Community Highlights: Meet Dana Baker of Zoe Marie Cosmetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Baker.

Hi Dana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My brand was started because I lost my favorite lip gloss for the umpteenth time and a crazy idea popped into my head “I should just create my own!” I initially just laughed the idea off and then, I really started to research how I can actually bring my idea to fruition!

I also have sensitive skin and wanted to ensure my product line would be vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. A clean, luxe, affordable, beauty line! I named the brand, Zoe Marie Cosmetics because that’s the name I’d name my daughter when I have one, one day and I want to create generational wealth in my family.

That way, when she grows up, she has something waiting for her if she wants it!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not! When I was in the pre-launch phase, some of my products and materials took way longer than expected to come, so I had to push my launch date multiple times. I also started my business in a pandemic, where you have to wear a mask to cover your face and many people didn’t even bother with makeup, so my sales were definitely affected by that.

Nonetheless, I had to persevere and find ways to pique my audience’s interest on Instagram and Facebook with videos, posts, etc. That was fun and creative to inspire them to buy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Zoe Marie Cosmetics?
I started my business one year ago (September 12, 2020) and in that one year, I worked very hard to make my business that specializes in ensuring that ALL shades are represented and can find products that work for their skin tone.

As a black woman, I grew up finding it hard to match lipsticks, lip glosses, and other products with my skin tone, so I wanted to ensure everyone would be able to find a shade that works for them. I put a lot of my personality into my brand by naming shades after my favorite people, places, and culture. My products are all vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, which at the time, I found that market to be lacking.

I’m most proud that in my one year of business, I’ve to gain attention from Go Daddy Canada more than once and partnered with them on several occasions, they also sponsored my business in partnership with the NBA team, The Toronto Raptors, and donated 10,000 for me to expand and create new products. Also, I currently have my products in two retail stores in Ontario. It’s definitely been a busy year!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I’ve always had a spicy, passionate, artistic, and outgoing personality. I loved being a part of everything. I was on every sports team, loved dancing, singing, acting, and just overall, spending time with my family and friends. I loved being different and embracing it.

I’m 6’0 feet tall and I’ve been tall my whole life, so by late high school, it was something I didn’t shy away from or feel awkward about anymore. I loved trying new things, even if it didn’t always work out in the end, so that’s why me taking this chance on myself isn’t surprising to anyone that knows me.

Pricing:

• Lustre Lipgloss $18 CAD
• Liquid Matte Lipstick $22 CAD
• Eyeshadows $25 – $50 CAD
• Beauty Tools $7 – $25 CAD
• Cheek Highlighter $14 CAD

Contact Info:

• Email: Zoemariecosmetics@hotmail.com
• Website: Www.ZoeMarieCosmetics.com
• Instagram: @zoemariecosmetics
• Facebook: Zoe Marie Cosmetics
• Other: @zoemariecosmetics on TikTok