Today we’d like to introduce you to Latasia B.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
“Walk into any room without saying a word and let your lips do the talking! Ask yourself, what are your lips saying about you?!” – S’mora Lee Cosmetics
In most cases, when entering any room or environment, your presence is observed first before you’re able to utter a word! This reason alone is why S’mora Lee Cosmetics was created. I truly believe “first impressions are lasting impressions”.
My love for makeup began my freshman year of college in 2008. I would experiment with different brands of makeup including eyeshadows, lipsticks, foundations – the whole shabang! After a while, I found myself disappointed after purchasing so many products because either the colors wouldn’t compliment my brown skin tone, they were too pricey or some causing allergic reactions to my sensitive skin. I would always joke with my friends and family and say that I would create my own brand but I never took myself serious so how could I expect anyone else to?!
Fast forward to 2018 – I realized my love for makeup never disappeared and I still could never find the “perfect” products for me. I decided then that I would create a QUALITY brand that would not only represent all women but especially women of color.
After a few losses, trial and error, I FINALLY was able to create the perfect products! I have yet to experience any breakouts and my goal with pricing is to create a market that allows consumers to look fly without breaking the bank!
Naming my brand was a little harder than I expected it would be. I tried many names and creative paths but nothing sounded “good” enough. So, I randomly just decided to use my middle name and “become” my brand! I’m so happy I made that decision.
After choosing my brand name, I made it official by securing the LLC, having a logo designed and then creating my website (Smoraleecosmetics.com). I launched my business on 3/7/2020 and had a small gathering of friends and family to help celebrate.
Has it been a smooth road?
Creating S’mora Lee Cosmetics was HARD and maintaining it can be just as hard sometimes as it’s only me! Some of my struggles along that way included creating and finding the products I would be proud to wear and provide to others. Quality and affordability is extremely important to me! When I first began researching, I tried so many different avenues which required money to be invested. I would receive products that were cheap, some full of chemicals and others that just did not make the cut. These barriers caused me to give up for months but thankfully, I was able to regain my focus. Unexpectedly, I was able to meet someone that understood my vision and that could create the very products I envisioned.
Another struggle I encountered was my website design. Initially, I designed my website using a certain platform and 24-48 hours before my launch date of 3/7/2020, the platform stopped working. It would not calculate any taxes as needed and it did not allow me to do a lot of manual edits required. So, I had to start from scratch and create an entirely new website prior to launching. I was extra exhausted but was able to get the job done and highly satisfied.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the S’mora Lee Cosmetics story. Tell us more about the business.
S’mora Lee Cosmetics is a beauty brand that aims to provide quality products for an affordable price. As of now, my #SLCLipTalkCollection includes ten shades of liquid matte lipsticks that apply creme with a matte finish without the harsh dry and cracking feel. I also offer eight shades of lip glosses that are not only hydrating but moisturizing to the lips. My lipsticks range from Superfly (hot pink) to three different shades of nude (Nudist, Nude About You and Touché). Lipglosses also range in shades such as Plain Jane (clear), Bronzy (metallic gold) and Haughty (red).
As a company, I’m most proud of my ability to overcome any obstacle I may face. My faith keeps me grounded and encouraged, as well as, reminded that “All things are possible..!” I also pride myself in staying in my own “lane”. I do not attempt to copy anyone’s style or ideas. I am only in competition with the person I was yesterday.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Within the next five to ten years, I can see an overflow for my company. I can picture S’mora Lee Cosmetics growing internationally. As of now, my brand carries lip products but will soon be expanding the product list. I can only imagine the consumer base that will begin to support.
Contact Info:
- Website: SmoraLeeCosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/smoraleecosmetics?igshid=1onabozaoqtnb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmoraLeeCosmetics/
- Twitter: Twitter.com/slc_cosmetics
Image Credit:
#SLCbeauties
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