Hailing from Detroit and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Maryam Basir transitioned her life from her hometown to New York City after graduating from University of Michigan possessing a passionate desire to pursue acting and start her own business. She finally initiated her acting journey in her early 20s. 

With dreams of being an entrepreneur, Maryam first established HiBROW, an exclusive one-of-a-kind eyebrow micro-blading studio revolutionizing the landscape of brows; providing an unparalleled service to its consumers. The brand also delivered its simple yet impactful mantra: "We just want the best for your brows."

As an actress and a model, Basir witnessed herself constantly sitting on the makeup chair with the most talented creatives working within the beauty industry. Having no prior experience wearing makeup during her childhood, this world and its interworking surely fascinated Basir so much so that it finally led Basir to pursue her passions and develop her own beauty line, specifically focusing on enhancing brows.
Additionally, Basir also launched her first line of cosmetics titled MARYAM BEAUTY offering a diverse range of services including Microblading, SMP, Cosmetics, Permanent Make-Up and much more. HiBROW was finally incorporated within this line. 

Besides her impeccable entrepreneur endeavours, Basir has also been under the spotlight for some of her phenomenal involvement in projects such as "FBI International," “The Chi,” “Chicago PD,” “Empire,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and “Holiday Heartbreak” that successfully garnered her the accolade of ‘Best Actress in an Independent Film’ for the HAPA Awards. 
Furthermore, she can currently be seen in her novel project titled "To Live and Die and Live" that was recently showcased and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2023; where she stars opposite the wonderful Omari Hardwick.

Maryam Basir recently graced ReVamp's latest cover talking all things acting, being a successful entrepreneur as well as a founder of such a successful brand, discussing significant insights into her professional career and of course MARYAM BEAUTY. 

Hi there Maryam. So lovely to have you over at ReVamp as our latest cover star! How are you doing?

I am so honored to be the latest cover star! I am doing wonderful. Thank you for asking.

How has this year been for you so far? Anything you're currently doing in order to maintain your creativity?

This year has been full of ups and downs, but there’s been some extremely exciting moments as well. To maintain my creativity, I literally create every single day, whether it’s putting together fashion looks, outfits, planning photoshoots, or creative directing all of my own content. I also draw and paint with acrylics and watercolors as well. As far as my environment, even just going for a walk outside and observing all the inspiration around me increases my creativity; I live in New York, so seeing street fashion and graffiti or art murals, all of that plugs back into my work. At home, I curate my environment where everything is aesthetic. I designed my place with Feng shui principles; even my bedroom is all white and silver, which I later found out are the best colors for creative stimulation. I work in a creative field, so it’s always being fueled no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

I'd love to begin our conversation by asking about your first ever line of cosmetics- MARYAM BEAUTY. First of all, huge congratulations on the launch! What was the initial inspiration behind this brand?

Yes, my first ever line of cosmetics, super exciting! Thank you for the congratulations. I was a small town girl who never grew up wearing make up, and then suddenly in adulthood I found myself sitting in the make up chairs of some of the most influential and creative makeup artists in the world. That transformation in itself was all the inspiration I needed; seeing the impact that it had on me, and fellow models / actors around me. That is what inspired me to be a part of the cosmetics world: to be able to help people feel more beautiful and confident, and transform into their true selves.

How has this experience been for you working on your own line of cosmetics since the inception of the brand?

It has been a whirlwind. This all started as a twinkle of an idea in my mind, and then blossomed into figuring out production logistics and launching the brand just a couple of months ago. Being an entrepreneur is so exciting and fulfilling, but it can also be an overwhelming process. Even when I’m overwhelmed, however, it’s in all the best ways.

I know you established HiBROW separately which has been successfully revolutionizing the landscape of Brow for the past few years but now that it's officially expanded and has become a part of your brand, did you ever face any kind of challenges while working on MARYAM BEAUTY considering it offers such a diverse range of services including Microblading, SMP, Cosmetics, Permanent Make-Up and much more?

HiBROW actually started as my side hustle! It’s something that I am still extremely passionate about; the world of microblading and semi permanent makeup fascinates me, and I still do that to this day. Starting Maryam Beauty as an umbrella company and folding HiBROW (a service- based business) into that, that has been a tricky process to navigate, but organizing the goals of the business has helped to clarify all of it.

Every brand has an intrinsic message that they aim to convey to the consumers through the medium of their products. Some promote confidence, some showcase their goals of making others feel as good as possible. What according to you is the message you're trying to convey through MARYAM BEAUTY?

