Today we’d like to introduce you to Elham Glam.
Hi Elham, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I built my career by taking risks and trusting my instincts. I started as a salon owner here in Salt Lake, transitioned into editorial and production hair and makeup, and over time realized I wasn’t just an artist, I was a builder, a creative strategist!
What changed everything was understanding that creativity and business aren’t separate. I began approaching my work with intention, building strong client and production relationships, creating opportunities instead of waiting for them, and positioning myself as a brand rather than just a service provider. That shift opened doors I didn’t even know were possible.
I’m actually super excited to share that I recently added “author” to my journey. Publishing my book, The Glam Hustle: Freelance Your Way to Success, a mentorship guide for up-and-coming artists and anyone looking to break into the freelance world with an entrepreneur mindset, the book is now available Amazon! This accomplishment felt like stepping fully into leadership, sharing my story, the lessons I’ve learned, and the real behind-the-scenes of building something from nothing.
Today, I see myself less as someone who just “does hair and makeup” and more as a creative entrepreneur who builds platforms, on-set, in business, and through my writing. And I’m just getting started!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced industry bias, especially as a Middle Eastern woman building a name in Utah. Even though I was raised here, I’ve often felt like I had to prove myself more than others. That pressure can either break you or sharpen you, and I always choose to let it sharpen me.
There have also been seasons of major reinvention. I moved away from Utah at one point, and when my children decided they wanted to finish high school here, I moved back. That decision meant starting almost from scratch again, rebuilding my network, reconnecting in production, and re-establishing my presence in the industry. It wasn’t easy, but it reminded me that my resilience is stronger than any setback.
Being a single mom to two phenomenal boys, while building a creative career also meant there was no safety net. If I didn’t move, nothing moved. But every obstacle strengthened my confidence, strategy, and belief in my value. Honestly, looking back, the obstacles weren’t setbacks, they were training grounds.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I make people feel powerful, confident, and unapologetically camera-ready. My work goes beyond hair and makeup, it’s about transforming how someone shows up and helping them step fully into their presence.
I specialize in editorial and production hair and makeup for photoshoots, film sets, commercials, weddings and events, where every detail has to translate beautifully on camera. Through my brand, ElhamGlam, I’ve become known for versatility, from clean, natural glam to bold, creative, avant-garde looks, while always understanding how lighting, lenses, and production environments affect the final result.
What I’m most proud of is building a career that blends artistry with strategy. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships in the industry, had my work featured in several magazines, and recently expanded into publishing my book, The Glam Hustle: Freelance Your Way to Success.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just approach this industry as an artist, I approach it as a creative entrepreneur. I’m always thinking about the bigger picture, the story, the impact, and how to create an experience where people not only look incredible but feel ridiculously confident doing it.
What makes you happy?
Growth and progress make me happy. I’m fulfilled when I can see momentum, seeing something I imagined in my head become real. Whether that’s a creative vision or a business idea coming to life.
I also genuinely love what I do. Making my clients feel fabulous and confident is a huge part of it. Watching someone step into their power, that never gets old. It’s more than work to me; I love my work so much that it almost feels like an addiction, if I have too much spare time and I’m not creating or building something, it feels like something is missing.
I’m also really grateful for all the incredible people I’ve met along this journey. One of the things I love most about my career is that no two days are the same. Sometimes I walk into a room or onto a set not knowing who I’m going to meet, and it turns into a meaningful connection, collaboration, or friendship. Those moments, the people, and the experiences are a big part of what brings me so much happiness and joy in what I do.
I’m happiest when I’m evolving, creating, and leaving an impact personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elhamglam/
- Other: https://a.co/d/026ZXOuE
