The Journey to Clean Beauty: Insights from Carla Abruzzo McKean
As the host of a podcast that delves into the fascinating stories behind some of the most passionate entrepreneurs, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Carla Abruzzo McKean, the founder of Carlucce Clean Cosmetics Line. In this blog post, I’ll share the enlightening conversation we had about her journey in the beauty industry, the inception of her clean cosmetics line, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.
The Genesis of Carlucce Clean Cosmetics
Carla’s story in the beauty industry is one of passion and purpose. With over 15 years of experience as a makeup artist, she’s always had an eye for the ingredients that go into beauty products. Her awakening to the harmful effects of certain ingredients was the catalyst for starting her own line—a line that stands for clean ingredients, proper makeup application techniques, and sustainable packaging.
The One-Woman Show
Carla’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to self-reliance and determination. She taught herself the ins and outs of running a business and marketing her products. As a “one-woman show,” she underscores the significance of networking and building connections. Her success in connecting with distributors and gaining brand exposure through word of mouth is a powerful reminder of the impact of personal relationships in business.
The Celebrity Trend and Its Impact
Our conversation took an interesting turn when we discussed the current trend of celebrities and influencers launching their own cosmetic lines. Carla shared her frustration with this phenomenon, stressing the importance of a deep understanding of makeup and skincare before venturing into the beauty business. She believes that the industry should prioritize products that truly work and empower women, rather than just promoting big names.
Networking and Support in the Beauty Industry
The dynamics of networking and support within the beauty industry can be complex. Carla opened up about the challenges she faced in garnering support from other makeup artists and industry professionals. She recounted her attempts at collaboration and the reluctance she encountered, which sheds light on the competitive nature of the industry.
Women Supporting Women
A crucial topic we explored was the concept of women supporting women in the beauty industry. Carla and I shared personal experiences of receiving support and referrals from other women, emphasizing the importance of empowering and uplifting one another. Despite the challenges, we agreed that fostering genuine connections and support is vital for success.
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family Life
Carla also reflected on the delicate balance between her entrepreneurial pursuits and family life. Her dedication to raising her children while growing her cosmetics line is a powerful example of the resilience and determination many women entrepreneurs exhibit.
Conclusion: The Essence of Passion and Authenticity
Throughout our conversation, Carla’s commitment to passion, authenticity, and hard work shone through. She believes in taking proactive steps and creating opportunities, rather than waiting for luck. Her journey is a beacon for anyone navigating the beauty industry, highlighting the importance of resilience, genuine connections, and community support.
Podcast Transcript
Speaker 1 (00:00:04) – Hi everyone! We are so excited to have Carla Abruzzo McKean, founder of Carlucce Clean Cosmetics line on a Beyond Beauty Podcast. And Carla and I met on set about five years ago in LA. So we’re so excited to reconnect and share Carla’s story. Yeah, it might be longer than that, but we won’t age ourselves. I know we won’t. We won’t. It’s Covid will be lost some years and where we gained we’re getting back the year from Covid. Yeah. Thanks for having me. So Carla, on this podcast we love to tap into the beauty industry, the the business behind the industry, and especially connect with founders like you that have started their own entrepreneurial venture. And so take us back to how you get started in the beauty industry. I know we met on set as we were working with you as a makeup artist, and now you have your own incredible line. And I remember you were using your products on set and everyone’s skin just looks so flawless. They were still covered, but look like their natural skin, which is so rare.
Speaker 1 (00:01:04) – So take us back to the beginning. How did you get started in industry and how did you start Carlucce so it goes way, way back. I’ve been a makeup artist for like over 15 years. I’ve always been in front and behind the camera. So, you know, when I was younger, modeling and I did some beauty pageants, it was just kind of, I don’t know, it was it opened some opportunities for me. So that’s kind of why I went that route. But I was very like Miss Congeniality. It was for fun. It was to meet people and just have fun with it. And, um, but, you know, going back, it’s like it was always you’re conscious of what you’re putting in your body, putting in your body to make your skin look good or to make your body look good. And it’s like, well, what about what are you putting on your skin? And I used to work for a big cosmetic company that I’m not going to mention, and I remember getting this book this thick of all the products and seeing the ingredients.
Speaker 1 (00:01:58) – This is maybe in like 2012, maybe. And I was like, I can’t even read these ingredients. And this is I went to art school, I’m in fashion, I’m an artist. So science is not my background, business is not my background. But it was like so alarming that we were putting these ingredients when I saw the list of ingredients that were just like, yeah. You can’t read it, you have no idea what it is. And that’s actually like how I triggered. And it was so long ago. And I just started like a journal of, you know, ingredients and kind of looking them up and understanding like what these ingredients are and realizing, of course, that how it causes, you know, aging, premature aging, acne, all of these horrible things. And now, you know, even years later, coming to find out how they’re kind of endocrine disruptors, which I think that, um, you know, kind of circle back to that because it’s very important to, you know, kind of like detox your body from the outside in because we’re having all these infertility issues and it’s like, why all of a sudden, well, if you put 30 skincare or personal care products on your body a day, your phthalate levels are going to raise, and you might be infertile and it might, you know, so that’s like a whole different issue when it comes to science.
