Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Stokes
Hi Autumn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I launched Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC originally in December 2021! I chose this name for multiple reasons! Firstly, Katoria is my middle name and it’s very special to me! The “S” stands for my last name and to carry on the Stokes legacy! The butterflies in my logo are used to symbolize my late father! I know he is watching over me and is proud of how far I have come! I created this brand because I love to use makeup as a way of expression. I do suffer from anxiety and social anxiety, but using makeup has helped me step out of my comfort zone by using bold lip colors or even just dabbling in different palettes! In middle school, I was always known for having the biggest collection of lipglosses/lipsticks! Because I loved lipgloss/lipstick so much, I was always the go to person for lipglosses/lipsticks! So as I got older, I decided I wanted to create my own cosmetics empire! My tagline for Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC is “We embrace social awkwardness and sensitivity, you’ll love it here!” I want the socially anxious/awkward/sensitive individuals to feel comfortable and safe with my beauty brand! Being a sensitive girl with strong emotions and social anxiety, it can be pretty overwhelming and exhausting. However, when I am creating lipgloss, social media content, or designing inspiration boards for an upcoming project, I feel at ease and peace!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! I’ve had some bumps in the road because for starters I started Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC during the pandemic and also as a college student! Some of the struggles I’ve endured was mostly due to my mental, being burnt out from school, and working at the same time! I did take a mental health break around March 2023. That was a great decision for me because it helped shape my perspective more and caused me to step out of my shell to attend Pop Up Shops to gain more brand awareness! I also just recently rebranded my whole brand on June 5, 2024 and we are gradually growing, but I can’t wait to see what’s next for Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC specializes in creating custom lipglosses, lippie pencils, and sells butterfly mirrors (pink + black options available)! This is a Memphis locally owned brand! It is also Black and Female owned! Something that sets my brand apart from others is the focus on the mental health community, making a change for the hyperpigmentation community + inclusivity for the deeper skin tone community, how I started my brand, and the values/missions of Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC! I am most proud brand wise about how far it has come since 2021! Before the official relaunch, I participated in several pop-up shops to gain awareness, meet new customers, and most of all step out of my shell! I want your readers to know that Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC is the brand to get to know! We do specialize in lipgloss and lippie pencils (lip liners) right now, but we do plan to expand in the future! I really want to touch base on hyperpigmentation, inclusion for the deeper skin ranges/tones, and lastly providing a safe space for the socially awkward, reserved, and sensitive individuals! In the makeup community, I don’t see many brands that are inclusive on the subject matter as far as hyperpigmentation + including options for the deeper complexion community! We plan to expand to that in the future, just know it’s in the works! Don’t count Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC out yet!
What makes you happy?
Firstly, knowing that I am living the reality I once envisioned as a little girl! I’ve always known in elementary school that I wanted to create and own my own beauty brand! The idea and vision has always been there, I just needed the resources, materials, and research tactics! I’m so excited I’m living the dream/reality I’ve always dreamed about! Another thing that makes me happy, is hearing how my brand/lipgloss is nothing like other companies! Hearing customers feedback on new product ideas coming in or just feedback overall! Learning new things that can help me and my brand grow to become better! Lastly, connecting with other small businesses/brands that specializes in the makeup/cosmetics industry as well! I’ve never looked at another beauty brand as competition, but more so like a moment of collaboration or as a business friend! It’s all love and happiness with and from Katoria S. Kosmetics LLC! Thank you all so much for this opportunity!
Pricing:
- Wand Tubes – $9.00
- Lippie Pencils – $6.00
- Squeeze Tubes – $5-7 (depends on edition/collection)
- Butterfly Mirrors – $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katoriaskosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katoriaskosmetics?igsh=NGN6NGZqNjltbHJm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katoriaskosmetics?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://x.com/katoriasko
