It's been a year since Anne Curtis launched her very own makeup brand called BLK Cosmetics.
The makeup entrepreneur and her business partners, Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Stephanie Yap-Abellada, celebrated their brand's newest milestone in style.
Last Friday, October 12, Anne threw a 90s-inspired party at the Swatch & Swatch Building in Makati City.
"So far, so good," Anne told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview when asked about the growth of their makeup brand.
She continued, "It's been one year and we're happy, we're very excited how every one has been so warm in accepting our brand.
"I always prayed and hoped na we'd do really well, and I'm just happy that in a year, we're here."
Anne also thanked her fans and customers for their continuous support.
"I'm just very lucky that all the BLK lovers love what I love to [launch], whether it'd be K-Beauty or 90s, whether it be BLK Feels.
"They connect to it so I'm just very happy."
ANNE'S PASSION
Anne, who also works as the brand's creative director, said she learned a lot in just a year of turning her passion into a business.
What's the best business tip she ever heard?
She replied, "To really listen to your consumers."
With more celebrities having their own makeup line and collaborations, Anne said she doesn't really mind having a friendly competition even with her friends.
"For me, there's always room for every one. I mean, if you look in the States, ang dami nila.
"You have like Kim [Kardashian], and kapatid niya, Kylie. Then you have Jessica Alba and then Miranda Kerr.
"There's room for every one and as I always say, as a makeup lover, I don't just have one brand.
"You have so many other brands."
The Kapamilya star also noted the importance of passion every time she ventures into a new business.
"Whenever I do a business, I have to make sure na it's something that I love. Hindi yung pera-pera lang.
"I mean, siyempre, kasama na dun yung extra income because, you know, I'm getting ready to start a family one day.
"But more importantly for me, if I can't sell it or introduce it to my consumers without being passionate about it, I don't think it's gonna work.
"So it has to be something that I love too."
Aside from BLK Cosmetics, Anne also ventured in a karaoke business and opened Rockstar KTV in SM Aura, BoniFacio Global City, Taguig.
BACK TO THE 90S
To celebrate their first anniversary, BLK Cosmetics launched a 90s-inspired makeup line composed of matte mousse lippies, mascara, liquid eye shadow, matte lipstick, and a makeup box.
"I wanted something to celebrate that era, but, of course, still make it relevant and modern."
Like their previous collections, Anne said their new products stay true to the brand's mission of promoting "uncomplicated beauty."
"One thing I noticed when I listened to BLK lovers, they just want something simple to use.
"They obviously don't have a makeup artist all the time so it's easy if they apply it themselves."
She added, "It's actually uncomplicated if you have the right products na easy to use.
"Every thing you need, all the basics to complete your face."
When asked about a beauty tip she swears by, Anne firmly believes that a person's comfort should be considered first.
"Doing what you feel you're comfortable with. That's what works for me.
"Hindi kailangan sumabay sa uso. Kung bagay sa iyo, bagay sa iyo."
"There's no harm in trying other new things pero wag mo ipilit if you don't feel comfortable in it."