Speaker 1 (00:03:19) – And that’s a more recent discovery. But anyhow, so going back, um, I was doing makeup and and doing makeup on set. I’ve always done makeup on TV and film, and I was realizing a few things. First of all, there was like no clean, no clean beauty lines. Bare minerals came out. I can name drop them because I don’t even know if they’re still around. But Bare Minerals came out and you know, they have this ingredient called bismuth oxy chloride, which is the number one product in there, you know, and it was considered like a cleaner line. Bismuth oxy chloride is a byproduct of lead. So even if you’re a guy, you know, like number two pencils, how they have that really beautiful sheen, that’s about it. So. Right. So you know, it’s like that came out and like that wasn’t good, but it was marketed as it as it was and you know, and it wasn’t. And you inhale that loose powder that’s lead. Not great.
Speaker 1 (00:04:16) – So I keep veering off because it is so like science based. And it was so like such a big deal to have a clean like an actual clean cosmetic line. So the one was like clean. That was the number one. Priority two um, women don’t know how to wear makeup. Okay? Despite all Orioles, I even, like debunked this new trend called like ombre concealer, where you put like five different colors on and it’s like unnecessary monetized on products. It doesn’t really make a difference. So, you know, having women come to me and wanting beauty, you know, a consult like a consultation on how to put makeup on. And they’re like, I have all these products and I don’t know what to do with it. And it’s like, well, you don’t need half of these. So that was like really sad to see. You’re trying to make yourself feel beautiful, but you feel stupid or like intimidated at the same time. That’s super counterproductive. You know, when you go to these counters and they send you home with all these products, it’s just like straight up wrong.
Speaker 1 (00:05:21) – Like a lot of people just don’t know how to do it right and they don’t have time. So, um, and the third thing was like the packaging, it’s like Ford Stewardship Council certified, so it’s recyclable paper packaging because being on set, lugging around glass bottles not it’s very hard to do four in the morning when you’re carrying around, you know, all these like, glass bottles and like it was just too much. So that thing, those were like a few things I needed to address and kind of like bring to the market and fix. So when it came to the clean ingredients, I actually used to like make my own deodorant. So I, you know, in my kitchen. So I did come up with this formula in my kitchen. And when I started using it and people were like, what is on your skin? Or like, where can I get this? I was like, all right, I need to bring this. And I was doing small batches and I was like, I need to bring this to the market.
Speaker 1 (00:06:17) – And I accomplished clean beauty and coverage that does not exist. It did not, did not. It does not exist. It still doesn’t. So I feel like my products, I will put my product against any line out there and I don’t have to namedrop, but a lot of our lot of clean beauty lines. First of all, the base is water. Water is the cheapest, all of it, and that’s always a space which also if it depending on the coverage, if you have water, it’s going to be less coverage. So with cashier cream because having two products because it’s concealer and foundation concealer is concentrated. Foundation foundation is just watered down concealer. So if you take concealer and put some water in it, you got yourself foundation right. But instead people spend 60 and then, you know, 50 or $60 adds up. Completely unnecessary. All you need to do is apply it differently. If you apply it with like a, like a more stiff brush or even your fingers, the more pressure, the more you apply.
Speaker 1 (00:07:23) – If you put a, you know, into a brush, into it and fluff, you know, kind of stipple it on, then you have like a lighter coverage. So it’s all about how you apply it. It’s not like what you’re applying. So people don’t realize that they don’t need two products because it’s really only like, um, accomplishing the same thing. Right? And that’s great. It’s like your first hand, you’re looking at the market by being on set and you’re a makeup artist. So you’re not only applying it to your own face, but you’re applying it to so many different types of skin tones and ages and different personalities and different roles. So you’re seeing it working. And also it’s so especially within the beauty industry, it’s so important to have that like flawless look on camera. If you’re an actor, um, and you’re still able to accomplish the roles of what I would say, the expectations of what a director has to have that flawless talent on set. But it’s also clean, and you’re helping people on the environment, and you’re really just making a big splash within an industry that took forever to be disrupted.
Speaker 1 (00:08:29) – I know, I know because it’s just like it’s like the food industry, right? It’s just kind of like whoever has more money is the winner, you know? Yeah. So touched on a couple things, um, you know, when applying it, like, especially when people wear this like crazy skincare regimen at night and then they apply this makeup during the day. It’s like you are completely defeating the purpose of what you’re doing. A good point, right? You’re wearing this makeup that is like super dehydrating. Um, it’s aging, it’s acne. It has these ingredients that are just like parabens and sulfates and all, especially sulfates. They’re pretty rough on your skin. Um, so it’s totally counterproductive. So if someone’s going to go sell you, like, la mer, $300 or something, and then I don’t know, whatever the next day or you’re putting lead on your face, it’s true. It’s like, why are you spending every time, every time you put on that moisturizer or dipping into that super expensive that cream and what you’ve worked on all night, and now you’re just suffocating your skin and aging it, or they’re causing breakouts or rosacea or psoriasis, eczema.
