Meet Falin Hakeem | Makeup Artist & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Falin Hakeem and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Falin, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Keep going. Always! I always ask myself, would you rather regret that you never tried something or tried and realized that something is not for you. I think failure is key. Failure is learning in disguise. There are so many times where I have given up or wanted to, and sometimes it takes time to bounce back. When you’re a creative, you need that time to reflect and redirect. The best ideas come to you when you have a clear mind and you’ve learned from mistakes you’ve made in the past. Then it’s nonstop. Then you want to keep going and going and everything just comes naturally. You find yourself brainstorming in the middle of the night. Which is always how it should feel.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a makeup artist but also someone who loves creating content. What sets me apart from others is that I’m not just that, I’m also a brand. That’s definitely something I’m very proud of. I’m so excited to continue growing Face by Fally, I want it to embody who I am as person and of course, my work. To me, it’s not just makeup. Makeup is an experience. Sometimes there are days where you just want to give up. But as soon as I put on that lipliner and gloss I think this is what makes me able go on. It’s almost a superpower. I feel the same way about fashion as well, I always have. I think the two definitely go hand in hand. Before there was a Face by Fally there was actually a Fits by Fally, which was the same concept but for a fashion page. I’m thinking about bringing it back actually. My dream was to always build an empire and inspire others to do the same! It definitely was not easy to get where I am today. And I’m glad that it wasn’t, because I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. There was a lot of second guessing and self-doubt. And the only way I could overcome those challenges was by simply just doing. Taking the necessary steps that we all just want to skip over you know. A lesson I learned throughout the years was to always put your goals and passions first and work hard for them. Don’t ever give yourself a timeline. I always wanted to beat myself – I’ve been in a competition with myself my entire life, to be the best version of my myself I can be – no matter what I’m doing. I want to inspire other likeminded people to just keep going and find what makes them light up. To me, success is measured in so many ways. What success looks like to me is making people laugh while they’re sitting in my chair. Or when they text me the sweetest message after getting their makeup done with me. That’s when I know I’m doing something right.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever for a week, I would definitely take her to some of my favorite spots in Detroit, Royal Oak, and Birmingham. I love going to different coffee shops and trying them out, but everyone knows I’m a Starbucks girl at heart. I love the Starbucks Reserve in Birmingham. We would get our drinks from there and then go take a little walk and catch up. Then of course, go vintage shopping. I love ABC Vintage in Birmingham. Royal Oak also has some great shops. Lost and Found Vintage, Scout. On the weekend we’d for sure grab a drink and dinner. There are so many good spots in Detroit. I love SheWolfe in Detroit, Italian is my favorite – I think I could eat pasta every single day. And I’m pretty sure I have. Casa Pernoi in Birmingham is also one of my favorite restaurants. Their bread basket first of all – and don’t even get me started on their Spicy Palomino Rigatoni!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that have played such a big role in all my successes. The list could go on forever. First and foremost, my family of course. They’ve given me the freedom to pursue all of my interests at every stage of my life. My dad now knows who Hailey Bieber is whenever I talk to him about how her brand Rhode has reposted my tutorials and will always ask me if I’m a celebrity now. I also wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for the support of my close friends and clients who have become my friends who always push me to keep going and show me all the unconditional love and support in the world. Sometimes I don’t know how I got so blessed. With God on your side anything is truly possible and I will always believe that. Last but not least, my mentor and salon family. My mentor has dedicated countless hours investing and believing in me. She’s trained me to be a perfectionist but has also allowed me to completely be myself. And for that I’ll always be forever grateful. It’s such a rare thing.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facebyfally/