Kalon Queens Feature: Nechami Tenenbaum from Karmela Cosmetics

I’m excited to feature Nechami Tenenbaum who is uniting women through the power of color and teaching makeup magic strategies for every occasion through her company, Karmela Cosmetics. I’ve been using her silk matte lipstick line for a few months, and I love that all the shades are gluten free and cruelty free. Check out her blog, Karmela’s Beauty Bits, for more beauty hacks. And read along the interview below to learn more about her journey as a female business owner and how her brand makes a difference in supporting women and doing good in the world.

What inspired you to start Karmela Cosmetics?

During my time in makeup school and as a practicing Professional Makeup Artist, I couldn’t find makeup that met my exacting standards: vibrant, non-drying and long-lasting, with a luxurious feel, and without all those harsh chemicals. 

After years of research and development I decided to establish my own line of products!

What’s your favorite shade of lipstick and what does it mean to you?

Well, I can’t choose a favorite shade because I created them, it’s like asking someone who their favorite child is lol but I’ll tell you that my personal go-to shades are Immortal (my neutral nude) and Eternity (a light baby pink from my pink collection). 

How do you think our outward appearance plays a role in how we feel internally? How does beauty (and lipstick for that matter) play a role?

There’s a reason “Clothes make the man” is more than a quote. I believe that when we feel beautiful/attractive, we act with more confidence, thereby gaining the assurance of others with our self self-confidence. When we feel good about ourselves, we know we can succeed. When we believe in ourselves, we put in more effort and have a greater chance of success.

Lipstick plays a huge role because color has a significant impact in the way we feel and act. Apply a red lipstick and you’ll feel that confidence seep in. Your bright pink lipstick will brighten your day and add that spark of joy and fun! 

What’s the long-term vision for Karmela? And how do you plan to achieve your dreams?

I would love to be in Sephora and become a household beauty brand name! I plan achieving my dreams by continuing to spread our message of “uniting women through the power of color.” Uniting all women, all ethnicities and skin colors through empowerment, authenticity and through learning from those who have been here before me.

Can you share a time you failed and what you learned from it?

Sure. I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes through this journey but one thing I can think of off the top of my head is the time I purchased an expensive machine from China (that’s still in my garage lol) which I thought would help production. I learned a couple lessons from this mistake: First of all, do extensive research before purchasing expensive items. Don’t act impulsively. Second, make sure that this can benefit the company in the long term- i.e. if we’re going to stop hand-making the lipsticks after a few months once marketing and sales pick up- don’t invest in a machine that will be soon be useless. 

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Can you share your proudest moment-to-date?

My proudest moment was the first time a woman came over to me and thanked me for helping her feel supported and not alone in her struggles. To this day, I continue to receive messages to this effect and am touched each and every time. However, my proudest moment was definitely the first time when I discovered the difference I was making in the lives of other people.

What does women’s empowerment mean to you?

Women’s empowerment to me means inspiring, supporting, and lifting up one another. Whether its purchasing or promoting small business items from women owned businesses, or being authentic and reminding women that they are not alone in their struggles. 

How can women support other women better?

Buy from your friends, support their businesses, ideas, services. Please don’t ask for free products… Utilize their product or service as a paying customer. 

If you’re active on social media, engage on their posts and stories…Promote other women… Refer women’s businesses to your friends. 

Be authentic, don’t fake it to pretend everything is perfect in your life to cause jealousy, be relatable so women know they’re not alone. 

Highlight the good in your friends and other women- to them and about them.

Why is it important for Karmela Cosmetics to give back?

It’s important for Karmela Cosmetics to give back because through giving back we’re acknowledging that our brand has a higher and meaningful purpose. Besides for providing lipsticks, a product typically created to enhance outer beauty, we’re demonstrating that beauty begins from an inner place, a deeper place of health, happiness, friendship, and support. 

What’s your way to unwind and relax?

Salt baths, Massages, Netflix, depends on my mood and what I need at the moment! 

Fun Facts:

• Current book you’re reading: Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (amazing read!)
• Hobby: I’m a huge music fan and grew up playing piano so I try to make the time to practice when I can!
• Favorite podcast and/or blog: Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast.
• Role model(s): My parents who have taught me by example unconditional love and acceptance for all human beings, no matter who they are or where they’ve come from!
• Favorite vacation destination: My grandparent’s country home on the bay, it’s the most relaxing place for me and holds wonderful childhood memories. 
• How can people find you:
  • Website: Karmelacosmetics.com
  • Instagram and Facebook: @Karmelacosmetics
• Anything else to share? Thank you so much for asking me to participate in this interview, I enjoyed answering your questions and I wish you so much success in your future projects! 

Interviewed by Katie Lam: katie@kalonsf.com // Use code: KATIE20 for 20% off your purchase @ Karmela Cosmetics.

Posted By: Katie Melanie Lam · In: Kalon Queens