A New Heroine of Anna Getz’s “Your Beauty” Project
As part of Anna Getz’s “Your Beauty” project, here’s the story of Jamila Ismailova, a 34-year-old makeup artist from Makhachkala.
After suffering severe facial burns as a child, Jamila was able not only to accept her appearance but also to turn her personal experience into a source of strength for other women.
“Your Beauty” explores beauty beyond conventional standards. Each story in the project presents a person through their individual journey, experiences and inner transformation. Jamila’s story is about overcoming challenges, self-worth and learning to see oneself differently.
From Trauma to a New Profession
As a child, Jamila suffered severe burns during a fire. The consequences of the injury required skin grafts from the upper parts of her legs.
Although the physical pain eventually became part of the past, dealing with the psychological consequences proved much more difficult.
Her teenage years were particularly challenging. Jamila faced mockery because of her appearance and often felt different from those around her.
Her family became an important source of support. Her parents went through surgeries, recovery and emotional challenges alongside their daughter, supporting her throughout the journey.
A turning point came when Jamila met Goar Avetisyan. The transformation helped Jamila see herself differently and understand how working with appearance can influence a person’s inner state.
This experience sparked her interest in cosmetics and inspired her to pursue a professional career in the beauty industry.
When a Personal Story Becomes Support for Others
Today, Jamila works as a makeup artist and develops her social media blog.
By openly sharing her life, she initially faced criticism and judgment. Over time, however, her public presence helped her connect with people who could relate to her experience.
Women who had experienced trauma, burns and other difficult life circumstances began reaching out to Jamila.
For many of them, her story became evidence that accepting yourself and changing your life is possible.
Jamila says that her most important transformation was not about her appearance, but about her inner state.
She stopped trying to meet other people’s expectations and began to feel freer.
“Your Worth Is Never Defined by How You Look”
Addressing women who struggle with self-acceptance, Jamila encourages them not to postpone their lives until an “ideal moment” and not to let other people’s opinions determine their value.
Her story reminds us that appearance is not a measure of a person’s worth. Individual experience does not have to be a limitation — it can become part of one’s personal strength.
The story was created by a project team: author Anna Getz, model Jamila Ismailova, photographer Tatyana Kudryavtseva, producer and makeup artist Sofia Borisik, stylist Anastasia Mazaeva, line producer Natalie Timofeeva, and Anna Getz’s personal assistant Alisa Tarasova.
Jamila’s story in the “Your Beauty” project is ultimately not only about the trauma she experienced. It is a story about the freedom to be yourself, professional development and a kind of beauty that begins with accepting your own identity.