Saman Zeb, a Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center “Snap and Boost” program graduate and NSBAA Grant recipient, has a story of profound strength, perseverance, and transformation. From facing unimaginable personal loss to becoming a successful entrepreneur and advocate for others, her journey is a testament to what determination, faith, and community support can achieve.
A New Beginning After Tragedy
In 2016, Saman moved to the United States from Pakistan with her three children, seeking a better future. Originally, she and her husband had planned to immigrate to Canada under a skilled worker program. But the very day of their departure, tragedy struck. Her husband, a doctor in Pakistan, died in a tragic car accident on the way to the airport where Saman and her three children were waiting for him to arrive and board the plane. This devastating loss abruptly ended their plans and forced Saman to begin a new chapter as a single mother. Soon they were U.S.-bound as their family States-side were able to invite them to join them in Nebraska.
Starting from scratch, Saman took on a series of jobs to support her family. She held multiple jobs, not like the one she had in Pakistan as an Assistant Director at a university. She worked at Walmart, transitioned into banking and healthcare roles, and eventually became a translator and pharmacy technician. Throughout this time, she was not only the sole provider for her children but also their emotional anchor during a period of profound upheaval and transition.
When she secured a position as a workforce coordinator with the Nebraska Department of Labor, she learned about resources available to aspiring entrepreneurs, such as the Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center. Inspired by the possibilities and offerings, she began exploring a passion she had had but never pursued: the beauty industry. She attended training courses in New York and began to see the potential for turning that skill into a business.
Building Zeb’s Beauty Studio
Saman built her business plan during her lunch breaks, met with mentors, and utilized resources from the Business Development Center at UNO and GNWBC B.A.I.L. hours. Despite her family’s concern about the risk and instability of entrepreneurship, Saman pressed forward, driven by something deeper than ambition—she wanted to build something of her own.
Her efforts culminated in the launch of Zeb’s Beauty Studio, a full-service beauty space offering permanent makeup, eyelash extensions, scar camouflage, and skin treatments. Saman is proud to be the first Pakistani permanent makeup artist in Omaha. She reflects how the early days were not easy, marketing being a particular challenge, but she leveraged social media and positive client reviews to grow her customer base.
Empowering Others Through Beauty and Business
Saman’s mission extends beyond aesthetics. She finds deep satisfaction in helping clients gain confidence. Saman says, “it’s about more than the services—it’s about how the clients feel when they leave. That’s what I love about what I do.” It’s not just about enhancing features—it’s about restoring confidence. And for many of her clients, especially those who’ve been through hardships themselves, that confidence is life-changing.
Saman is also inspiring other women to pursue business ownership. Today she offers the same encouragement and practical advice she once sought herself to budding entrepreneurs.
Saman also continues to inspire her children and she is proud of their own journeys into medicine. She remains deeply grounded in her faith and credits her family, especially her mother, as vital support along her journey.
Looking Ahead
Zeb’s Beauty Studio continues to grow, and Saman has plans to expand her social media presence, including launching a TikTok account to reach a wider audience. She also continues to take new courses to stay ahead in her field; her certifications hang in rows in her studio.
Her story is one of personal reinvention and community impact — a living example of how adversity can give rise to strength and purpose.
Through her work, Saman is not only building a business but also creating a legacy of empowerment for her family and her community. Her journey is far from over, and it promises to inspire many others along the way.
CONACT:
https://www.zebsbeauty.studio/
@zebsbeautystudio