Speaker 1 (00:09:35) – It’s endless skin conditions that can be caused through all of this. Exactly. So that’s why this is like coconut oil and jojoba seed oil. Shea butter base is gonna really, like create like a barrier and keep that moisture in. And, um, and some people like to apply, you know, a powder after to kind of like give it that matte finish, which is great, especially like on set, but I like a more dewy finish. And then you can always matte it down if you want. If you have a matte finish, then you can’t. There’s no going back and then you end up with that cakey look. So, um, so whether so, the clean meeting like that actually works in the performance that does not exist. And so, so um, I definitely like finally like created that and like I said, I did it’s called Caché Cream because it’s just like kind of use it however you want. I want to break those connotations and break the ceiling of concealer and foundation, like those words, because when someone hears those words, they’re like concealer and foundation.
Speaker 1 (00:10:34) – It doesn’t have to be like that. You can just put it here, you can just put it here, you know, and kind of blend it into your skin. So that I noticed that I had these like five go to shades. Now, some may say we’re not inclusive, but we are very inclusive. We go from super light to super dark and it covers every skin tone you don’t really need. I mean, great that like some brands are doing 50 shades, but it makes it once again super intimidating to the consumer, right? So some of these shades you’re like, actually I could wear that one. I could wear that one. Yeah, probably wear that. Or you could be Tanner one day you could be paler next. But so maybe because it has such a blend ability, it sounds like I mean, I’ve seen you using it on set and it just it like, kind of like melts into the skin in a good way, as if it’s a second skin that’s hydrated and also covered.
Speaker 1 (00:11:27) – So if you do have dark spots or redness, you’re still able to conceal those without looking cakey. With like doing photo shoots. We’ve covered everybody we’ve ever had on set with my makeup, you know? So, um, so that’s that. So the performance and the clean part, I definitely, like, knocked out of the park. It’s very exciting. We’ve been in like a lot of like beauty boxes and featured and you know, on today’s show and things like that. So it’s been like it’s been great. Yeah. So how how did you get the word out. Like you’re working on set by like how did you connect with the Today show and get in the beauty boxes. How do you work through your marketing? Is it word of mouth? Do you work with a PR team? Are you your own publicist? How does that work? Like tell us about that side. Okay, so I am a one woman show, completely a one woman show. I was like. Yeah, sometimes that is a lot of work.
Speaker 1 (00:12:19) – It’s a lot of work. And, um, I did start it before I was married and had a baby. So, you know, the hardest part is, I mean, starting a business, like, it’s hard to do when you, like, have kids, right? So I’m lucky that I started before, but I taught myself everything. Like I said, my art, like my background is art and I don’t have any business background. I just taught myself everything. And there’s just so it’s like the internet, like you’re you have access to so much. So, you know, when people are like, oh, well, it’s not that hard or think it’s not that hard, it is very hard, or else everyone would do it right. But there’s a lot of work. I mean, everything from operations, ironing out like formulas, packaging, copy on the packaging, um, marketing yourself, you know, cold reach to like. The Today show or, you know, like using contacts and networking.
Speaker 1 (00:13:17) – So kind of like and a piece of advice is, um, I’ve always been like super. Not like I don’t sell myself. I definitely don’t come off like I sell myself. But I’m a huge networker and I always believe any one you come across is like for a reason. And things come full circle. Like be nice, not in a fake way, you know, if the person like you then move on. But be nice to everyone you meet because you just like never know who who can help you, you know, connect. I mean LA that’s kind of like the knock. I obviously used to live in LA, and that’s kind of a knock where like people are always, you know, looking for something and it’s like, but then look for something back and don’t hate on. Right. So that’s like a knock. The biggest benefit and I love living in LA. I don’t, you know, so you meet people and you like run with it. Like if you and there’s good ways and bad ways to do to to network like you said like don’t don’t be fake about it, but just say like every connection can turn into something more.
Speaker 1 (00:14:27) – But like what you’re saying is like, don’t be defensive against other people. Don’t say just because they’re a new person on set or a new person at dinner party, or new person at a cocktail party. Like, don’t be defensive to them. Like, don’t have the mentality of, quote, no new friends, but accept people into your life because we’re all in this game together. So high tides raise all boats. Yes, yes, I love that. I just have chills. Yeah. That’s like. So that’s actually my biggest piece of advice is like on networking. I mean, I met someone in a coffee shop and like he ended up like introducing me to a distributor in Australia. Like it was just like, you know, and that’s kind of what I miss about LA. So it’s, it’s it’s biggest knock from people that aren’t, you know, go getters or like aren’t in it. But it was my biggest, um, like great like I’m, I’m indebted and grateful to LA for that because everyone’s trying something and you know, to like knock that.
