Meet Zara Love: Business Woman & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zara Love and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The reason why I started my business LOVE GLAM XO is because around the time that I started, there weren’t many black owned beauty brands. Being a woman of color, it used to be hard to find makeup that catered to my skin tone and looked right. Back in 2016 when I started, I actually was kind of scared because I didn’t know what the outcome would be. I always wanted my own makeup line since I was 11 years old. So, since I was only 11 years old at the time, I knew nothing of FDA laws, formulas, etc. But, I did know that I loved beauty, and being able to be creative and expressive through it. My invention came out really cute, but at the time I didn’t take it seriously. Then, I got to high school and I was actually able to wear real make-up versus the cute little Claire’s and play palettes. I was excited and really started to perfect the skill of makeup. Still, after using many different brands, I learned the different formulas, and diversity for many brands didn’t cater to all skin types and tones. I also have seen how many brands were producing the same products, color scheme, packaging, and more with just adding a different logo. I honestly felt the beauty industry needed more, but at the time I didn’t have enough confidence to be that “more” they needed. Then, one day I remember I had a friend sitting in front of me in class, turn around and ask me why I had on pink lipstick. I said “because it looks cute, and I love it”, in response she said, “oh, well black girls aren’t supposed to wear bright colors on their lips.” Of course, I thought this remark was ignorant because there is no law of what any skin tone can wear. Truth is ANY skin tone can wear any makeup and still look gorgeous. That’s the beauty in makeup, it’s personal, and has no limits. From that day forward, I knew I had to do something to change people’s nonsensical way of thinking. So, moving forward, due to my love of beauty, my freshman year of college I decided to create my OWN glam lane of it. That’s when Love Glam XO, “the chateau of everything that’ll make you fall in love” was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So, I just graduated college almost a year ago. It went by so fast. So, upon me graduating I made a promise to myself, and that was to never settle. I am only 22 years old, and I feel like I am in my prime. Therefore, I don’t believe in settling. I promised myself while I am still young and able that I must chase my dreams. My day to day life I work for myself as an entrepreneur, so I handle EVERYTHING for my business. It’s starting to get a bit hectic, because I’ve been growing A LOT lately and I am super grateful for that. So, I am looking to hire help very soon and expand. Outside of that, I do YouTube to help track my process, so in a few years when I am where I want to be, I can look back at how far I’ve come and be humbled. Lastly, there are other secret talents that I have, that I have been working on. Since, they are still in the works I won’t speak on that. I don’t need anyone throwing off my prayers and manifestations. Lol. But, honestly I believe that I’ve come so far because I truly believe in myself and my dreams. Like I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else other than the things that I am doing now. It makes me super happy and I know that I am going to go far. I know that I will be everything that I want to be, in due time. Also, after I pray for what I want, I go out and get it! My work ethic is crazy, I am kind of a workaholic, so I always feel like I need to be doing something. But, that is what it takes to make it. You know? It was one thing to dream something, but do you have what it takes to work for it? To sacrifice for it? To invest everything that you have for it? You must put everything that you’ve got into what you want to do, and that’s why I do what I do. Of course it wasn’t easy, I missed out on a few things because I’ve sacrificed and made my brand my priority. Though, honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. I truly love what I do and the next level is the top for me! Lol, I have no other option. The lifestyle that I want to live is expensive, so I have to work hard for it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
An activity that I’d take them to is definitely “The Trap Music Museum”. It’s a super cool place and a great place to take pictures. For food, I would definitely say Old Lady Gang! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank everyone who has ever supported me. In any way, shape or form. I would like to thank my mom for always pushing me and letting me know that the sky is the limit. I would also like to thank my God Mom/Mentor Professor D for always helping me and putting me in positions to level up. I of course had to save the best for last. I would like to think God for not only giving me my business idea, but also providing me with all the tools and confidence that I needed to ensure that it was successful.

Website: www.loveglamxo.com

Instagram: @prettyvisagee

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwg1fcmy8sk&t=189s

Other: www.zara-love.com

Image Credits
LOVE GLAM XO L.L.C.