REGINA MERSON: Female Founder Spotlight
Tell us a little about your business? (Please also include your website and social media handles/links)
Reina Rebelde is the first makeup line celebrating Latina culture. Reina Rebelde aims to honor and celebrate Latina women with a makeup line that has built-in versatility to give life to our many dualities, full of high-quality products with provocative shades that deliver the boldness and passion that we bring to the rituals of applying them. Collectively as Latinas, we share so many fascinating things that are unique to our experience — from our over-bearing mothers to living a bilingual/bicultural lifestyle in the United States, and of course, our connection to each other and other women in our lives through our beauty rituals. Reina Rebelde’s goal is to make these women proud of who they are and where they come from. I want their experience with our makeup to allow them to be unapologetically proud of who they are.
https://www.instagram.com/reinarebelde/
https://www.tiktok.com/@reinarebelde
What has been your greatest success?
My greatest success was taking the leap from being a lawyer to start and launch Reina Rebelde. I completed redefined myself and my life by truly going after my dreams with Reina Rebelde and for me, I will always be proud of that.
What has been your biggest challenge and how did you face it/overcome it?
Our biggest challenge is the constant shifts and changes to the marketing landscape. Algorithm updates, iOS updates, the constant stream of new content types and modalities makes it difficult and very expensive to really to test, learn and refine our marketing strategy. The only way to face it is to adapt and pivot with each change.
What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back in time?
I would have taken the leap much sooner. I was so nervous to take a big risk when I was younger, and now I realize that the biggest asset I have is time. I would have spent less time deliberating and more time just doing and learning.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs?
The most important thing is don’t be afraid to do things in your own style and way. There will be so many nay-sayers on how to start or run your business. Also, while running a business can feel tremendously isolating at times, the truth is there is a huge community of women in the Latina community that have so much energy and good intentions behind you too that may not always be visible. Tap into that energy to help propel your business and mission. We are all here, cheering for you, so don’t be afraid. I launched Reina Rebelde on this energy. I know first-hand that it exists.
September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. What does that mean to you personally and to you as a business owner?
While I celebrate my culture and identity 365 days a year, it’s a beautiful moment to take a month from the year to be incredibly proud as a community and showcase all the amazing countries that make up the Latinx experience in this country. As a business, it’s business as usual as we celebrate our culture every day at Reina Rebelde.
Does your culture play a role in your business?
My culture is the full inspiration for Reina Rebelde. Without my love of Mexico and being Latina there is no Reina Rebelde.
Who are your role models?
My role models are the strong women within my life and those icons we share with the world – from my own mother to Frida Kahlo and Maria Felix. I’m also so inspired by my customers and the women I meet through this business and my travels.
How do you support other minority owned businesses?
I try to support so many other minority owned businesses in every facet of my business. Nearly all of my vendors are Latina, from my PR agency to illustrators and makeup artists. I always aim to source Latina-owned businesses so that as I grow these businesses can grow with me.
What's next for your business and how can others help you grow?
Up next for Reina Rebelde are several new products coming out in the coming months from new lip products to our first complexion products! Others can help us grow by shopping us on ReinaRebelde.com, sharing our content on social, or just giving us a like. Anything and everything helps!