Speaker 1 (00:15:26) – I mean, just do it like you’re trying to do something. Something. Yeah. So I love that teamwork makes a dream work. Even if you’re on the same team, you’re all on the same greater team in life. So yeah, you never know. Like you said, you could walk into a coffee shop and someone might be, you know, that three minutes of your life that could change it forever. Oh, literally. Yes. I’m keeping the chills because I had so many encounters that were like that, you know? So that’s like a really big piece of advice, especially like being in beauty and just there’s so many industries that people, you know, like especially in LA now, it’s like it’s across. It’s not like just entertainment. It’s just across the board like every type of person, you know, is there. Um, so yeah. So and like, you know, it is funny, kind of like I wanted to touch on like two things with, like when it comes to celebrities starting like their own cosmetic lines and stuff like that.
Speaker 1 (00:16:16) – Yeah, we’re seeing that more and more. Yeah, it’s slightly frustrating for a few reasons. But, you know, um, Selena Gomez, I hope she taps in. I hope she hears this. Like, have you ever done someone’s makeup? Do you know, what do you like? What colors go with what skin tone? What are the techniques on a certain eye? You know, like makeup is art. So, like, if you have a hooded kind of makeup, have you ever touched someone’s face? Have you ever actually. So, like, who are you to come out with a cosmetic line. Mhm. But it’s, it’s like what you’re saying to I think it’s like what we a lot of see is like the celebrities versus influencers versus makeup artists. And so especially back in the day when we were working, I was working more in PR and working with influencers. And I would always say, yes, they can make themselves look so beautiful and their makeup is so well done.
Speaker 1 (00:17:07) – But they’re also the first ones to admit that they know how to do their makeup, but they don’t do other people’s makeup unless they’re a makeup artist influencer. And so they say they have a they’re a different point of view on the industry, a different business, and they might have a specific market versus. But a makeup artist is seeing is that you’re touching so many different ages, skin tones, you’re touching different skin textures, and especially eye shapes too. It’s like what you might do on this person is not what you’re going to do on this person. And it’s like you said, it’s art, especially with winged eyeliner. You can’t use the same technique on all eye shapes, that’s for sure. Yeah. So it’s kind of frustrating. Even like skincare, it’s like I know some people who have like skincare lines. It’s like, but what do you know about skincare? Do you, like actually know what’s missing in the market or are you just doing it for yourself? That’s cool. And you’re gonna like blow up because of it.
Speaker 1 (00:17:58) – So I don’t want to say I’m like, envious of that because I’m not a celebrity. But it is. Um, it’s interesting that, like, so many people, like, flocked to these brands when it’s like that stuff, like they’re not formulating it. It’s made all in the same place and they’re just putting their name on it. So like, you know, I’m a little like, you know, I’ve worked really hard to get it out there and it like, um, and that kind of stinks, you know? So it’s like I see and I see your viewpoint of that, like you, you come from, like working with all these different people and you understand their skin tones, textures and everything, but you’re selling the product because it’s a great product versus selling a brand. And that’s what we see a lot, not just in the beauty industry too. It can be, I mean, in film production, like the same way one actor is in a movie versus another actor’s another movie, and maybe that movie.
Speaker 1 (00:18:46) – Has a better time at the box office because of the main character or the director, etc. or the DP. People may be flocked to brands, especially in the US. They flock to brands. Um, yeah. But like let’s go back to the efficacy of products. Let’s find products that work wonders and let’s, let’s champion those. Let’s be cheerleaders for those products that help your skin, that work, everyone that get you out of the door faster in the morning, like, forget the hour of makeup, let’s get done in five minutes and still look our best. And that’s what you’re trying to do. And you are doing it. Yeah, that’s the reality of it. Like that’s what people like actually one like actually, you know, so it’s fascinating with these like color palettes, these like eye palettes. It’s like no one’s doing that. It’s fun to watch, but no one’s doing that. So, um, you know, and the other thing is like women empowerment, I really. Strive for that and I feel like I contribute.
Speaker 1 (00:19:46) – But I definitely, um, have been helped by more men than I have women. That’s an interesting interest. Let’s hear about that, because I have I have strong feelings about that as well. So I’d love to get your thoughts because I’m in your same camp. So, you know, you come across the makeup artist, let’s say that is here’s the thing. I started doing makeup so long ago, so long ago that like, it was absolute taboo to take a picture of a celebrity behind camera. Okay. And anything with it, it was almost like illegal, right? I’ve done many. I’d be kicked off set. Um, no questions asked. You would. I’ve seen it happen multiple times. They ask you, even if you’re the lead makeup artist. Hairstylist, even if you’re the director, you will leave. Set 100%. Those photos are for continuity books that stay with production and do not. So it was like such a serious thing and you know, not to use someone’s face to benefit you.
