Today we’d like to introduce you to Dereka Polite.
Dereka, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Originally a southern belle from a small town in Southeast Arkansas, Dereka got her start by simply playing in her mothers makeup as a child to dreaming of one day creating her own cosmetic line. In her early 20’s she discovered her first MUA. Her MUA would create a plethora of faces for her so that she’s able to feel beautiful going on simple dates or to match her everyday work attire.
Becoming a Financial Accountant was the first thing on her mind after moving to Dallas. After realizing her true calling in the beauty industry, she used her funds and focused on her dream of starting KMMB. Dereka used every experience as a learning opportunity for both personal and professional growth in the makeup and beauty industry. She is now known as a businesswoman who decided to follow her entrepreneurial dreams, and as a result, KMMB was born. KMMB Cosmetics line embodies Dereka confident attitude and is naturally recognized for its shine-free matte lipstick and lustrous lip gloss. As the company grows, so will the number of products offered by KMMB.
Great, 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?
It has not been a smooth road due to I spent most of my time educating myself about cosmetic products. I spent may days and nights educating myself on many skin types. I wanted to create a cosmetic line that was vegan and cruelty-free so I began testing all products on myself, family, and friends.
The sleepless nights come about contacting vendors here in the U.S. and in other countries with different time zones. Either sneaking on the phone while at work or staying up late nights to make sure I’m able to speak to someone in other counties. It was pretty costly to purchase products simply to test the quality. It’s difficult knowing I had to make sure I’m investing in the right products not only for myself but for others.
After obtaining the correct vendors, there was still challenges to make sure my product was sold. I would reach out to a plethora of people, only to receiving responses such as, “Sorry but I only use MAC,” no response at all, or simply false hope. I started my business in 2018 and became frustrated due to certain obstacles caused me to place my business on hold twice; however, I never gave up. It’s difficult knowing I had to make sure I’m investing in the right products not only for myself but for others.
Kiss My Matte Beauty – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics company founded in 2018. We want our products to make you look good and feel amazing while being kind to the environment. Our journey is only just beginning. When it comes to how we invest all our time and money, we will always remain true to our makeup with high-quality ingredients, luxurious textures and innovative formulas with a cleaner standard. We offer cosmetics for all shades so that each individual can feel confident in whatever shade is chosen. Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or have problematic skin, there’s an ethical option for you. Our mission is to help you find a vegan and cruelty-free cosmetic line that works for you!
What set’s us apart from others, that clients are about to speak directly to the owner. Even though I am a business owner, I’m a customer first. KMMB wants to grab the attention of any gender and any race. We pride ourselves on bringing more darker shade of completion of women and also our LGBT community as well.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One of the proudest moment in my career so far is the ability to meet others and talk to other young women that are struggling to find their niche in life. I was able to create a complete mommy makeover for a woman that’s been in an abusive relationship. The look on her face alone, knowing she felt beautiful inside and out, was absolutely breathtaking.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5706 E. Mockingbird Lane #115-27
Dallas TX 75206 - Website: https://www.kissmymattebeauty.com
- Phone: 469-990-5507
- Email: contact@kissmymattebeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissmymattebeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KissMyMatte/
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