Beauty Icon Cosmetics

L e i l a n i   V a l e n t i n e

Hello Leilani, we are excited to learn more about your beauty company and you.  What inspired the name "Beauty Icon Cosmetics"?

Everyone is a Beauty Icon! Empowering women from all walks of life and backgrounds celebrating individuality, promoting self-love with confidence that starts from within. Building a community of diversity, inclusion, and equality.

You offer vegan, cruelty free, and organic products. Why was creating these types of products important to you?

Plant-based ingredients are the most natural way to get glowing healthy skin and make a positive impact on the planet. Skincare without bad chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes are the best way to remove the likelihood of breakouts, allergies, and inflammation. Our mission is to enhance your natural beauty inside and out by providing products that will restore and nourish our customers’ lips and bodies.

"Plant-based ingredients are the most natural way to get glowing healthy skin and make a positive impact on the planet."

When did you know that you wanted to become an entrepreneur?

From a young age, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have always looked for problems to solve, looked to complete tasks quicker and more efficiently. I was valedictorian in elementary and middle school. I was elected class president in high school. I graduated high school at 17 years old and went on to college, earning three degrees. Associates in Business, and two bachelor’s degrees in Accounting & Finance Business Management. I have great examples of entrepreneurship within my family, in which inspired me to find creative ways to achieve financial freedom.

What was your most challenging obstacle to overcome becoming an entrepreneur and starting up your business?

Time management, “like money”, time doesn’t grow on trees, so you must be smart about how you spend it. As an entrepreneur, juggling a one-woman business, just isn’t a reality.  Wearing multiple hats as you get your business off the ground requires a fierce commitment to organization, the ability to switch between critical tasks seamlessly and quickly, and a degree of balance. The visionary’s hat, finance hat, day-to-day hat, sales-and-marketing hat, personal hat(s) wife and mom.

"Wearing multiple hats as you get your business off the ground requires a fierce commitment to organization, the ability to switch between critical tasks seamlessly and quickly, and a degree of balance."

Are there other beauty and cosmetic brands that you love?

Before creating the Beauty Icon Cosmetics brand, I went on a personal skincare journey of my own. As I learned more about what it takes to nurture healthy glowing skin, I realized there weren’t many all natural products on the market that addressed the needs of my skin type. It was refreshing to finally see Black woman- owned companies like Fenty Beauty to fill in that gap. Using all natural ingredients to produce high quality products that work for a variety of skin types is a legacy I want to be a part of and feel I can contribute to.

Your body scrubs look absolutely amazing! How do you select the scents for the body scrubs?

Thank you so much, I’ve always been a fragrance enthusiast, enjoying the process of layering scents in a way that I can make them my own. I wanted to create a luscious line that made you smell and feel like a snack. My passion led me to create new and innovative ways to make those same luxury fragrances more affordable.

 

I am horrible at applying lashes! Can you provide some tips on the proper way to apply lashes?

I myself was never the type of girl that was into doing my own make up, much less applying lashes. This, in addition to suffering in an accident that left my vision severely impaired in one eye. I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how easily I was able to apply these lashes, with this method. This line is definitely for you.

What is your favorite product from your brand?

Royal Bath whip - A whipped shea sugar scrub is perfect for the winter months when skin dries out. The sugar exfoliates the skin, while the oils and butter restore moisture. Using this regularly will help keep your skin smooth and soft all year long.  Safe for your face, and safe for pregnant and lactating women.

Benefits: Removes whiteheads and blackheads. Treats and prevents acne. The process of applying a royal bath whip body scrub is also beneficial! The circular, massaging motions you use actually boosts circulation and increases you blood flow, which helps drain the lymph nodes of toxins.

Can be used before shaving to remove dirt and soften the body hair, making razor burn less likely, help with ingrown hairs, and moisturize all in one.

Your products are also available on Doordash. Has Doordash exposed your brand to a new audience and demographic?

Yes, Doordash I feel has a younger audience and people looking for a convenient solution to get their lipgloss in less than 1 hour here in San Diego, California. Beauty Icon Cosmetics launched on Amazon, offering our customers Amazon prime, which allows same day or 1 to 2 day shipping (December 2022).

What are some tips and advice you can provide to new entrepreneurs who want to startup a cosmetic company?

Listening to customers feedback and connecting with them. Paying close attention to their needs and understanding how you can help them achieve their goal, and cultivating joy in your personal life can help relieve stress, giving yourself a chance to recharge and come back to work refreshed and energized.

