Today we’d like to introduce you to Karian Durham.
Komplexx Blends Cosmetics was founded in Detroit, MI by Karian Newby-Durham. She believed that the cosmetic industry did not make products for every skin color and wanted to make a difference; thus Komplexx Blends Cosmetics was born.
This company offers products in a variety of color tones and not just in foundations. There is something for everyone.
While tackling the color confusion, Karian also wanted to make a difference by giving back to the community. Komplexx Blends Cosmetics donates a portion of its proceeds to the Parkinson’s foundation in honor of Karian’s grandmother, Sallie V. Newby with the hope that someday a cure will be found.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been smooth. Makeup trends are always changing and you have to find a way to keep up while setting yourself apart from what everyone else is doing. Stay both. Relevant and unique.
Do your research, produce quality products with one of a kind packaging. Know your brand cold. Place a value on your brand. Learn how to say no. There are a lot of people that will reach out, asking for free products and sometimes it’s beneficial but it has to make sense. If you give everything away for free, how do you make enough money to reinvest back into your business?
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m proud of that fact that I’m not just a typical MUA. I’m a licensed esthetician, so I specialize in skin care. I have a suite located on the northwest side of Houston. I provided makeup services along with waxing, lashes, facials, and tanning. I decided that since I’ve been doing makeup since I was 16 that I should know and be able to educate people on more than how to just apply makeup but be able to teach them how to prep and take care of their skin. Having this knowledge allowed me to create great products. Not only that Komplexx Blends Cosmetics donates a portion of its proceeds to Parkinson’s disease research and patient caregivers needs.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Just staying consistent and keeping up with social media influence. It’s easy to get lost on social media.
However; if you can find people that are likeminded you should cross-market, take advantage of those benefits. Use HASHTAGS to find events that align with your brand. Speak on panels, vend, and network. You have to get your brand out of the shadows.
Contact Info:
- Address: 10660 Jones rd Suite I
Houston, Texas 77065 - Website: KomplexxBlends.com
- Phone: 313.438.8682
- Email: KomplexxBlends@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @komplexxblends / @MUAKarian_D
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ShopKomplexxBlends/
- Twitter: @komplexxblends
- Other: Styleseat.com/Karian_D
Image Credit:
Photographer @NoCeilingz, MUA @MUAKarian_D, Brand Ambassador, @makeupguru_Arijee
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
