Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Martin.
Hi Lindsey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career started in fashion, I moved to NYC a semester before graduating from UNT and began working for magazines in their fashion closet: InStyle, Lucky, TeenVogue. Yes, my desk was literally in a closet 🙂 After four years, I was really missing home (and over being broke) so I moved back to Austin and started what would be a seven years career in tech sales. Working in software taught me so much about business and communicating with customers, I really fell in love with growing teams, customers and revenue.
Despite my success, I felt a longing for something more and I missed the creativity and culture I previously enjoyed in the fashion industry. I also developed a serious passion for skincare efficacy and ingredients, I would spend my free time researching different actives and formula lists. So my longing for something “more” in my career and my obsession for skincare intersected and I knew I wanted to pivot into the beauty industry, I just needed the right idea.
Around the same time, my skincare routine had become a sacred moment at the end of my long, stressful days as a software executive. I really cherished the 5 minutes I spent caring for myself after a day of focusing on everyone else. But when I looked at my skincare products packaging, I felt that they visually didn’t align with how using the product made me feel, and I knew the industry could do better. That’s the moment the idea for Kiramoon was born, which was several years ago, but our vision remains the same:
Our dream is for Kiramoon to put a smile on your face, add some magic to your beauty routine, and help you achieve your happiest skin ever.
I built Kiramoon for three years while still working my full-time corporate job, and I finally went full-time for Kiramoon in February, just a month after we launched our first product. Just six months post-launch, we are currently stocked with Urban Outfitter, ASOS and will be in-stores at a large retailer in Q4. I’m still our only full-time employee and I learn something new every day, but I wake up absolutely in love with what I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, it hasn’t been smooth 🙂 The biggest learning curve for me has been around product development and supply chain. I had zero experience in the beauty industry so trying to formulate, develop custom packaging, register for barcodes, deliver products to retailers, etc….have all been firsts for me.
I also think that budgeting and deciding the right place to use our limited funds has been challenging, as it is for all founders.
Quickly after launching, I realized that problem solving, making mistakes, and encountering “firsts” is the main job function of a CEO/founder. The challenges will continue, but the way I navigate them makes all the difference. I’ve learned to give myself grace and be kind when something goes wrong, but I also trust my gut as the person who knows my business best.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Kiramoon makes skincare and beauty accessories that are as cute as they are effective. We believe that skincare should be fun and that self-love is essential. We want our customers to celebrate the 5 minutes they spend doing their skincare routine, and we think the packaging, product names, ingredients and brand ethos matter in shaping that experience. We are more than great skincare formulas: we create joy in self-care.
I am extremely proud of how far we have come since launching on January 15th, 2021. We are sold in three major online retailers and will be in-stores at a very well-known department store by the end of this year. We have a thriving online community, with over 50k followers across Instagram and TikTok and an unusually high engagement rate for a brand. We were also just nominated for a Beauty Independent Beacon Award! 🙂
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid-19 has simply taught me gratitude for so many things: my health, my family’s health, my access to healthcare, my ability to continue working. Every day is truly precious and I don’t want to leave this earth with any “what ifs”….which definitely keeps me fighting for Kiramoon even on tough days.
Pricing:
- Star Jelly Magic Resurfacing Facial: $45
- Flowermelon Super Hydra Serum: $36
- Moon Globes Freezable Facial Rollers: $42
- The Heart Mirror: $18
- The Magic Pouch: $16
Contact Info:
- Email: lindsey@kiramoon.com
- Website: www.kiramoon.com
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/kiramoonbeauty/ - Other: https://www.tiktok.com/
@kiramoonbeauty?lang=en
Image Credits
Some of these to Paige Newton Photography
