The Perfect Colour - Interview with the boss babe of the Lip Republic
Jenn Uy of the Lip Republic, Makeup by Sara Lindsay, Hair by Tyler Caragata
Hey friends, thanks for reading! Today I share an interview with another incredible Saskatchewan female entrepreneur. I met Jenn last year in Regina at a portrait event I was hosting, and we got some incredible images for her to use for headshots and branding. If you’re interested in booking a session like this for yourself, I’m hosting an event on October 26th in Regina - you can book it and reserve your spot, HERE!
Jenn, I’m so glad you agreed to be featured! Can you share a little about yourself?
Hey! I’m Jenn and I was born and raised in Regina, SK. Happily married to a pretty cool guy and a mama to an even cooler little man. I finished my Bachelors Degree in Business Admin in the early 00’s and did the corporate dance for over a decade. Two + a half years ago I decided to embark on a new journey with eyebrow cosmetic tattooing which essentially became my first step into the beauty industry.
Tell me about the Lip Republic?
We hand-make lipstick and gloss for people of every colour and walk of life. We have the versatility to create customized products for clients, artists, and businesses. At the most basic level, Lip Republic is a cosmetic product, but it’s more about the experience of creating something together. Ultimately, we just want to build a community who bond over knowing the power that comes with wearing a great lipstick.
How did you start your business? How did the idea come to you?
Going back over a decade (?) during a trip to Calgary, I made my own customized lipstick at the mall. Plum-coloured, cherry-flavoured lipstick [truth be told, I may or may not still have in my artillery, it’s way past its expiry - don’t judge lol] Fast forward, I was helping plan an event and somehow suggested the idea of making customized lipsticks. The idea made me go down a research rabbit hole that eventually snowballed into a full-on business plan.
Jenn Uy of the Lip Republic, Makeup by Sara Lindsay, Hair by Tyler Caragata
What are 3 things you love about having a business and 3 things you find challenging?
Love:
The motivation and drive it gives me
Being my own boss, working the hours I need/want to work
Seeing ideas turn into realities, and watching the business evolve
Challenges:
You are constantly working - my mind never stops.
Trying to run a business is a roller coaster of emotions, so trying to ensure I am mentally sound to work through ups and downs of it all.
The grind of creating a brand from scratch is real. To tell yourself to keep going is a literal daily mantra.
As a business owner it’s hard to find time for yourself. How do you give yourself self care?
Being self aware enough to know where balance is needed. Sometimes it’s finding time alone, a session at the gym, a drink with my girls, or simply fresh air. Know what your work priorities are but also know when to put it away and just kick back. Life’s too short to be constantly stressed.
What are some tools you use in your business you feel you couldn’t operate without?
CanvaPro has definitely been worth the upgrade - I use this allll the time. I also love Google Drive!
If you feel comfortable sharing, what are some goals for your business? (Ex. International, online, etc.)
Growing our reach and brand awareness. Enhancing the online shopping experience for our customers with more customization functions.
Did the current pandemic affect you or your business at all? How do you cope with the state of the world right now?
Yes the pandemic has affected the business because many of my plans included appearing at trade shows, pop up events, markets, etc. On the plus side, the pandemic forced me to launch my online store sooner than anticipated. The hardest part is dealing with the fact that we are living in a masked world and I’m trying to sell lipstick! But I just try to take everything in stride, adjust as needed, and keep moving forward.
Jenn Uy of the Lip Republic, Makeup by Sara Lindsay, Hair by Tyler Caragata
What is a motivational quote or phrase that inspires you?
So many out there that I love!
‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’
‘Vision without execution is hallucination’
What advice would you give any starting entrepreneur or business owner?
Do as much research as you can, validate your ideas, but most of all, execute.
Surround yourself with positive, successful, and smart people.
KEEP GOING!
How can people get in touch with you?
DM on Insta or email hello@theliprepublic.com