Tai is the founder and ultimate girl boss behind her brand, Tai-Lite. A skincare based makeup brand that is made for everyone and almost everything! Tai comes from an editorial background so creating vibrant and fun looks was always at the forefront of her work and now that translates in to her brand.
As a black artist, Tai educated herself on the different pigments so that she could tailor to all women and all complexions whilst making sure she was producing the best of the best with only clean ingredients. Her life story is something to be admired and she is really making waves in the beauty world.
We spent some time with Tai to find out more…
Tell us about the story that lead you to launch your brand, Tai Lite…
Throughout my career as a makeup artist, I have always loved to experiment and create fun vibrant looks. As a black artist I found that the beauty industry was limited when it came to products suitable for all complexions. So I dabbled in finding new ways to get the results I wanted. It started off by mixing different products together and using things outside of their intended purpose. I would do things like use eyeshadows as highlighters etc.
As my career grew I started to educate myself on clean beauty and its benefits. I was mindblown when I learned what we having been putting on our faces and bodies and the effects it could have overtime. I take my skin and skincare very seriously so I thought it was only right to extend this to my clients. I started experimenting with different clean ingredients and revisited my hobby of making highlighters, still keeping in mind that I was not only creating something that was good for the skin but suitable for deep to fair skin tones. But this time I wasn’t just mixing products together I was formulating what is now known as our glow pigments. A product that is not only clean and skin-loving but created with the deepest complexions in mind.
Our glow pigments are a multi-purpose product that can be used as a highlighter, blush, eyeshadow, or however you see fit. It is Formulated with 5 skin-loving ingredients that help promote healthy glowing skin, contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals, promote natural healing, and have antimicrobial properties. In addition to our skincare benefits, our pigments are bright, colorful, and versatile.
Creating products that are clean and natural is something your brand stands for, why was this important to you?
Creating products that are clean and natural is important to me because if you going to be using something on a daily basis you want to make sure that it is good for you. I believe that makeup should be benefiting your skin as well as enhancing. That’s why our ingredient list is at the forefront of everything we do. We want you to know exactly what you using and why/how those ingredients promote healthy glowing skin. Tai-Lite truly is an extension of your skincare.
How often do you launch new products and what’s the process behind that?
Being that we launched in December of 2019 we have not launched new products yet, But we do have some exciting new things comin in 2021 that we cant wait to share with all of you!
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your travel bucket list?
Traveling to Tanzania is at the top of my bucket list. Just seeing photos and talking to my friends who have traveled there before it seems to be so beautiful and freeing. I would like to visit multiple places in Africa but starting there is on my bucket list.
You’re a New Yorker, what’s the best thing about NYC to you?
The best thing about NYC is the ability to do exactly what it is that you love. I am not saying doing it is easy or you won’t have to do other things in the meantime but the city has a certain energy of creative freedom that will lead you to what it is that you want to do. In addition to that its great that I am surrounded by people who are doing the same which creates a community of creatives to lean on and work with.
For any aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to launch a brand in the beauty world, what advice would you offer?
My advice would be to just start wherever you are with whatever you have. Don’t be afraid to learn things as you go and ask questions.
If you are developing your own product I advise you to take your time with the formula, trial and error and research are important.
How have you had to pivot in 2020?
After launching I had planned to get most of my exposure through vending at different markets and events. I had to switch my focus more into e-commerce. So I took a 6-week course on Marketing/social media to educate myself further. I had more time on my hands than ever, at first I was sad that I couldn’t do makeup but I soon saw it as a blessing because I had time to focus and grow my business.
What has this year taught you about yourself?
This year taught me that I am capable of much more then I could’ve imagined
I learned that I can depend and rely on myself for the things that I want out of this life.
I learned that I can actually do it, all of it.
I learned that there is no reason not to chase your dreams every day. And everything your desire is already yours.
Where do you hope to see your brand in ten years’ time?
In 10 years I see Tai-Lite as a global brand. I see Tai-Lite as a one-stop-shop for all things CLEAN skincare, beauty, and body care.
We can’t wait to follow Tai and all of her successes! Check out her site and follow her on Instagram for my fabulous updates!
Comments are closed.