Six years ago, Buayxam Abdureyim was a stay-at-home mom in rural Xinjiang, her days filled with chores and childcare. Fast-forward to today, and she’s the boss of her own beauty empire 💅—proving that sometimes, all it takes is a pair of scissors and a dream to cut through limitations.
With backing from the Women’s Federation of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Buayxam joined a free beauty therapy program in 2017. 'I never thought I’d hold a hairdryer instead of a broom,' she laughs. A year later, she opened her village’s first salon 🏠💈, turning her kitchen-table skills into a thriving business.
But Buayxam’s real power move? Training over 20 apprentices—mostly women who, like her, once doubted their potential. 'Every perm, braid, or haircut we do isn’t just about style,' she says. 'It’s about showing my sisters they can earn, lead, and shine.'
Her salon now offers everything from skincare to bridal makeup, creating jobs and confidence in equal measure. Up next? Expanding services and mentoring even more women. As one apprentice put it: 'She didn’t just teach me to color hair—she colored my future.' 🌈
