the age of 17, this gap year turned out to be invaluable.
Following graduation, I spent three years working in the Western Cape, where interactions with international guests sparked my enthusiasm to apply for a position on cruise ships. It was during this experience that my passion for skincare began to flourish. After traveling for 10 months and visiting more than 70 countries, I returned home. I started work in Tanzania, specifically Zanzibar, initially employed as a spa manager. Within a few months, I advanced to the roles of operations manager and trainer in both Tanzania and Kenya.
I always had the vision of owning a business, but I knew there was much to learn. Upon moving to Johannesburg, when the time came to apply for jobs, I discovered I was going to be a mother. Transitioning from working at a young age to spending every day at home in a city where I lacked friends was challenging.
With many still seeking skincare advice from me, I decided to turn it into a business. Offering paid consultations and showcasing client results, I identified a common thread among my clientele—they lacked support and knowledge about skincare basics. Some were unsure of where to begin, others didn’t know their skin types, and some possessed various products without a clue on how to use them. Determined to bridge this gap, I commenced educating clients before their skincare journeys began. Even in the midst of labour, I continued with consultations.
Hailing from a tiny town, many find it hard to believe my journey. Some express a desire to have experienced similar travels, while others share stories of studying Somatology only to later discover it wasn’t their path. It was challenging. Travelling meant I could only see my family once a year, and working with people, in general, is not always easy. Despite the difficulties, it was all worth it.
I look forward to meeting you and working with you.
Yasmeenah Ismail
Diploma in Somatology
Owner of Skin Room