Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Stokes.
Hi Autumn, 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?
As stated, my name is Autumn Stokes, and I am the CEO & Founder of Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC. I started my brand in December of 2021, with purpose and ambition. I started this business because I’m in love with the beauty industry hence why I enrolled in esthetician school. I am now a licensed esthetician, and I move with so much love and respect for the beauty industry. I started my brand for multiple reasons. I love makeup, I love every aspect of makeup from foundation to concealer, to lip gloss, and even skincare. Makeup is seen as girl therapy for me when I just want to get away and truly feel like a girl. Another reason I started my makeup brand is because I’m very socially awkward & sensitive, but I express myself greatly with makeup from the bold eye makeup looks to the bold lip statements. Going back to the girl therapy, it also calms and soothes my anxiety. I wanted a brand that caters to individuals who deal with anxiety, sensitivity, and mental health in general. I am a big advocate for mental health. Lastly, I started my brand to give flowers to my deceased father. He always knew how much I loved makeup. I took a big interest in the makeup world when I was very small, and because of that I will always carry that feeling of being seen in my journey towards the beauty industry. I feel like I got to where I am today because of my perseverance, my ambition, my drive for education, and sticking to the plan.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Some of the struggles I often encountered would be mental health challenges. Some days I show up 100%, and some other days it can be 45%. I think because I do it all by myself especially since I’m in the beginning stages of running a beauty brand. However, I know these challenges are temporary and someday, my brand will be in the big stores receiving the love and support. Another encounter would be time management. As far as time management, I’m always doing something productive. I love to educate myself; I started Katoria S. Kosmetics as an undergraduate in college. Managing a small business while taking 5 classes took a toll on me mentally and physically. I was so burned out from making the graphics, managing the social media, while showing up for classes, completing homework assignments, etc. Now, I’m enrolled in graduate school to earn my Master’s degree. I’ve always had this in the plan. Earn my Bachelor’s degree, earn my Esthetician license, and now I’m earning my Master’s degree. Lastly, another struggle or encounter I would deal with would be inventory delays. It would really annoy me especially when I have a campaign I would like to launch for a special drop, but then I have to deal with delays regarding my shipment and inventory. My customers are very understanding, but it can get nerve wrecking when it happens multiple times. However, I know with business, nothing will ever be perfect. I try to romanticize the little moments that happens perfectly & imperfectly!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Katoria S. Kosmetics is a black-owned and is a local Memphis business. I specialize in the makeup realm. I cannot wait to expand into foundation, setting sprays, and eventually skincare products. For right now, Katoria S. Kosmetics offers lip glosses (handmade), lip liners, blush (Shy Paint), and butterfly mirrors. I’m experimenting with either liquid lipsticks or solid lipsticks. I honestly feel like my brand is known for the lip glosses, which is fantastic. However, I want my brand to have the “it” product whether it is lip gloss, lip liners, blush, setting spray, etc. What sets me apart from others would be my message I’m sharing and who I am personally and professionally. Something I’m most proud of brand wise is starting my brand scared and leading with faith. I know my brand will make it professionally because of my passion and drive for it. Once I lock in and complete all my goals personally and professionally, that’ll be the day you will see Katoria S. Kosmetics go international! I want your readers to know that this isn’t just some “makeup brand.” This is a brand built on integrity, purpose, and emotion. I want your readers to know Katoria S. Kosmetics is a brand that advocates for self-care and mental health awareness. You can’t show up for you or others if you’re not feeling your best! Services that Katoria S. Kosmetics will be offering will be a Brand Ambassador program. I’m looking to start that up in the summer, and I working on all the communication channels, pr packaging, policies, etc. I also offer makeup application services. In case you didn’t know, I am a licensed esthetician. My specialty is in makeup and skincare health. I plan to offer more in the future, but it’s all a process.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned would be when creating a business, it’s normal to have a lot of ideas. However, when starting a beauty brand, launch a couple of products. I mean like 1 to 3 products maximum. When I first started out, I launched 5 glosses, then when February came around, I launched 5 more glosses. Now that’s 10 products worth of a lot of ingredients and tubes. Lastly, April came around and I launched 5 more glosses with 5 shades of lip liners. I say start out small first when it comes to launching campaigns it can get expensive especially if you’re not making a profit from what you sell. Meaning you probably made enough to restock on the inventory that sold out or ran out. Start out small, have a couple of ideas in mind of what you would like to launch, and take it from there.
Pricing:
- Lip Liners – $5.99
- Lip Gloss – $7-$10
- Blush (Shy Paint) – $8
- Butterfly Mirrors – $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katoriaskosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katoriaskosmetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katoriaskosmetics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katoriaskosmeticsllc
