We were thrilled to support emerging beauty brands during MakeUp in LosAngeles 2023’s Brand Concept Challenge, where two beauty entrepreneurs were crowned winners, one in skincare and one in makeup. Six months post-event, we reconnected with Debra Golden (TEARandGO) and Jessica Trevino (Ki’olal Biocosmetics) to get insights on their current status, brand progress, and their perspectives on the Brand Concept Challenge at MakeUp in LosAngeles. Explore our interviews below for an exclusive look at how these brands are revolutionizing the beauty industry with their innovations!
Makeup Category Winner: TEARandGO – Debra Golden
TEARandGO is the new single-use color cosmetics applicator that allows customers to enjoy your gloss, balm, stain or lipstick exactly as they intended, without sacrificing brand experience. Pocket and purse-friendly, TEARandGO’s patented design works with a wide variety of formulas, putting portability and control in the customer’s hands. Innovative and inventive, TEARandGO elevates your brand while expanding opportunities!
Full Name: DEBRA GOLDEN
Age: 58
Location: SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO
Brand: TEARandGO
Social Media Handles:
Instagram @tearandgo
https://www.facebook.com/tearango
TikTok @tearandgp
Brand Concept Challenge Experience:
How has winning the Brand Concept Challenge impacted your career or aspirations in the beauty industry?
Winning the Brand Concept Challenge was exciting and provided validation of my concept. I gained a lot of confidence that has helped me persevere in my journey in bringing TEARandGO to the marketplace.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned during the challenge?
Be flexible, listen to the feedback from the judges
What role has MULA played in your professional growth and development since the challenge?
I made helpful connections with other people in the challenge and with the organizer, Ana, and the judges. All of these people have been instrumental to me in some way. I have learned so much from all the brands.
Your Journey and Growth:
Have there been any significant milestones or achievements in your journey after winning the challenge?
I have a US based manufacturer and supplier, A major milestone is an expected launch date in October 2024.
What advice would you give to aspiring individuals looking to make their mark in the beauty industry?
It’s the old adage, everything takes longer and is more expensive than planned. There are a lot of ups and downs so I refrain from any negativity!
Future Aspirations:
How do you see yourself contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry moving forward?
Solutions for space saving and decreasing landfill beauty options are needed. I see TEARandGO as a sustainable solution for both areas. I have a vision to make TEARandGO available for more than just lip products. Other makeup types plus medicinal purposes are within the scope of TEARandGO. Also, marketing the clear lip balm to men will be important as that market sector is growing.
- Offering more colors i.e. holiday palette, blushing brides, Vivid collection, Black etc. Expanding into areas besides lip, i.e. eye shadow and blush, concealer.
- Expanding into countries where space and landfill issues exist (India and other 3rd world)
Skincare Category Winner: Ki’olal Biocosmetics – Jessica Trevino
‘’KI’OLAL “Ancient Wisdom For Modern Skin” celebrates every skin, through your very own journey. Defining a new attitude to skincare, we’ve created a movement which sees our daily skin regimen as a ritual, just like journaling or a morning meditation session. Ingredients are chosen specifically to get the most out of mother nature’s gifts, with a curated selection of niche organic certified super-ingredients and a holistic daily routine to build your very own.
Full Name: Jessica Trevino
Age: 39
Location: San Diego, CA / Tulum, Mexico
Brand: Ki’olal Biocosmetics
Social Media Handles: @kiolalbiocosmetics
Brand Concept Challenge Experience:
How has winning the Brand Concept Challenge impacted your career or aspirations in the beauty industry?
The Brand Concept Challenge had a very positive impact on my journey as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Being this event the first time I exposed my brand/project to the public, this challenge played a significant role in shaping my brand communication. It encouraged me to think deeply about my brand’s main differentiation in this competitive market. Also, it allowed me to increase visibility and networking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts.
What were some of the most valuable lessons you learned during the challenge?
Effective communication of my brand concept to potential customers, investors, partners and team members is vital. The challenge gave me the ability to articulate my ideas clearly and persuasively.
Also, embracing the feedback received from the judges highlighted some areas of improvement.
What role has MUNY played in your professional growth and development since the challenge?
Validation and Increased confidence. I feel like participating in the challenge in the skincare category validated my skills, creativity and business acumen as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. And winning the challenge meant that my brand concept stands out and have a competitive advantage in a crowded marketplace. This was definitely a big motivation to continue moving forward in the right direction.
Journey and Growth:
Have there been any significant milestones or achievements in your journey after winning the challenge?
The most significant achievement in my journey with Ki’olal after winning the challenge is getting all our formulas approved and certified Cosmos Organic by ECOCERT, Vegan by the Vegan Society and Cruelty Free by Leaping Bunny.
What advice would you give to aspiring individuals looking to make their mark in the beauty industry?
Find your WHY and transform that into your brand mantra. Be patient and fall in love with the process. There are so many challenges along the way, let your instinct be your guide.
Future Aspirations:
How do you see yourself contributing to the growth and innovation of the industry moving forward?
The skincare industry has often been associated with external beauty. My goal is to contribute by shifting the focus towards self-connection in alignment with holistic wellness and self-care.
Stay tuned for more updates on our news page and social media accounts to get all the info for our upcoming event, MakeUp in LosAngeles 2024, taking place on February 14th & 15th at the LA Convention Center!
