We recently connected with Tia Washington and have shared our conversation below.

Tia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

Knowing the things I know now about the cosmetic industry, if I were to start over the first thing I would do is partake in more research and finalize my products before I put it out. I would research about the financial aspect about running a business. Taxes, how much to charge each product, and assets. I would also make sure that my product is perfect before putting it out into the world.

Tia, 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?

I am Tia Tene I own a cosmetic business named “Tene Alure.” Where I sell lipgloss, lipliner, mascara, eyebrow pencils, and blush the will be coming soon. I decided to get into the makeup industry because I’ve always been interested as a child. Once I started working, I soon got the opportunity to work as a beauty advisor for Beauty Barrage. Working in the cosmetic industry going to different Sephora’s and Ulta’s to push certain brands and their products. Being interested in wanting to sell my products in retail stores or becoming a makeup artist, MUA.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am currently having a pivot in my business. I have realized the need to expand my brand beyond just selling lipgloss. I have decided to add mascara, multiple eyebrow pencils, and blush to my collection. I am in hopes for when I drop my new launch that it will gain more exposure to my brand.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Most of my products are manufactured, I had to find a vendor for my business. It was hard at first trying to find different vendors and try out different products to see if they matched my aesthetic. Once I found the vendor that provided multiple cosmetic products I’ve decided to give them a try. Since then I’ve decided to sample the product and if I like it, I decided to buy it in bulk and if I don’t end up liking it, I decide to try out a different color or style that they offer. One lesson I’ve learned about manufacturing a product is that not everything is going to come out the way you envisioned it but you have to keep trying until you find the perfect one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tenealure.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenealure/?next=%2F
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TiaTene?si=pekmLovhP3mHjqkR
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tenealure?_t=8gqKMcmGkoQ&_r=1

Image Credits
Photographer: Royal Creations by Queen Models: Omega Porche, Rylan Harvey, and Koryn Artis