I had heard the hype, I had tried the lipstick for myself, & then I watched this YouTube video about where the thought for Maria Cosmetics came from…
After I had brushed away my tears & taken a few deep breaths, I immediately reached out to Andrea to chat about this beautiful business.
Your name: Andrea Hurter
Business name: Maria Cosmetics
Social media handles: Facebook, Instagram & Website
Tell me a bit more about what you do: Maria Cosmetics is a company that is focused on educating women on various topics. We saw that women are flocking to watch YouTube videos on Makeup and follow makeup accounts on Instagram. They know all about contouring and eyebrows, but they do not know what the HPV virus is or how to do a proper self-breast examination. We decided to breach that gap by creating a fun and glamorous makeup platform where women can come to for makeup tips, but also to learn about female health and various other topics regarding women.
Have you always wanted to create your own makeup range: Never. I never even wanted to be a makeup artist. After school I went to study Theatre & Film Acting for 3 years. Thereafter I took a gap year where I traveled, waitressed and au paired. When my gap year was over I still wasn’t ready to be an adult. I went on to study a 1 year Journalism course which I didn’t enjoy (I think it wasn’t creative enough for me). Nevertheless I finished it. I’ve always been good at makeup since my mother was a makeup artist. I basically grew up with a makeup brush in one hand and a bottle in the other. I started doing makeup for some extra money. Word got out that I was good and so my business started. What a journey right?
What makes your makeup different to everyone else: The actual makeup: Our lipsticks are wax based. A lot of other lipsticks have fats or oils in them. Fats and oils are what makes lipsticks “go off” quicker. The wax base in the lipstick results in the lipstick staying on for very long, leaves a glamorous matte finish, but it doesn’t dry out the lips.
We also have a range of highlighters called the Hero Highlight (designed to highlight the Hero in you) This is a dual use creamy highlighter that can be used on the high points of the face such as the cheekbones, brow bone or cupids bow or it can be used as an eye shadow. The formula is creamy enough that it sticks to where it is placed and doesn’t leave you with an all over shiny face (like a kid who has had too many spare ribs).
But on the more important side. Even though our products are of high quality and we have put loads of love and care into each one, it is more than just how it looks when you put it on. We want women to carry our lipsticks in their handbag like a weapon. We want them to put on their lipstick like their war paint. It’s not just a lipstick. This is your sword. And no, you are no longer waiting for that prince on a white horse. Because girl, you ARE the warrior on the white horse. And THAT’S what makes our products different.
Why do you encourage people to support local: Sjoh, this is a difficult topic. I can write a book. I feel like people that have never run their own business or started anything of their own, struggle to understand what goes on behind the scenes. It is an emotional rollercoaster. Your business is your child. And every time someone supports you, it’s like your child taking a step. Your child saying their first word. And so, every time someone supports local. They help your entrepreneurial child grow.
How can people order from you: They can shop online and we courier countrywide.
We also currently stock at 2 salons in Cape Town, Northern Suburbs:
Simply Wellness Centre – Verdi Blvd & Langeberg Road, Sonstraal Heights, Cape Town, 7550
Melan Skincare: 28 Oxford St, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550
Also keep an eye out on our social media pages for our pop up stores and exhibitions.
I know there is a special story behind why you started this – please tell me about this: I was 19 years old when my mother got diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. She was only 49. I wasn’t too worried because “mother’s don’t get sick” and there was no doubt in my mind that she was going to beat this. She took everything in her stride and continued to be an amazing example for me. Later, she was really suffering from all the chemo she was receiving, but one thing she never stopped doing, was take pride in herself. She still continued to spray herself with her favourite perfume, she asked me to paint her nails in the hospital, she still wore makeup to her chemo treatments. She watched YouTube videos on how to exotically tie scarfs around your head and wore extravagant earrings with it calling herself “Esmeralda”. To me, she was even more beautiful than before. When I was 23, the cancer had spread to her brain and on the 22nd of August 2016 she sadly passed away. Of course I was devastated. I am an only child and my mother was my best friend. My whole life. I shared everything with her. I thought I was never going to recover from the pain. But from the pain, came something beautiful. I decided to never let her amazing legacy die. And so I started Maria Cosmetics. In the words from the song Vincent “This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you”
Quote you live by: Find what scares you and run towards it
Anything else you want to add: All our products are named after powerful women in history. If you visit our website, you might be able to recognise some of these phenomenal women. If not, well, maybe you will learn something.
Andrea, I know your mum is so so proud of you!
You have created an empire, & I know that your business is going to continue to rise. Thank you for being a change in the world & for encouraging us all to live our best life. You deserve to be the name on everyone’s lips (excuse the pun!), & I cannot wait to see how Maria Cosmetics will continue to grow.
Thank you for your time, your energy & simply for being you.
