Kristen Elise Brown is changing the world of luxury beauty one lipstick swatch and stroke of the makeup brush at a time. This talented beauty entrepreneur and professional makeup artist has flipped the beauty world upside down with the launch of her glamorous makeup line Gold Label Cosmetics.
She was always the creative kid playing in makeup and formulating new lipstick shades with her mother’s products, so it was inevitable for her use her passion for the arts to launch a luxury beauty company!Besides being an amazing inspiration and enterprising woman, Kristen is also an advocate for representing multi-ethnic beauty with her products. (Which is a cause you all know I’m down for.)
I caught up Kristen for a phone chat and she gave me the deets on all-things Gold Label Cosmetics, what inspired her to become a professional MUA, how she juggles her business and working on two successful TV shows and more! Check it out!
What sparked our interest for working in the beauty industry. Has this always been a goal of yours?
I started with wanting to be a fashion designer in junior high school and high school. I went into beauty after college. I left school my junior year of studying PR. I realized I didn’t like what I was doing. I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur and I studied public relations in college because I knew it would help with having my own business.
What it’s like working on a TV set as a makeup artist?
It’s a blessing to have these opportunities. There’s always a new technique to try and you meet different people who compliment or give constructive criticism of your work. I’m working toward a goal of getting better and the positive energy you get from others is confirmation that you’re going in the right direction .
What was it like the first time you stepped on a TV set to work?
I was sweating. I didn’t know what different terms meant off-screen and I didn’t know what to expect. You have to be open to suggestions and critique. It’s pointless to get caught up in the the finished product. Sometimes it’s better to be green in a certain area–just keep going.
Gold Label lippies are gluten-and-paraben- free, why did you decide to take the more eco-friendly route with your brand?
I wanted to have something to believe in with my products. Years ago, I went natural and I was researching the different chemicals in products. It was surprising how many products have parabens in them. I don’t just want to sell a product to get a profit. I wanted to make sure the ingredients matched my lifestyle and interests.
What sets your product line apart from others?
I want people to know that luxury is not exclusive. I also believe that there isn’t just one specific image of beauty that should be presented. I believe multi-ethnic and multi-cultural beauty should be represented and celebrated. Beauty is beauty. I have products for every ethnicity– if you have dark, light or white skin. I want people to know there doesn’t have to solely be a Eurocentric vibe for beauty to be positive and enriching. We all should be proud proud of how we look.
What’s the best business advice you’ve received since launching your cosmetics line?
There’s no wrong approach to learning. Be open to success and critique. I was reading the book How Google Works and in it they discussed how CEOs put out Apps and programs that are not 100% finished because they use the feedback they get to make it better. It’s OK to leave it a little bare. As you accrue more information, you can have interactive product development. Some people procrastinate based on fear and what people say. It’s OK to rip the band-aid off and have the mentality “If I keep going, I’ll keep growing.”
What advice do you have for other aspiring beauty entrepreneurs?
Things happen but you have to have undeniable faith in whatever your venture is. Surround yourself with what you want. I have a “life catalog” of pictures and aspirational photos. I look through those photos and put myself in that position. Sometimes I send pictures to my friends. It’s good to have a partner, and sometimes I’ve found myself right in the situations oft those pictures.
What else can we expect from Gold Label Cosmetics? Any exciting launches or news that people should know about?
I can’t say too much, but I’m working on a blush, but it will be a part of a duo-packaging. It’s for for women-on-the-go and will be something with multiple uses.
I had a blast chatting with Kristen. It was very clear to me that she is serious about giving all women access to luxury beauty products. She has boldly made the choice to align her brand with a vision to ensure that women of all colors and ethnic backgrounds can use and enjoy Gold Label Cosmetics. I’m so happy I stumbled upon this amazing company and could share this fab company’s vision with you!
I also snagged some samples of the gorgeous Gold Label lipsticks to review and that post is coming to the blog soon! Get your glam on and shop the Gold Label Cosmetics line here!
Ciao Bellas,