Follow at:
Instagram: @beautyicon_cosmetics
Facebook: Shop Beauty Icon Cosmetics
TikTok: @beautyiconcosmetics

 

Beauty By Krissi

Krystal Sealy

How did your journey as a makeup artist begin?

I worked for a cosmetic retailer. This was my part-time job while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. During the Christmas holiday, I was assigned to be the cashier in the makeup room (where services ranging from lash applications to makeup applications were done). I was 19 at the time, and completely ignorant about makeup and the beauty industry. However, after witnessing the process and the transformations, it peaked my interest and I began learning. I have been hooked ever since!

Are you a self-taught makeup artist?

Yes! I used myself as a model (more like a practice dummy in the beginning stages) multiple times. I would watch numerous videos, and then play with different techniques until I found my own style. After some time, I began to receive queries about who had done my face, etc…After gaining some confidence, (it took me quite some time) I began to perform services at work in the makeup room. As time progressed, the demand grew. Upon completing my degree, I resigned from a cosmetic retailer.  However, per the request of my existing clients, and the passion I had now developed, I decided to pursue a career in beauty privately. The rest has been history!

What is your favorite makeup brand?

I work with multiple brands, which I believe compliment each other and have their own merit. Honorable mentions are Morphe, Ben Nye, Sacha, Skindinavia, Black Opal and L'Oréal, Juvia’s Place and P. Louise Cosmetics.

How do you find clients for your makeup services?

I would actually say my clients find me. I attribute my current clientele to my social media platforms. Marketing and promoting my business have propelled my brand forward.  Also, client referrals and reviews have been a great help. It is by God's grace that my business has received such growth.

What has been the most exciting part of being a makeup artist?

It is difficult to pinpoint what is most exciting to me as an artist because the industry in itself is multifaceted and layered. However, the part of artistry which resonates with me most is making someone feel like their most beautiful version of self, and its instant evocation of confidence. It is amazing to tailor someone's image to suit their mood or moment. You are most beautiful when you are most confident.

"However, the part of artistry which resonates with me most is making someone feel like their most beautiful version of self, and its instant evocation of confidence. It is amazing to tailor someone's image to suit their mood or moment. You are most beautiful when you are most confident."

What has been the most challenging part of being a makeup artist?

The biggest challenge I think is that makeup artists are required to remain up to date with new trends and fashion. The makeup industry evolves on a daily basis and the expertise has to be upgraded accordingly.

How can people and potential new customers book your makeup services?

Prospective clients are free to send me a direct message on Instagram (Beauty.by.Krissi) or send me a Whatsapp or call 1 (246) 238 8464.

You provide some great makeup tips on your Instagram page. Can you provide some tips on how to balance both skincare and makeup?

I always say the best foundation is not a brand, it is your skin! The most basic element of skin care is to know your skin type! This information influences your buying behavior when it comes to your skin care products (your cleansers, moisturizers, exfoliants, and sunscreens). Your skin type should also determine certain cosmetic purchases (your primers, foundations, and setting sprays). The balance begins with knowing the skin you are in and nurturing it, then focusing on a tailored routine for your second skin (your makeup).

Can you provide some words of advice for makeup artists who want to begin their makeup artistry journey?

Be yourself and find your unique style! There are thousands of talented makeup artists out there. Your flair, attitude, and work ethic is what will differentiate you from the rest. Give your utmost best and remember that consistency and quality is key!

"Be yourself and find your unique style! There are thousands of talented makeup artists out there. Your flair, attitude, and work ethic is what will differentiate you from the rest."

Your fashion and hairstyles are popping on your Instagram page?  Do you also style your hair and wardrobe?

First of all, thank you! Yes, I do my hair myself, and style myself. I consider that a top tier compliment! I have grown to absolutely love to play around with different looks and aesthetics. I feel like clothes, styles, hair, and makeup allow us to be playful and express different sides of ourselves and our moods. I love it!

What are some other hobbies you enjoy?

I am a huge child at heart so I live for activities such as games nights and other playful shenanigans. I love films, art, adventure, travel, reading, and nature! I love the outdoors! I’m not the biggest party girl at all, but I love an outing with my friends (foodie dates and chill vibes).

Follow at:
Instagram: @beauty.by.krissi
Facebook: beauty.by.krys
Snap Chat: krissi.sealy