Zahra’u Aminu Yakubu was born, brought up, and schooled in Bauchi. Her journey into the world of beauty and fashion began naturally — her mother was a fashion designer, so she grew up surrounded by creativity. She initially started a business in the fashion line, inspired by her mum. Makeup, at the time, was just a hobby. But along the line, with encouragement from family and a few friends, she turned that hobby into a business in 2017.
At first, her intention was simply to support her kids’ ready-to-wear clothing business. However, things took a new turn. Alhamdulillah, today she can hardly recall the last time she sewed, as her makeup business has grown tremendously. The expansion that came in 2023 marked a new chapter for her — Zafar Beauty Lounge now offers a wide range of services including hairdressing, spa treatments, pedicures, henna, and more.
The name ZAFAR holds a special meaning; it’s derived from the initials of Zahra’u’s name, her husband’s, and her children’s. Initially, the business was called ZAFAR GLAM, then later ZAFAR ELAN. But during the expansion, she and her team decided to broaden the brand to encompass more services within the beauty industry.
Interestingly, her business isn’t related to her academic course, but Zahra’u hopes to diversify in the future. Her inspiration for venturing into the beauty, fashion, and self-care industry comes from her passion for helping people look and feel their best. She has always believed that beauty isn’t just about appearance — it’s about confidence.
What continues to motivate Zahra’u to grow and expand Zafar Beauty Lounge is the satisfaction of her clients and the positive impact her work has on their lives. Each time a client leaves with a smile and renewed confidence, it reminds her why she started. She is driven by the desire to keep innovating, offer more services, and build a brand that truly represents excellence in the beauty industry.
Zafar Beauty Lounge stands for excellence, professionalism, and care. The brand values authenticity, creativity, and customer satisfaction, with the belief that beauty services should go beyond the surface. These values are evident in how every client is treated — with respect and warmth. The goal is not only to enhance beauty but also to build confidence and create a space where clients feel valued and cared for.
To ensure the mission reflects in daily operations, Zahra’u and her team remain intentional about consistency, quality, and customer care. They carefully select products to ensure safety and effectiveness because client well-being is a top priority. Feedback is also taken seriously and used to improve services, showing clients that their voices matter.
What truly sets Zafar Beauty Lounge apart is the personal touch behind everything they do. For Zahra’u, it’s not just about makeup or beauty services — it’s about helping every woman feel confident, valued, and beautiful in her own unique way. Each client’s experience is personalized, from the initial consultation to the final look, ensuring they leave not just looking good, but feeling good.
The brand’s uniqueness also comes from combining professional beauty standards with a sense of cultural elegance that reflects their identity. They maintain strict hygiene, use only trusted products, and pay attention to every detail that enhances natural beauty.
One of the major challenges Zahra’u faced was managing finances and staff during the early stages of her business. Running a beauty lounge meant balancing expenses, maintaining product quality, and keeping staff motivated. She overcame these challenges through wise budgeting, reinvesting profits, and establishing clear systems for accountability and teamwork.
Through these experiences, she learned that patience, consistency, and customer care are the true foundations of business growth. Every challenge became a lesson that refined the brand, improved service quality, and strengthened Zafar Beauty Lounge’s identity.
At the moment, Zahra’u isn’t involved in any other serious business aside from Zafar Beauty Lounge, but she looks forward to exploring new ventures in the future. Her long-term goal is to launch a cosmetic brand under the Zafar name — a line that reflects their commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity. This will allow the brand to serve a wider audience and solidify its place as a complete beauty and self-care brand.
At Zafar Beauty Lounge, clients are truly at the heart of everything. The team focuses on building genuine relationships by offering personalized services, listening to clients’ needs, and ensuring every visit feels like a luxury experience. The aim isn’t just to make clients look beautiful, but to make them feel valued, confident, and part of the Zafar family. They also stay connected with clients through social media platforms.
Zahra’u’s most memorable project was doing makeup for Hajia Aisha Shamsuddeen Bala Muhammad. Hajia Aisha was so pleased with the service that she paid extra, sponsored Zahra’u for an advanced class with one of Abuja’s best makeup artists, and gifted her additional makeup products. Zahra’u remains forever grateful for that experience.
When asked what’s next, she smiles and says she can’t give any spoilers — but we should definitely anticipate something big.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the beauty and wellness industry is to start with a clear purpose and stay true to it. The industry is full of trends, but authenticity is what builds lasting brands. She believes one must understand their “why” — whether it’s to empower confidence, promote self-care, or create beauty solutions — and let that guide every decision.
She also emphasizes that innovation should be a constant mindset. Entrepreneurs should keep learning, invest in their skills, and pay attention to what clients truly need. They shouldn’t be afraid to experiment, evolve, and bring something fresh to the market that reflects their unique touch.
Finally, Zahra’u advises focusing on impact, not just profit. She encourages others to build brands that add value, uplift others, and leave a positive mark. For her, that’s exactly what Zafar Beauty Lounge represents — a perfect blend of quality, creativity, and care that helps people feel their best. When you stay authentic, innovative, and purpose-driven, success naturally follows.
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