While pregnant with her son, Kitiya was determined to find nail polishes that were both healthy and stylish. After all why should your sense of fashion suffer while your pregnant?! But for the first 6 months of her pregnancy Kitiya was unable to find nail polishes that were “5 FREE”, fashion-forward and high quality. Thus, Mischo Beauty was born.
We should pause here and explain the concept of “5 FREE”. There are five toxins still found in most nail polish formulas… formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. They can cause some ugly side effects including nausea, light-headedness, headaches, and more. Some of the carcinogens are even linked to cancer and birth defects. As I’m sure you’ve concluded, 5 FREE formulas don’t contain these potentially harmful toxins. When Kitiya wasn’t able to find exactly what she needed she decided to develop her own line. Hey, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself!
Kitiya has a degree in chemistry and is a licensed Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Esthetician and Makeup Artist. Who better to create a luxe, 5 FREE nail lacquer? And so Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers were born.
We caught up with this fellow natural to learn more about the strategy behind launching her own beauty start-up and of course nab some tips on how she takes care of that gorgeous fire red hair!
Congratulations on your new nail line, Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquer! You started your business Mischo Beauty by blogging. Was it always your plan to transition from blogger to beauty entrepreneur?
Yes, it was – from the very beginning! I knew that my blog would be a medium or stepping stone for bigger and better things. In addition to launching a product line, I have plans to open a salon/spa, write a beauty book, open a beauty institute and create an agency which represents beauty professionals.
How would you say blogging has helped build the brand for your nail line?
It has helped tremendously! I launched MischoBeauty.com in 2007 to provide an honest, fact-based perspective on all things beauty. The mission of the blog was to educate the public on everything from hair, skin and nail health, and provide current news and reviews on the latest products, industry events, beauty goods and services. And because of this I know I have followers from all over the world who respect my advice and consider me the go-to authority in the cosmetics, hair – and skin-care industry.
Do you have a background in the beauty industry or is this a career change for you?
I am a licensed cosmetologist, manicurist, esthetician and makeup artist. I received professional training and experience at Vidal Sassoon, Aveda and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa. I also have a degree in Chemistry.
Are you working full-time on your beauty line or are you pursuing your business outside of a 9-5? If full-time how did you make the transition?
At the moment, I still hold a 9-5 job, but am working on a transition plan.
What top three tips would you give to someone starting a blog or vlog?
1. Make sure you’re blogging about your passion or the blog won’t last!
2. Blog consistently! I would encourage new bloggers to blog consistently – meaning post daily, maybe taking the weekends off. This is how readers get to know your voice, become familiar with your style and eventually grow to love your blog. This consistency will keep them coming back for more!
3. Don’t give up!
What’s next for Mischo Beauty? What’s coming in 2014?
I am working on a full cosmetics line, so please stay tuned!
Your hair is fabulous by the way! Are you natural?
I am natural! I blow and flat iron my hair out weekly.
Can we ask why you choose to be a straight natural?
Sure! Honestly, it really is a personal preference. I’m pro “healthy hair” and I’m pro “do you”, so the combination of the two led me to be a “straight natural“. And though I do straighten my hair on a weekly basis, I try not to heat style it in-between shampoos!
What are your favorite 3 hair products?
• Coconut Oil
• Wella System Professional Power Mask
• Satin Pillowcase (it’s not really a “hair product”, but my hair is so much healthier because I use it consistently!)
Head over to Mischo Beauty to purchase colors from Kitiya’s Fashion Collection…
Colors from left to right: The Tents, Backstage Beauty, Front Row, Invite Only, Lincoln Center, Empire State of Mind and NYFW
