Today we’d like to introduce you to Tequila (Keyla) Young.
Hi Tequila (Keyla), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Inspired by other professional makeup artists, such as Pat McGrath, Danessa Myricks, Aj Crimson, I was always interested in starting a cosmetic line with just a few products. Something I could sell my clients whenever I was booked for a shoot or glam session. But it was when I interviewed for a MUA position for Rihanna’s beauty line back in 2017 (of course I didn’t get the job) it sparked a pull to start a cosmetic line. I had been a professional makeup artist for some years and wanted to not only showcase my artistic side of creativity but also bring something to the market that hasn’t been focused on specifically. Of course, there are so many eye shadows, and lipsticks, and skin products, but my focus was on the source of beauty. 2017-2019 I would write down ideas or sketch out concepts of what the product would be and who it would target. This past summer with quarantine in full effect, I finally had time to really focus on the beauty line and to begin releasing its first product of custom-made faux mink lashes. This would get A-Ten Cosmetics out to the public and also me able to sell a product to clients during glam sessions. Currently, we have released four of the six styles of strip eyelashes. There are two collections, Vivid Collection one and The Royal Collection, and the first color product in the early phases of production. A-Ten Cosmetics, inspired by Ancient Egyptian royalty, are originators and cultivators of makeup, beauty rituals sun protection, to esthetic purposes of royal standards. A-Ten Cosmetics will bring forth the sense of luxury for the queens and kings who use our products.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with most businesses during this year 2020, there are so many issues people are focused on. So no the road hasn’t been smooth. I find it challenging with production factories and chemists with limited availability. Due to Covid-19, things have been pushed back, as well as financing. The Beauty and cosmetics industry is a billion dollar business, and I want to make sure that the product I release is of quality and high standard. Not just for professional makeup artists, but especially for people that live that life of beauty and esthetic, with a natural cruelty-free approach.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist specializing in Beauty, editorial, film and production. Basically everything but special effects, which I would like to get into if I can get over the gore part. I actually did an interview with Voyage LA back in 2018 for the Makeover Mondays. During that time when most of my work consisted of e-Commerce shoots for online shopping and music videos. I could say that I am most proud of making the move to LA back in 2014 to pursue being a makeup artist full time and gaining some recognition with my artistic role models and career motivators. So look at me now! I’m starting my own cosmetic line! I strive to be the artist that can work with any talent, to everyday person who wants to feel glamorous.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk taking is my middle name! That’s what being an artist is about. Trying out things that may not work but when they do, it’s beautiful. I don’t look at taking risks as scary or something to worry about. I call it life. My mother said “a closed mouth don’t get fed”, and Warren Buffett said “Risks come from not knowing what you’re doing.” I may not know everything I’m doing but if I don’t speak up or ask questions, I will never learn what to do. Which took some years getting overdue to shyness and introverted personality traits. Big steps I feel I’ve taken is investing my own money into this new venture for a quality cosmetic line, Selling all my furniture, and moving to Los Angeles six years ago. It really has worked out for the best, and I can’t feel more fulfilled. I am in a space where I can’t get be allowed to be in a comfort zone, and my skill and work ethic are always challenged. I believe artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs thrive in hostile and competitive environments. It pushes forward new ideology and ways of life
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: LashAten.com
- Instagram: @atencosmetics
- Other: BeautyByKeys.com
Image Credits:
Lashes: LashAten.com @atencosmetics Photographers: Leyla Stefani @leyla.stefani; Dario Griffin @blackmarketartisan; Sham @ShotbySham; Sandy Leshner photography @sandyleshphoto Models: Brittany Mason @brittanysmason; Love Truong @love2cake; Melissa L. Williams @melissa.l.williams; Elizabeth Monet @elizabeth_moent; Liberty Pearl @astonmodels: Ara Chapman @ara_jane23