The message of Maryam Beauty is to inspire confidence through beauty. Maryam Beauty is dedicated to helping you unleash your inner beauty and shine, unapologetically. We believe that beauty is a state of mind, and that true confidence originates from within. We all have the power to shine brightly and embrace our unique qualities.

Are you enjoying the response you have been receiving from your audience and customers so far?

Yes! It’s so exciting to see that the products and services are actually making people feel great. It’s the best feeling ever. I have this one particular client who called me to make an appointment for permanent make up / micro-pigmentation for a bald spot on her scalp. While we were waiting to schedule, I told her to use my newest Maryam Beauty brow stamp in the meantime. It’s really designed for brows, but you can use it for hair density, even edges to help thicken the color. It’s working so well in this off label use that she might cancel her permanent make up appointment! I might have shot myself in the foot with that one, but it’s so valuable to me when I see Maryam Beauty products working for people in a multitude of ways.

It states that you are also planning on venturing further within your brand; introducing a range of exceptional novel products that complements their stellar service offerings. Can you tell us a bit more about what you believe holds in for the future of MARYAM BEAUTY?

I have so many amazing things coming in the future. I would say follow our journey on Instagram and TikTok, so you can join in with us and witness all of the new exciting adventures and offerings!

Not only are you a successful entrepreneur; being the founder of a sensational beauty brand and line of cosmetics but your impeccable talent also resides in acting. What can you tell us about your recent project “To Live and Die and Live” which very recently premiered at Sundance 2023?

Thank you! Yes, my first love is always acting and my career. Once the SAG strike is resolved in favor of the actors, I can resume discussing the film and TV projects that I have had in Sundance this year and on TV streaming services, but the focus right now really is about getting fair pay as creatives and safeguarding our talents and rights against new AI technologies. The strike was incredibly necessary, and I’m delighted that our fellow creatives in the WGA can get back to work on a more level playing field.

What was your experience like working alongside the wonderful Omari Hardwick and such a talented bunch of cast and crew? What was it really that made you say yes to this project?

Working with Omari was a dream. He’s so talented, creative, professional and positive. Whether we were on set shooting or just hanging out, he has such incredible energy. One time we were riding in the car together, and he randomly started playing some of his own music. I didn’t even know that he could sing! He’s just so multitalented, he’s not only an amazing actor, but a singer, a rapper, a poet; I don’t know if most people know that about him, but he’s truly an artist.

From being involved in numerous phenomenal projects including "FBI International," “The Chi,” “Chicago PD,” “Empire,” “Law & Order: Special Victims" to winning a huge accolade of ‘Best Actress in an Independent Film’ at the HAPA Awards for your stellar performance in "Holiday Heartbreak", what according to you has been the most memorable moment of your career in all of your professional journey?

One of the most memorable moments was when I won Best Actress. After seeing who else was nominated alongside me, I genuinely never thought I would win. When I first saw that I was nominated, I immediately told my boyfriend, and his reaction was the complete opposite. He said, “you’re probably gonna win!” That kind of put the bug in my ear that it is a possibility. When I was in the car on the way to the award ceremony, I took out a piece of paper and wrote a list of people to thank, because I figured it’s better to be prepared just on the off chance I do win. It was really such a transformational moment in my life: walking up to that stage, being recognized for all of the effort, intention, and dedication that I put into that role. But I can’t lie, working with some of the people I’ve worked with has also been unreal and equally as impactful as my win that night. Every time I’m on set, there’s a reason to say “this is a memorable moment in my career.” It happens every time I’m on set.

What's next for you, Maryam? Any upcoming projects/collaborations that you'd like to hint your fans about?

I have so many things coming up in the near future, so you’ll have to stay tuned to my social media to see all of the exciting announcements! Don’t forget to sign up for my emails on my website, maryambasir.com.

(Thank you for taking out your time for this interview, Maryam!)

Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.

Lastly, I'd love to know if there is any advice that you would like to bestow upon the aspiring entrepreneurs and actors who are trying to make it into this industry as well as a message to your fans currently reading this interview?

A message for anyone wanting to be an entrepreneur, actor or model: JUST DO IT. Believe in yourself, and never give up. You are the only one who can stop you. Break the walls down and make your mark in this world. You only have one life to live, and this is the time to make all your dreams come true!

Follow Maryam!