Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Martin.
Hi Christina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I used to work in Human Resources. I became extremely ill and had to leave my job. While I was on bed rest and recovering from one of my surgeries, I began researching how to start a business. I have a bachelor’s degree in business and an MBA in international business and I have always wanted to own my own company. I love makeup and of all of the business ideas I had, I decided that this was the one I wanted to pursue. I began with liquid lipsticks that I had to label myself. I was able to grow the business into a full line of products and we are now sold at physical locations in Austin and Switzerland. I’m looking forward to continuing to expand the brand locally and internationally as we continue to grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been smooth. I was very sick during the first part of the journey. I became so sick during the first two winter holiday seasons and couldn’t run Black Friday sales. Being the only employee means that I am responsible for everything. It’s nice to not answer to anyone, but it’s also difficult. Taking time off is difficult. Managing the workload around new product launches is challenging. Owning a business can also be lonely. There is no handbook for small business owners. There isn’t really anyone you can talk to about things that happen. Sometimes you might wish you had a co-worker or someone in the community you could talk to about something, but you can’t. I have learned how to market the business as we’ve grown. It has become an acquired skill. I studied finance and accounting, so marketing was a major struggle for me at the beginning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Gourmande Girls Cosmetics?
Cruelty-free and vegan luxury cosmetics at a price point that everyone can afford. We are Latina owned, we speak Spanish, French, Italian and English and our owner has lived on three continents. We set ourselves apart with our unique color stories, unique packaging and artwork, color-shifting duochromes, high-quality cruelty-free formulas, and our unique knowledge of multiple languages and cultures whose beauty we work to capture in our products.
I am proud to be an ally of the LGBQT+ community and to represent all people, backgrounds and ethnicities through our products. I am most proud to be a cruelty-free company that is working towards a cruelty-free community. I am proud to support and donate to Austin Pets Alive!, Lizzie’s Hospice and The Asher House, where we actively work to end needless euthanasia. By supporting Gourmande Girls, you are supporting animal rescue and cruelty-free beauty.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are many people who have helped me and my mom, dad, and husband helped the most. My mom and dad helped me start the business. My mom helps me ship orders when it gets really business. My husband is French and he’s helped me sell my products in France. Also, he’s set me up to attend some trade shows in Southern France, where I was able to sell my products when I was in France visiting. Also, Dani Wagner, Elaina Martin, Stephanie Garcia, Derissa Morris and Ashley Young are content creators who have helped me promote my business and get the name out there.
Pricing:
- Eyeshadow palettes $25 – $54.99
- Lipstick $14
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gourmandegirls.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/gourmandegirlscosmetics
- Facebook: facebook.com/gourmandegirlscosmetics
- Other: tiktok.com/@gourmandegirlscosmetics
Image Credits
Kayla Tingler
Carolina Conlan