Speaker 1 (00:20:48) – That’s like a very selfish thing, right? So we come to like people being super selfish and something like that. I like I’ve done like many drivers makeup, I’ve done Kate Winslet, I used to work on, I worked on divergent, I worked on the Chicago Fire, which had all these celebrities, guest stars every other day, and I don’t have one picture with them. I don’t have one of them on my phone. I, you know, even men men’s grooming zero pictures and had I no, I don’t think I would have done anything different. But it is crazy to me. I totally missed that boat of like posting it on Instagram. I was like it almost changed overnight though I. I totally agree with you because I think we kind of both started in the industry at that same point. And I remember like if in 2011, if you posted you would like 100% security, would they will find you there half the time they’re sitting on social media, especially since Instagram came to rise in 2010.
Speaker 1 (00:21:47) – And now we’re seeing so many people like whether they’re walking into the Met Gala or they have a movie premiere, they take a picture, whether it’s the creative and the talent, and it’s the opposite of what we’ve been taught. And so the PR game shifted almost overnight. It’s like, how do we how do we like readapt our strategies to market ourselves without being selfish and with respecting other people and their privacy, which is such a big topic as well. I know it’s I think it’s like not it doesn’t exist. I don’t I don’t see it like, happening. I have no idea. But like that’s where like I do have this like once again, I’m kind of like everything I’ve been taught or I was the envious. Envious is definitely not the word. But I’m like, wow. Like, I am way more talented than like a lot of artists I see or like, I’ve worked on so many more people and, um, I just was not like in the mindset of like self-promoting, right? So it was just it’s just interesting.
Speaker 1 (00:22:48) – So that’s where like there was a huge shift. And then when you get to, you know, women helping women, I mean, do you think that because we watch I’ll let you go first, then I’ll share my opinion. Oh no. So yeah I don’t know like why. So okay. So if I come across a makeup artist nowadays or even when I first started the brand that is on set doing a bunch of celebrities and I’m like, hey, you know, would you want, you know, some product? I don’t give away a lot of product because people like, do not want to help you, okay? They just don’t. And it’s expensive too. You can’t just give away everything. Oh, I know, and especially makeup artist because I was a makeup artist. They’re a makeup artist. So they’re like direct competition, right? Like they don’t see it as helping them to help someone else. So artistry is a very like, you know, am I going on set and like, bringing another makeup artist along like, well, no, because they might then hit it off with the director and then next thing I know, like I’m not going to say and that they are getting called by that.
Speaker 1 (00:23:57) – And that happened. So yeah. We like this industry specifically. There’s a lot of other movie hair, nails, like whatever kind of service industry. Um, you’re kind of a contractor right there. You ring hired per job. So, um, when it comes to, like, you know, if I were to try to give, like, a big celebrity makeup artist on Instagram. Makeup, um, and I’m not like, that big, and they’re not getting money from me, like, a lot of money from me. They don’t want anything to do with me, which is. Like ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. I come across so many bars I have sent, you know, product they do, you know, make up on like big celebrities. And because it doesn’t I said I’ll even pay them like, you know, product like work on commission. You need incentives. That’s another piece of advice. When you’re working with someone, it’s never be like fully one way you someone everyone needs to be incentivized, right? Like I like commission based people.
Speaker 1 (00:24:57) – Um, you know what I mean? Because then they have an incentive to, like, work with you and push your product and do those things. Mhm. You know, if I’m just sitting out here just giving away money, giving away product like that is not going to come back. It’s 100%. It’s just not off. Right. Oh I agree um, not like so makeup artists are just like super territorial and I’ve had zero luck, zero luck with makeup artists ever using my product. They’re celebrities that they’re doing the Met Gala for, or any red carpet events like no one has ever I don’t know, they’ve tried it. They said they love it. And then it’s just like, push it, use it. And it’s it’s there is something about the territorial it’s and I, I’ve, I’ve definitely gone sound some like rabbit holes of this as well. And um I think like before we were chatting, before we start recording, we were talking about how when I met you on set, and I believe it was at the time that you moved to Chicago.
Speaker 1 (00:25:53) – So I was like, hey, Carla, or you weren’t available, is there another makeup artist? And you so kindly connected me with a colleague of yours, Nicole. And that’s so nice. Um, and I always believe that if you invite someone to set first, like, always give it to them. And if someone maybe is on another production set, or maybe they’re on a TV show out of town. And so yes, you might need the referral, but always go back to the person who’s been there first. But in addition, you’ve also connected me with so many other people like Lisa Tran has been on this podcast and who we work with from from a nail technician standpoint on set. And for me, that is so valuable that people refer other people that are saying, hey, this could person might be an expert within this space, or you should get to know this model or actor, because at the end of the day, if we all help each other, like we were saying that, you know, high tides raise all boats, it makes such a difference in the end.
