At just 26 years old, Lydia Samsudeen is making big waves in the beauty industry, having transformed her passion for makeup and nails into a thriving business – Glammed By Lydii.
Lydia Samsudeen, the founder of Glammed By Lydii
Glammed By Lydii, located at Lot 5 Helena Number 2 Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), offers a range of services, from bridal makeup to pedicures. But Samsudeen’s journey to where she is now has not been a smooth ride.
A CHILDHOOD ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
Growing up in the rural village of Vive-La-Force on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), Samsudeen was the eldest of four children – a family that faced its fair share of challenges.
“Growing up wasn’t a bed of roses,” Samsudeen recalls, her voice tinged with pride and humility.
Her father, the sole breadwinner, worked tirelessly to provide for his family, while her mother, whom Samsudeen calls her “superwoman,” managed the household with remarkable strength.
“I knew he wanted the best for us all, so he did his best,” Lydia says of her father.
However, her mother’s unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on her.
“She’s my idol, and she’s the reason I push harder every day. I want to be able to give her the luxuries she deserves.”
Yet, life threw a curveball just before Samsudeen was about to write her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.
Her parents separated, and the dreams she had of furthering her education were suddenly out of reach.
“That was my biggest setback,” she confides. Faced with the need to support her family, she placed her ambitions on hold and sought employment.
FROM LIP GLOSS TO BUSINESS OWNER
Despite the challenges, this now businesswoman’s passion for makeup never waned.
“I was always obsessed with makeup as a little girl,” she shares, reminiscing about the days when a simple lip gloss sparked a love that would later define her career.
As she practiced on friends and family, Samsudeen quickly realised she had a natural talent.
“I then realised that I was actually good at it,” she says with a smile.
Her talent did not stop at makeup. She soon challenged herself to learn nail art, and as she honed her skills, her confidence grew.
“I started practicing on others until I realised I could start doing that as a part-time job—and I did.”
Fuelled by her passion for creativity and fashion, this former ‘West Sider’ took a bold step. She decided to open her own salon, a space where she could not only showcase her skills but also help others feel confident and beautiful.
“I got excited seeing the few people I’ve practiced on feeling confident after I’ve worked my magic. I wanted more people to experience that feeling.”
BUILDING A BEAUTY EMPIRE
Today, Glammed By Lydii offers a wide array of services, including bridal makeup, full glam makeup, hair, nails, waxing, pedicures, and eyebrow shaping.
And according to this 26-year-old businesswoman, she is constantly working to expand her offerings, ensuring her salon becomes a one-stop shop for her clients.
“I’m always amazed at my new clients’ reactions every time. The way I help to boost their confidence, especially when it’s their first time having their face glammed and seeing the end result, is incredibly rewarding.”
But the road to establishing her salon was paved with challenges. This now-resident of the East Coast of Demerara spent months searching for a location that would be convenient for her clients.
“After finding one, I invested all I had into my start-up, hoping and praying it wouldn’t be a failure.”
Seven months in, her gamble is paying off. “I’m thankful for how much I’ve grown.”
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
“There’s so much more I aspire to do and to become,” she says with determination. She dreams of making a difference in the beauty industry, not only in Guyana but on an international level.
“I am confident that I have what it takes,” she asserts. Her advice to young entrepreneurs hoping to break into the beauty industry is simple yet powerful:
“Believe in yourself. Anything that you can dream of, you can achieve. Put your all into it and watch yourself grow.”
Contact information for Glammed By Lydii
- Telephone number: +592 625-2662
- Facebook: Glammed By Lydii
