We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lupie Lotus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lupie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
The biggest risk I have ever taken has been choosing my career over my circumstances. In November of 2019, when I had been formally introduced to Voyage Media and was also known as FlowerBomb TheLupieMUA, an article was produced introducing my story and skills as a makeup artist. At that time, I had been professionally practicing my craft for about 10 years while coping with diagnosis of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosis). I learned ways to educate others about my chronic illness with my art. I had even gotten my own television series on the AEMGTV network highlighting my experience with lupus. While on set, I’d often need small accommodations to assist me due to the lupus flares I experienced. These accommodations would include: personal protective equipment; uv protection; and occasionally mobility aides. I would soon include a wheelchair to accommodate me while working because the nerve receptors on the right side of my body had been “out of whack.”
While on an outdoor shoot with Atlanta’s hottest momager, Ebony Rose, is when I can first recall my health worsening. I fought through my pain long enough to make it home but as soon as I did enter my complex, my body shut down. I began to feel faint and as much as I struggled to make it into my apartment, I could not make the last few steps. The paramedics were called and I was rushed to Southern Regional medical center in Riverdale, Ga which wasn’t far from my home. I was only there long enough to get labs ran and have an IV for a few days. Platelets came back with no identification of my constant flares of what seemed like paralysis being linked to lupus. However, it was evident that the brands of cosmetics (for both glam and fx applications) that I had been using on myself as well as my co-workers was negatively reflected with my battle for survival.
The ingredients used to manufacture a great number of mainstream makeup brands had been affecting my already weakened immune system. I had been told that it would be in my best interest to discontinue my career but I had finally come to a place of stability. I felt as though I I had finally established myself as a brand with the help of Atlanta’s very own Nspired Images inc and Chicago’s renowned 1LOVE1HOUSE TV. I continued to pursue my career and didn’t let any of my constituents learn of the fatalities that I was facing. Soon enough they would all figure it out.
This all happened so fast. Before 2019 ended I had been missing on sets I had been contracted with because I was unable to walk, talk, or even lift a makeup brush. My mental health started to decline because the passion of my life (cosmetic art) was no longer accessible. Test were still being ran and soon enough I was pointed in the direction of a neurologist and an entirely new team of more doctors to help me to learn another new way of life as I had been diagnosed with RMS (remitting multiple sclerosis). As my health spiraled, so did my finances. I was evicted from my home and returned to my birth home of Americus, Ga where my mother, other family and friends would nurse me back to health.
During the time I was home, I learned of TikTok and created an account. On the days that I was well enough for my child to assist me with the outfit changes; I would create content with several different cosplays. During the few seconds of my shorts, I would display illusion transitions to make a fun tutorial of how I created my looks using more environmentally safe products that most people have at home. I also began to use this platform for awareness as well. Although this became therapeutic, I still missed my colleagues and my work.
I had been trying to find loopholes in the restrictions my care team had given me about my involvement with makeup since the first day it was spoken. I had been heavily researching and formulating hypothesis of my own. With nothing but free time at home I continued to research. My son would set my phone up to entertain me while he was learning virtually because of Covid-19. He had also started his own business making jewelry using resin and was doing exceptionally well. So we’ll in fact, that he used some of his earnings to help me create my own line of lashes. When my nurse would come to visit I’d even share some ideas and information with her. She encouraged me to continue doing just as I was until my condition got better. I did. My following on social media started to increase as I shared my journey.
Soon enough, I had my own platform and community. People of all different backgrounds were contacting me to collaborate or help give me more inspiration. Eventually, I was contacted by a woman named Mia on TikTok. She was amazed at my ambition and decided to put her faith in my passion. She offered to manufacture the makeup products I had formulated! I had no idea who she was at the time or why she decided to contact me. I spoke it over with my mother first. When I reached back out to Mia I explained that I wasn’t able to pay for manufacturing but she already knew that and already had a plan in place. She was just waiting for me to jump on board. On Juneteenth of 2021, the first pallet of Lupie Lotus Cosmetics (Lupielotus Warrior Lids) was made public! Now, the Lupie Lotus Cosmetics line consists of: 10 styles of strip lashes; 2 full service multipurpose pallets; 5 shades matte foundation; 5 colors of lip gloss; as well as customized press on nails and natural home brewed hair elixir.
Lupie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
As a black, disabled, female entrepreneur in the film industry specializing in FX makeup but skilled in editorial looks, Lupie Lotus (formerly known as FlowerBomb TheLupieMUA) started from the bottom. At a very young age, her passion had been art. She has always been intrigued with the art of beauty. While living with her own appearance altering chronic illnesses, she gained a heavier understanding that beauty can be conveyed in a series of different ways. This is what fully unveiled her closeted love and inspired her to further develop her craft as a makeup artist and a differently-abled cosplayer.
When she found out that her passion conflicted with her ailments, she did not give up. She created a safe place for herself and others like her. Her brand is not just based on beauty or inclusion. Her cruelty-free vegan cosmetics brand (Lupie Lotus Cosmetics) is based on inspiring self love. Reminding oneself to love themselves because Lupie Lotus understands that sometimes, the homosapien race forgets to see the beauty within the chaos of our own lives. She is sure to send anyone that reminder whether it’s on set, in public, or online. During public speaking events, she is sure to tell the audience “You are valued and appreciated. Love on you!” before she exits the stage. She even ends her live feeds this way.
As an esteemed role model in her community, Lupie Lotus helps others that are aspiring to work in the entertainment industry to find a path that best suits their aspirations. She is proud to be able to assist others because she understands how challenging it can be.
When asked; “What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you?” her answer was, “I am most proud of my cruelty-free/vegan cosmetics line and all I need anyone to know about me is that I hadn’t always been the person that I have grown to be but I started the process when I began to learn to love me and some days that’s still a struggle but I have learned not to give up and I aspire to help you do that if it’s something you want too!”
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Building an online community during the pandemic was new for quite a few people. For people with disabilities, it is often the community in which you feel most safe. I met one of my business partners, Gogo White (conversations that matter – 106 live radio host) during one of my live feed disability rants on TikTok. She came in with words of encouragement and even explained to me how Tourette’s Syndrome affected her years down the line. She has since been in my corner. She is my lead brand ambassador and my social media specialist.
My other business partner is Taj Mestizo of The Atl Dope Art Show. We actually met in college 2009 as freshman living in the same dorm. From the day we met it was like I had found someone I knew I could be free to be me with. Soon after I became a mom, I decided to change location and quit the school we were both attending. I hated to leave but I understood that with a child I had to make a decision that my child could be proud of and that school wasn’t it because my passion was somewhere else. Well, when I showed up for a photo shoot some years later, who would greet me as I exit my vehicle? None other than my college comrade! She’s been my financial advisor from day one.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I currently sell my products on Etsy.com/shop/LupieLotusLaboratory
I truly appreciate what Etsy has done for my business but there is so much more that can be done. As a start up, I definitely would advise others to use the site. My brand has reached over 10 US States, the United Kingdom, and even Australia! Using Etsy makes it so easy to ship anywhere. It’s in my plans, however, by 2027 to have my products available in stores internationally.
Contact Info:
- Website: Etsy.com/shop/LupieLotusLaboratory
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lupie_lotus_cosmetics?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JazmainMz.PoetryDivineTommie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lupie-lotus-538735245
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lupie_lotus_lab
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCQnK4dFHGjqcZUSocdX7Xkg