Speaker 1 (00:26:44) – And and I see this a lot between male to male relationships is that they’ll say, oh, there’s this investment, you should go check it out or the best hire. Um, let me tell you, I know you’re trying to expand your company. You should meet my college roommates, next door neighbors, best friend. You see that? And we call it the golf course. The fact because they’re on the golf course, having beers, playing golf, whatever. And that’s that’s. It’s great. That’s what they should. That’s what humans should do. But although women have similar places, maybe they’re playing tennis. Maybe they’re going for walks with each other. They’re coming out of Pilates or getting your nails done. They aren’t sharing these things for the most part. And I mean, I found that when I talk about someone who gave me advice, who has a female, people are shocked, like, why would they do that? And I said, I think they wanted to help in the same way I’m the everyone knows I’m the first person I will pick up the phone or send an email if someone wants a referral.
Speaker 1 (00:27:38) – Um, because I want people to succeed too. And and you are totally embodying that too. And that’s why I always loved working with you. Thank you. I mean, I definitely don’t hold grudges. I know it exists, but I don’t I don’t abide by that. I you know what I mean? I want to empower people. I’m always connecting. You know, I had a friend one time that started like two stories. I had a friend that started like a cosmetic. I don’t want to, like, go into detail, but something in the cosmetic industry, and I hadn’t heard from her and I was like, why didn’t you like, why didn’t you, like, reach out to me and say like, hey, like, have any pointers or have any like, you know, manufacturers, right? My stuff’s made in the United States. It’s like and I was like kind of offended because I was like, so you went behind my back and did this, which is more like, why didn’t you just ask me for help? Like, I absolutely could have, like, advice and you know what I mean? And it’s just like, I don’t even understand that.
Speaker 1 (00:28:33) – So it’s like, but I also have a story. Like, there was a couple that I knew, um, the husband, like, so I, you know, I talked to the wife and it was a mutual friend of my husband and I and the wife had a conversation with me. Oh, yeah, you should do this, that and this. When someone tells me to, like, try to get in a Sephora, you know, like, come on, you know, it’s like, good people are like, you should hire a bookkeeper. It’s like we all want a bookkeeper and we all want everyone. Everyone’s like, oh, you should hire a CMO. I’m like, that is great, but things cost money and you and money does not grow on trees. Yeah. Or like do more advertising on TikTok. I’m like, I don’t like TikTok. I’m not supporting like a Chinese company for them with my product. And it’s a lot of work. It’s so much work. Yeah, it’s a job within itself.
Speaker 1 (00:29:22) – I mean, at most companies, about 5 to 10 people were just alone on TikTok, let alone they’re not dealing with manufacturing, pricing, distribution, customer service, marketing, um, financing, etc.. The husband. No, she had this like really great, you know, position whatever and could have like helped me or could have helped. But it’s like, oh, when you get here, then I’ll help you. It’s like when I get here, I don’t need your help. Yeah, okay. That’s right. I mean, if I’m making sure you’re coming to me and you know what I’m gonna do? I’m going to tell you, bye. Thanks for that conversation. And know that you did it yourself. You did not have to rely on others. You did it yourself. Although you would have loved to have their support and advice. Yeah, but a lot of people will say, like, when you get to this point, it’s like, well, how am I going to get to this point if like, you can’t help me if people can’t help, it’s like, like get an interview or like, you know, get a job or get experience before getting a job.
Speaker 1 (00:30:25) – Well, if I can’t get the job, how am I going to get the experience. Mhm. It’s true. And so but but it takes that one person to believe in you and say whether you’re an entrepreneur saying hey I’m going to try um selling this at my local store or hey the today show saying I want to promote this, this is great. I know our viewers would love it as well, or you’re in corporate and maybe a boss says, hey, you’ve never done PR before, but I know that you’re a hard worker and you’re a smart person. You can learn this. And I think those people are rare, but they they look at people to know their potential and not what they’re currently doing. And that goes far in life. When is the one that got me a big deal? Mm. Yeah. But I was like, well it’s it’s just and. Like it’s about believing in people and it’s about. And I think that’s the hardest part. Would you say to of being an entrepreneur is that there’s there’s so many highs and lows where there’s good days and then there’s these rough days where like, hey, I wanted to meet my sales goal or hey, I wanted this was my marketing idea three months ago, and maybe I only got 20% of it done.
