Heartbreak hurts. But for Angelique Velez, she turned that heartbreak into productivity by creating her company, Breakups to Makeup.
Launched in June 2013, Breakups to Makeup is a lifestyle brand that focuses on spreading the message that makeup is more than just a pretty product. Instead, it is a powerful art form that has the ability to positively affect both the artist and the wearer.
Quirky yet strong messages are featured on products such as makeup clutches, compacts and apparel, signifying the powerful backbone the brand is built upon. The original three slogans that were released are not only Angelique’s favourites, but also signify the Breakups to Makeup concept. "Another one of my favorites is the New York City makeup clutch, as the design of the bag itself was a goal of mine, (vegan) faux leather with the beautiful rose gold lettering. It signifies where I am from and the importance of fashion in my amazing city," Angelique shares.
After going through a devastating breakup in 2013, Angelique found herself not wanting to do anything and barely left her house. The one thing that got her through the day? Makeup. After getting the idea to start her brand and share her love of makeup with the world, she finally knew how to overcome the pain.
“Being able to make others feel better about themselves inevitably helped me heal and feel better about myself as well,” Angelique says. “I knew that if I was going through something like that, that others were as well.”
Angelique’s business journey, while just over four years old now, is just getting started and she’s excited to see what lies ahead. Her biggest successes so far includes being sold in Sephora stores, being featured in Allure Magazine and being interviewed by Latina Magazine. Most recently however, she’s run into a life changing detour to her business plans: becoming a new mother.
“Trying to find balance in my life has been such a struggle especially as a mom and entrepreneur,” she says. “The businesses never stopped (Just as being a mom never stops!), even while giving birth, I remember I kept the online store open and orders were coming in.”
Angelique has faced the challenge of finding a balance the same way she approached every other challenge during her career: head on. If you’re facing a challenge in your life, whether it be personal, career-related or educational, Angelique suggests focusing on what is driving you, not the hardship holding you back.
“Everything happens for a reason and you are allowed to give yourself the time to mourn and be sad, but make sure that is not what you are doing with all of your time,” she says. “Every day will get better and every day you will be able to focus a little more and more on something positive.”
Growing up, makeup wasn’t much of a presence throughout Angelique’s life. Initially, she wasn’t allowed to wear makeup, sneaking around lip-gloss and applying it only at school. However, once she got to college, she experimented and eventually fell in love. It was only after graduation - and her inability to get a job in her chosen field of psychology - did she get into the makeup industry as an artist at a local makeup counter.
While having fun and experimenting with the colours is a draw for Angelique, her biggest love of the industry is how her work affects others.
“As makeup artists, I feel we are not only applying makeup, but we are like our client's therapists as well,” says Angelique. “We listen to their stories and what they are going through and help them feel at ease while making them feel better about themselves as well.”
Fans of the brand can look forward to new releases coming out soon. The new plus size apparel line, which is sold out, will be restocked next month. Angelique is also in the process of developing a new makeup clutch for fans to enjoy.
Toronto-based fans of the brand should catch Breakups to Makeups at the International Make-Up Artist Trade Shows (IMATS) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on August 26-27.
Breakups to Makeup is featured in the Summer Babe Box! Order yours today and enjoy sassy, yet powerful, sayings in sticker and pin form. Click here to order your box now.
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