Posted in: beauty

Interview with Madame Gabriela Founder, Gabriela Navejas

Gabriela Navejas could not find a lipstick she loved, so she created her own. In three glorious shades of nude, pink, and red, one can mix them up for the perfect color. Made from 100% pure and clean ingredients, we are in L-O-V-E.

where is your hometown?

I was born and raised in Mexico City

what does your household look like?

After living in Paris for a few years, now I live in Dallas, TX with my husband, teenage daughter, and our mini-golden doodle Lucy.

what year did your company launch?

After two years of formula and packaging research, we launched Madame Gabriela in January 2019.

what originally sparked your idea for the company?

I couldn’t find a lipstick that I loved, so I created my own! A few years back after motherhood and a few close family members facing a cancer diagnosis, I switched to a cleaner lifestyle, from food to household products, and of course, beauty. I have always been a big lipstick fan – I do not leave my house without wearing lipstick. I had trouble finding a lipstick that would perform but did not have any of the nasties… so the journey began.

what do you love most about your company?

I absolutely love working with my business partner Geoffrey Christiansen, and we have so much fun together! At the end of the day, I love knowing that our customers are enjoying a safe formula that makes them look beautiful. I can’t wait for another day to start and do the same!

What is a current goal you are striving for?

There is still a lot of education needed when it comes to safer cosmetic formulas. We need to be our own advocates in demanding the use of safer ingredients, in order to bring a better product to women’s lips.

How do you keep up your mental health?

I meditate daily. This helps me start my day grounded, more focused, and with the right attitude. I have a close group of girlfriends that help me maintain mental health during these times with humor and gossip. We are more resilient when we are together!

Looking back on your entrepreneurial journey, what do you wish you had done differently?

I come from a corporate background, so I was used to big projects, big budgets, and big outcomes. At the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, since I didn’t know better, I wanted to approach every step in a big way (with big disappointments along the way), and I’ve learned that we have to take small but solid steps and be very patient.

if you could give some advice to your 21-year-old self, what would you say?

Do not worry too much – everything will work out. Trust the process.

Fun Tips

recommended read:

Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands

worthwhile TV series

Downton Abbey – my ultimate favorite!

Vacation spot you still dream about:

Positano, the Amalfi Coast where I got married

Song on repeat:

Sweet Dreams by Annie Lenox

Cocktail of choice:

Kir Royale

Entertaining tip or trick:

Always keep a pair of ballerina flats close by… by the end of the evening, you will need them.

Recent purchase that delighted you:

A little something from Chaos Club

Skincare MVP:

Tata Harper everything!

Essential makeup product:

Madame Gabriela Paris at 7pm – day and night!

“At the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, since I didn’t know better, I wanted to approach every step in a big way (with big disappointments along the way), and I’ve learned that we have to take small but solid steps and be very patient.”

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