Speaker 1 (00:31:32) – But there’s also a moment of having Grace and saying, I’m human. And especially, as you know, an entrepreneur, not every day is going to be perfect, but at least you can sit back and say, I took these risks. I took on challenges of which other people were going to take, and I’m doing it because I’m passionate about it. So that’s what you’re doing is you’re taking on less, you know, you know, I don’t know the harder, harder things in life. But knowing when to give yourself grace. Yes. Yeah. And it’s I’m hard on myself. Like, sometimes I feel like I should be further in this, you know, in this venture. Um, luckily, it’s not like my livelihood, so I’m very lucky, you know, when it comes to that, it’s not anymore. Right. Um, family. So. I don’t know, but it’s now I still have. I’m, like, very, like, pro feminist, like, do all the things that you want and until you know.
Speaker 1 (00:32:27) – And then I don’t know, I don’t know. But then having kids has kind of changed my perspective. Like for a few years I’m going to be totally selfless and it’s going to be about, you know, kids because, um, you know, I don’t know, I just believe that, like, raising your kids is, like, very important. So like, that is my, you know, um, my focus right now, but I have my cosmetic line like, that is a purpose, and it’s doing well. And, you know, I can go full throttle. I just keep it alive, and then I’ll go full throttle and, you know, in six months or something after this, like, next baby. And that’s good that you’re, you’re, you’re raising your family and you’re giving them that love and attention they so deserve. And I know when they grow up, they will be so appreciative and say, thank you, mom, for for taking time to spend with me, whether it’s at the park or sitting down having dinner every night together or, you know, waking them up with a smile on your face, but simultaneously, you’re also you’re doing something for yourself too, and you’re building a business and you’re growing it, saying, I need to have a great relationship with myself as much as I have with my family.
Speaker 1 (00:33:29) – So I applaud you for being able to do it all. Thank you. Barely. But I’m trying. But yeah, there’s definitely no limits to what people can do and like teach yourself, even if it’s not your industry. Um, you know, some people are like, oh, maybe I’ll do this, or maybe I’ll start that. And it’s like, that attitude is not going to get you what you want if you’re not passionate about it. You know, I, I’ve heard someone say like, oh, maybe I’ll open like a flower shop. And it’s like, do you know anything about flowers? No. Okay. I know how to market. Yeah. I don’t feel like you should waste your time excited about flowers. Are you excited about the flowers have on people or how it pulls a centerpiece together? Or that it could make someone’s day? If there’s you’re sick and someone delivers flowers, are you passionate about that? Because that will get the business the farthest correct? Yes. So I definitely when people are just trying to do something, to do something, and especially with like social media, they’re like, oh, I’m just gonna like try to do this and like get the next best thing or make money doing something I don’t like, or try doing stuff that’s like, totally unrealistic.
Speaker 1 (00:34:34) – Um, you know, nothing’s going to come easy. I don’t believe that at all. I do think some people I don’t even know if I believe in luck anymore, because I am very much like you. Put yourself in a position every day, whether you come across someone in a coffee shop, whether you pick up the phone, whether you send that email, whether you send 100 emails every day, you can do something to, you know, prohibit like something in your life. Right? So I think that it’s like, is it luck or is it you taking those steps to bring yourself there. Right. It’s your effort. Mhm. Yeah. Like some people might think I’m like lucky but it’s like I lived out of my car at one point when I and it’s because. Yeah. And I think a lot of what is there is a famous quote that says luck is often um confused with hard work. And I mean, it’s something so much more eloquent than that, but like, it’s exactly what you’re saying is that if you’re putting yourself in these places to connect with people, if you’re waking up early, you’re spending those late nights or you’re learning how to be efficient during the day, maybe you don’t want to spend these late nights.
Speaker 1 (00:35:42) – You are making that effort, and you’re putting in the work to get to where you want to be. It is not luck. Yeah it is. Yeah. Your destiny. So I definitely think that people can view that, especially if you look on Instagram. Oh, they’re like lucky. There’s got lucky. No, like YouTubers. They were like on to something before other people were, you know, it did not come after me. It it may have come easy, but like they were two steps ahead. So you know what I mean. There’s nothing that like, I don’t know. Um, so I think yeah, people definitely confuse luck. And that’s why it goes back to like my number one like advice is when it comes to networking, it’s like no matter who you encounter, you’re going to run into that person. There’s some there’s like a reason like always, you know, like that you kind of come across people and have conversation with. So I think and it’s like good and bad.
Speaker 1 (00:36:34) – Maybe if someone said something that you don’t agree with or maybe someone is helping you, there is a reason because they’re teaching your a lesson or they’re helping you get to that next point. And it’s that partnership and teamwork that helps everyone in the end. Yeah, yeah. I’m like, is there anything I didn’t cover? I feel like I covered a lot. I know, well, I know we are we are past our 30 minute mark and I know we could probably chat forever and ever and ever. If you always say that there’s definitely some people we need a part to with. So I feel like we should have a whole other, um, topic on entrepreneurship for part two. But, um, one, I always love to ask this one question, so I’ll end on this question is, uh, we say that everyone is sitting for the most part in the stands in their life. And what we mean by this is that pretend you’re at a football game and you’re in the crowd, and you’re looking down at the football player saying, why didn’t you throw the ball to him? Or why didn’t you run towards the left more versus going down the center? They can’t hear you, but you’re almost directing from afar.
