Meet Raquel Gutierrez of Queltzin Cosmetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Gutierrez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, the initial creation of Queltzin was to create content that brought attention to my culture. My father’s side are Yaqui and migrated to Fresno and later to Los Angeles for a better life. My mother’s side are Mexica and came from Tepetlaoxtoc, MX near the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan.

Our products are inspired and named after Nahuatl words as well as gods/goddesses from Aztec Mythology. I wanted my brand to focus on educating and providing answers for those also going on this journey of finding out where they originated from. I strongly believe that embracing our features, that we once were pushed to believe were flaws, start at the base of us decolonizing beauty standards. This comes by embracing your hair texture to the shape of your nose along with the color of your skin. Beauty does not have a single path, Queltzin provides its audience with people who look just like them. With Queltzin Cosmetics, I hope to leave my customers and audience feeling beautiful in the skin they are in.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been an easy road especially with the pandemic going on. For those starting a business, I recommend building a team. It can get pretty hectic doing it alone. Our team consists of full-time students, this can make it challenging to produce daily content. Obstacles will always be there. To overcome them, divide work and take one day at a time. Working alongside like-minded individuals who have the same goal of inclusivity in the beauty community has made the growth of Queltzin possible.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Queltzin Cosmetics – what should we know?
I, Raquel Gutierrez, am the founder of Queltzin Cosmetics. I graduated from MSMU and I am currently finishing my chemistry and physics requirements for the MCAT. I have been wearing false eyelashes for over eight years now. I decided for the release of Queltzin to first be focused on eyelashes. I wanted the products that we initially brought in to enhance features without masking them. I incorporated culture and worked alongside talented graphic artists who could produce meaningful art. (Shout out to @heysus94 and @tochtlita on IG) I work alongside my product development director, Dezedee Garcia, to release products. Dezedee’s background allows us to become educated and move towards animal-cruelty products.

Our make-up artist, Maria Cuevas, is the best at enhancing and not transforming features. This is so important in our community because it allows others to see similar features and acknowledge their own beauty. Another goal of Queltzin was to work with those in our community. I believe this allows a realistic view of our community and culture. We are constantly giving back, I believe it is so important to find ways to not only give back to people but the Earth. We are a brand focused on being eco-friendly. I am so proud of what my brand stands for. Queltzin stands strongly for equality of all. We continuously donate funds to organizations that have the same values.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Like previously mentioned, our graphic artists, photographers, models, ambassador, PR team, MUA, Product Development Director, mask developer Martha Gutierrez, consultant Missael and most importantly all of our customers. We have grown by people telling their friends. We started off so small, our family and friends have definitely contributed to the help of our growth. We are just grateful that so many people like and also share our message.

Pricing:

• “Coatlicue” Apparel $35.00
• Synthetic Silk Lashes $12.00
• Crystal Hair clips 1.5″ $13.00
• Face Masks (Cow, Stripe, and Glitter Print) 2 for $25.00

Contact Info:

• Website: queltzincosmetics.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @queltzincosmetics

Image Credit:
For image with two models and brown backdrop.. It was shot by photographer @Benjirow626. For the image of the model with the blue sweater (wearing beanie) it was shot by Product Development Director Dezedee Garcia. All other photos were taken by Raquel Gutierrez

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