Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Thurman.
Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My partner, Sue Katz and I founded AMAZINGCOSMETICS in 2000. We launched as an online company selling one item, the AMAZINGCONCEALER, which became the brand’s hero still retaining that status today. I became fascinated with cosmetics, particularly it’s packaging and the innovation that came with it. I realized the Internet would allow an entrepreneur like myself the ability to work from home at my own pace while reaching a global customer. It seemed the ideal set up as I had young children and would be delving back into the workforce after having been out of it for a period of time. My partner was a makeup artist with a similar situation so we both believed we could contribute to the company in our own unique way.
While we expanded our assortment of products, we grew our customer base and retail partner relationships. Early on, the brand was fortuitously discovered by professional makeup artists and their celebrity clients helping us acquire a cult favored status.
Through the years, we’ve had many starts and stops but have learned more than we ever imagined we could have about an amazing industry. We’ve met incredible people, have made great friends and have been lucky enough to travel to places that without the business we may have missed out on seeing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been at times very smooth and simultaneously invigorating and at other times very challenging and difficult. As you grow, your responsibilities increase so the good get bigger and better but the hard stuff gets a little bigger and harder as well.
The business has always been a stimulating experience that I’m perpetually grateful for. Often invigorating and other times difficult. Some struggles have been learning how to become a fair and reasonable manager, remaining positive during hard times, competing with other brands in your same space and managing growth in balance.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with AMAZINGCOSMETICS – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Along with running operations with my partner, I head our product development and innovation strategy, integrate with marketing, pursue new business opportunities and network as a company founder. And I never want to forget our small but amazing team. It absolutely takes a village!
One of the things I’m most proud of has been our ability while being small but mighty to remain relevant for close to two decades. All while sticking to our earliest mantra of creating high-quality products that do what they say they’re going to do. We pride ourselves on even if it takes twice as long to continue to innovate in ways that support our values and those of our clients. We strive to be purveyors of beautiful complexion products that make you feel good not only outside but in.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We’re looking for ways to disrupt the traditional retail channels as so much has changed even over the last few years. We’re embracing our direct to consumer business so we can speak more intimately to our customers. It’s somewhat full circle for the brand since our initial launch was solely an online business. Additionally, we’re seeking out more online opportunities than ever before because people have become increasingly comfortable shopping this way.
We’re also to talking to partners that are finding unique ways to reach the customer and it’s providing us with really exciting opportunities. There’s a lot of cool and creative shopping experiences being developed and we’re open to all of it!
Finally, we’re seeking out more and more global partnerships. The internet was not only the impetus to launch the brand almost twenty years ago but each day it brings people closer and closer and if we can introduce AMAZINGCOSMETICS to a beauty lover in a far corner of the world, then that’s exciting!
Contact Info:
- Address: 133 E. Cook Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048 USA
- Website: www.amazingcosmetics.com
- Phone: 847-680-5247
- Email: makeupartist@amazingcosmetics.com
- Instagram: instagram@amazingcosmetics
- Facebook: facebook@amazingcosmetics
- Twitter: twitter@amazingcosmetics
- Other: youtube@amazingcosmetics
Image Credit:
Wyatt Thurman
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