Speaker 1 (00:37:30) – And so many times we look at our lives and we are looking at it like we’re sitting in the stands. And is there anything that you’re you’ve always wanted to do? Maybe it’s on your to do list. You tell yourself you’re going to do it every single day, or you keep putting it off saying next year, next summer. So is there any place in your life where you feel like you’re sitting in the stands, and what is it? And, and how are you going to dive into it and accomplish it soon? Mhm. Um, you know, not like not really. That’s good. Okay. I mean not everyone is sitting in the stands. Yeah. If you’re like proactive you’re probably not sitting there. You know, dictating verbally like actions without words. So it’s kind of crazy. I have this like affirmation even when I was in LA. So now I’m back in Chicago because of family Covid, all these things happen. I was like, we need to move. Bye bye.
Speaker 1 (00:38:26) – So and I have these like post-it notes of like affirmations and everything on there. Like I have, like, I love my life. I’m very happy. I have a happy child, I have a healthy child, I have my health. And, you know, there’s maybe like eight post-its on there. There was even one that said, I’m an award winning actress, which I did, I awards for this indie film I did like. So okay, so I didn’t really touch on that. But like, you know, being an actor too, um, I still do that because I love it. I love being on set. I love being an actor. So, you know, with streaming, you can actually get indie films into the world. So there’s, there’s good and bad with everything, you know, people like hate streaming. So I got my indie film streaming on Amazon, all these platforms, and I won a bunch of like, you know, small, like local awards, whatever.
Speaker 1 (00:39:25) – Um, the only thing on there that has not happened is selling my company. That is like literally I have like a number that I hope for. But to be honest, I don’t even, you know, like whatever to start a company and successfully exit and sell no matter what amount. That is a success, right? Um, that’s the only thing like and but but you wrote it up there saying like, this is what you’re manifesting this is what you’re reaching for. So half of life is knowing what direction you’re going. And. Yeah. And you have that. Yeah. Like I just don’t sit back. Yeah, I, I don’t know, maybe it’s, I don’t know if that’s like really obnoxious to say, but no, that means that you’re present and you know what you want to do and you’re taking action on those items. And I think that totally makes sense with our conversation about luck versus effort. You’re not sitting in the sand saying, I hope this happens to me. You’re on the field and you’re playing the game and you’re knowing what strategy to use to get to where you want to go.
Speaker 1 (00:40:31) – So yeah, yeah, yeah, I have together. Well, that’s that’s a lesson on, uh, affirmations and manifestation and look how far it gets you. So. Yeah. Well, Carla, this is amazing to chat with you. Sorry for keeping you over ten minutes of our time moment, but thank you so much. And, um, we will connect you and share everyone with Carla so they can learn about the amazing cache cream and purchase it for their own makeup kit, or to share on their own skin. So thank you so much, and we’re so excited that we got to chat with you. And thanks for taking time out of your busy day, being an entrepreneur and a mom.
Speaker 2 (00:41:10) – We are.
Speaker 1 (00:41:11) – Okay. Wait. Sorry. You say that part again? Yeah. Like buy a huge company because they thought I took their patent for their brushes. It was a female owned company. And she is quoted in, like, you know, whatever a big company and saying, like, you know, getting women into the industry.
Speaker 1 (00:41:33) – And here she is trying to take out smaller brands because she like, I don’t know, 100 brushes that look like hers, which I had no idea that they have these same shape brushes and their patterns on them. I think I think we all need to learn that there’s there’s an infinite number of seats at the table, and let’s not push each other out of chairs. Let’s pull up a chair for someone else and say, let’s invite you to the table as well, whether you’re sitting there first or second or last. And yep, it’s it’s definitely an ongoing struggle. But remember everyone. Yeah. High tides raise all ships. I urge the attorneys to like, let’s have a conversation. I’ll give you royalties. You guys can make my brushes if you have patents on these. You know what I mean? Like split the difference. Whatever. Something they said they wanted nothing to do with me. Did not want to talk to me. And I was like, well, I’m flattered that you’re intimidated by my company.
Speaker 1 (00:42:31) – But, yeah, a woman owned brands tried to, like, take me out. Pretty much. That’s a great response. You’re like, I’m flattered, but by your intimidation. Um, yeah. So. Okay. Sorry. Well, thank you, Carla, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule. And we’re so excited to share your story. And thank you for being so honest and open and truthful. It’s really incredible to interview female entrepreneurs like yourself in the beauty space. So we applaud you and also for balancing time as a mom that’s so incredible and you deserve the best and more. So keep up with those affirmations. Thank you so much. I will talk to you soon. Take care. Bye, Carla.