I’ve always known that I was destined for more than normalcy. Even as a kid, I wanted to be “famous” and knew eventually people would know my name, now look at me! – Nikuale

Dasia: What motivated you to start your own business ?

 

Nikuale: It was near the end of my freshman year of college and I didn’t have the $8k needed to start my next semester, so I needed to think of something to do to earn my way back into school. I landed on handmade cosmetics because I was a HUGE makeup junkie and I spend so much buying makeup but I had the ability to make my own.

Nikuale: I was inspired by a makeup artist online, Ociera, her artistry was named “Fresh Face Honey” and I don’t know why – it just came to me. I was actually stuck between “Honey Kissed” and “Beauty Marked” on account of my very unique beauty marks/moles on my own skin – I ran a poll on twitter and Honey Kissed won. 

 

 

Dasia: What makes Honey Kissed Cosmetics different from any other cosmetics line?

Nikuale: Honey Kissed was created by a black woman for predominantly women of color. Due to being extremely under represented, we sometimes lack the motivation to even try because it seems that we aren’t even noticed. I really make sure that although my products can work for any skin tone, they can definitely work for even the darkest of skin. 

Nikuale: Surprisingly we only launched last June. June 10, 2016.

Nikuale: I’ve struggled with the decision of going back to school because of course I want to have that “Plan B” just in case – but I just feel like a plan b is such a cop out. It’s like you make a second plan when you don’t have complete faith in your first one and I do. I know that this is long term. But my family really wants me to make sure I have something to fall back on.

Nikuale: Everything is handmade – but I usually make things in bulk. One item could take up to an hour for a bulk batch, but I usually have 10 hour work days of just creating bulk batches so I can get it all done quickly.

Nikuale: I love traveling with my boyfriend. We also do it without spending a ton of money and not a ton of planning. We just buy a bus ticket and stay in a different city for the sake of exploring.

Nikuale:

1. I have an addiction to online shopping – especially Amazon Prime.

Nikuale: I personally adore Bahi Cosmetics, partially because the owner and I are close friends but also because the skincare is incredible.

Nikuale: Amazon Prime, F21, Fashion Nova, Aldo

Dasia: Who are some of your favorite makeup artists ?

 

Nikuale: I love @TheeOnlyOciera & @_tiairraa on twitter. They’re both absolutely incredible.

Nikuale: I haven’t before you guys reached out but I love your platform! You all definitely deserve a large audience.  

Nikuale: Better. Better everything. We aren’t anything if we aren’t progressing.