AUTHOR: Rebecca Draper
COPY EDITOR: Cris Nippard
With the winter semester wrapping up quickly at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), deadlines and exams often overshadow moments of self-care. BeautyTMU, founded in 2023 by Muskaan Sehar, a second-year biology major, is more than just a club—it’s a movement that prioritizes the need for community, self-care and student wellbeing.
What began as a pitch on a Reddit post has grown into an organization with over 25 board members and nearly 400 followers on Instagram. The club is dedicated to creating spaces where students can recharge and connect with other students in times of stress.
One of BeautyTMU’s biggest events is the Midterm Destressor, a much-needed break during the chaotic midterm season. These events allow students to unwind with DIY crafts, calming music, and free face masks. Attendees can take their minds off academic pressures, and learn about self-care basics all while bonding over shared experiences of stress and wellness.
Overcoming Barriers in the Beauty Industry
While the term “beauty” often conjures images of cosmetics and skincare, BeautyTMU is aiming to broaden the definitio. The club aims to tackle the exclusivity often associated with the beauty industry, ensuring that every student feels welcome regardless of background or knowledge. Sehar’s passion for prioritizing self-care and encouraging people to be their “best selves” in the form of beauty and cosmetics was an immediate driver in BeautyTMU’s conception.
One of BeautyTMU’s key goals is to challenge the exclusivity often associated with the beauty industry. Niharika Sharma, a second-year Marketing Management student and the club’s VP of Marketing, joined BeautyTMU because she recognized the need for a space that welcomed everyone, regardless of their experience or familiarity with beauty.
“The beauty industry is very elitist in some ways,” Sharma explains. “We wanted to create a space on campus or on Discord where people don’t feel judged or don’t feel like ‘If I ask this question, people are gonna laugh at me.’”
To counter this, welcoming a diverse community was a top priority for Sehar. “ I wanted a diverse community to let people know that you can be whatever gender, race, sexual orientation and no matter what—cosmetics are for everyone, everyone needs to take care of themselves and there’s no shame in that,” she said.
In emphasizing inclusivity, the club ensures that students from all walks of life feel valued. Events and social media campaigns are designed not only to educate attendees about skincare and cosmetics but also to encourage discussions around mental health and self-care. For BeautyTMU, inner well-being is just as important as important as outward appearance.
The executive team comprises students from various faculties and concentrations, bringing a range of perspectives that enrich the club’s initiatives. Additionally, events are designed to appeal to all students, focusing on accessibility and breaking down barriers to participation.
The club has a public Discord where users share and recommend their favourite products from haircare, skincare, makeup, and more.
BeautyTMU’s impact goes beyond its events. By promoting inclusivity and self-expression, the club is redefining traditional notions of beauty.
For Sehar, the vision for BeautyTMU was clear from the start: prioritize mental health and self-care in ways that bring students together. The most fulfilling part of starting the club for Sehar is when people approach her and say “This is my only peace of mind or relief away from my studies,” and “This club saved my life”, she says.
Looking Ahead
BeautyTMU’s plans for the future include collaborations with beauty brands for students exploring beauty and wellness. Sehar says, “Next semester will definitely be a time to relax, more than we did this semester.”
As for the future of the club, Sehar says, “I hope people continue to be this kind, generous, and respectful. I hope no one ever strays away from the fact that things like self-care and cosmetics are for everyone and they are necessary for everyone too. There’s no shame in that.”
