Interview with Nadirah Watkins
@enchantedbeautyny | Freeport, NY | 3-Month Licensed Beauty Pro
Q: What inspired you to get into the beauty industry, and how did you get started?
A: My love for beauty is what inspired me to step into the industry. I started doing makeup—and even a little hair—in 2007 and creating beauty-related content since 2017. When I was about 14, makeup had my heart. At first, it was a way for me to feel better about myself and my appearance. But over time, I realized it had become a genuine passion. People would even ask me to teach them, and that’s when I knew I had something.
In my early 20s, I started my beauty influencer journey by posting makeup tutorials online. But at one point, I stepped back from beauty altogether to focus on my healing and spiritual journey. Still, I always felt in my heart that beauty was part of my purpose.
I originally looked into beauty school for cosmetology back in 2015, but I had just become a new mom to twins, and it wasn’t the right time. In 2024, I felt called again. I reached out to the same school I had inquired about nearly 10 years earlier. I was looking into cosmetology again, not realizing aesthetics was more aligned with me. Once I learned that makeup was included under aesthetics—and how deeply skincare and makeup go hand in hand—I knew that was my path.
Surprisingly though, once I started learning waxing in school, that’s what I truly fell in love with. Even though I offer facials, body treatments, makeup, and more—waxing became my foundation. It came so naturally to me in a way makeup never did. I became one of the best waxers in my class, and other students would come to me for their waxing services.
That’s how I got into Brazilian waxing. It wasn’t formally taught; I was asked to do it because they trusted me. After that, more classmates started requesting me, and that’s how I built and strengthened my skills. Now, here I am—licensed and specializing in Brazilian waxing and intimate skincare!
Q: Tell us a little about Enchanted Beauty. What inspired you to create your own space?
A: Enchanted Beauty Salon & Spa is a one-stop shop. It brings back the feeling of a true beauty shop—a space where women feel safe, seen, pampered, and able to just enjoy being women.
Our motto is: “There’s beauty in magic,” and I fully believe that. Our services don’t just change how you look—they shift your energy. What we offer goes beyond surface-level beauty; it’s healing on a spiritual level. Beauty is energy work. It’s an exchange, so I’m very intentional about the energy I pour into each client.
I created my own space because I’m a creative visionary. Working for someone else doesn’t allow me to fully bring my visions to life. I work best for myself. The level of care, love, and spiritual connection I want to offer my clients—it’s something I just can’t fully give while working under someone else’s brand. I needed a space where my magic could breathe.
Q: What’s your self-care routine to decompress after a long day?
A: Honestly? After a long day, I love getting in my jammies and just relaxing. But on a more intentional night, I like to journal—to release the day, reflect, and acknowledge any small wins I may have overlooked.
Then I’ll complete my skincare routine, light a candle, set the vibe, and either spend time with my husband or unwind with a movie until I fall asleep.
Q: What do you look for in a product when you decide to bring it into your business?
A: It all depends on the product’s purpose. I’m very big on corrective skincare, so I look for ingredients like vitamin C, and I make sure everything is safe for sensitive skin.
But it’s deeper than ingredients—I look at the company’s values. I choose brands that align with my own beliefs about beauty, client care, and energy. I’m passionate about using products that are intentional, high-quality, and created with real care for people’s skin.
Q: What’s your current beauty product obsession (outside of what you offer)?
A: Right now? I’m obsessed with this ELF brow gel! Before I got into brow lamination, I was always looking for something to help tame my curly brows. Even when they’re groomed, they don’t lay flat, so I wanted something that gave me that laminated look—without actually doing the service.
The only downside is it runs out fast, but I use it almost daily—even on no-makeup days. It gives such a clean, polished look, and I love that.
