Dreams, like boomerangs, have a way of finding their way back to you if you remain open-hearted. For Rama, the journey to her dream job wasn’t a straight path, but rather a winding road full of rejection, self-discovery, and, ultimately, success.
Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Rama grew up captivated by creativity. She dreamed of a future in it— whether through graphic design, media, or her growing passion for makeup. Her career aspirations sharpened in college, where she interned at a beauty retailer, working alongside her dad, and was inspired by finding so many people who shared her passion. After graduation, she set her sights on the United States, enchanted by the call of the American Dream. Her brother had found success here, and she believed she would too.
But Rama was in for a rude awakening. When she arrived, despite her education and internship experience, she found herself overlooked, rejected, and discouraged in her job hunt. Optimistic by nature, even she couldn’t escape the sting of closed doors and missed opportunities.
“I was applying for a million things and kept hearing ‘no,’” Rama recalls. “The market was so hard then, especially for someone like me, from halfway across the world.”
That’s where Skills for Chicagoland’s Future came in. While searching LinkedIn for jobs, Rama discovered Skills and was quickly connected to a seasonal, part-time retail role at Ulta Beauty. While grateful for the opportunity, she admits the position wasn’t what she envisioned when she left her home country. She worried it might be letting her family down.
But her parents’ unwavering encouragement kept her going. “They told me, ‘We’re proud of you. Be patient, stay persistent, and focus on growing.’ So that’s exactly what she did.
Rama’s genuine passion became undeniable. She loved being a part of customers' most beautiful moments: someone's face lighting up after trying on makeup for the first time or helping a bride find the perfect lipstick to make her smile unforgettable when walking down the aisle. This fueled her excitement to wake up and go to work every day. Customers couldn't help but notice her enthusiasm, and her managers noticed too. Soon, what began as a temporary role bloomed into a full-time position, with promotion after promotion following in quick succession.
Now, three years later, Rama has transitioned from the sales floor to Ulta’s corporate headquarters, where she serves as a buyer. In this role, she plays a key part in shaping the beauty industry by selecting products and brands to feature in stores. “It’s my dream job,”
she beams. “I get to help hire and help emerging brands find their place on our shelves. It’s about more than products—it’s about creating opportunities for others.”
Her role also allows her to give back. She’s made it a point to hire candidates from Skills for Chicagoland’s Future, offering the same opportunity she once received. Knowing how hard it is to get that first chance, she wants to be that stepping stone for someone else.
Her dream extends beyond Ulta’s walls. As the company expands into new markets, Rama envisions a future where more diverse brands and voices are represented in the beauty industry. She dreams of seeing local and international brands thrive, creating a stronger, more inclusive industry.
For Rama, every step of her journey has brought her closer to her calling. Whether helping customers on the sales floor or shaping the future of beauty at a corporate level, she remains rooted in her creativity and driven by relentless optimism.
“Don’t give up,” she advises those still searching for their breakthrough. “The right opportunity will come to you when the time is right. Just keep going forward.”
In Rama’s case, her journey has come full circle. From an ambitious young woman searching for a chance to someone actively creating opportunities for others, her story proves that persistence, passion, and the right support can turn even small beginnings into the start of something beautiful.
