How This Domestic Violence Survivor Turned Her Pain Into A Cosmetic Empire
Mastering your everyday makeup routine can be very therapeutic and fun. Studies have shown that makeup can help women overcome the feelings of self-consciousness, and can help them begin to establish a more lasting sense of identity.
For Maryland native Schenika Quattlebaum, makeup became that very thing while she was enduring a toxic relationship. Like a lot of women who suffer physical abuse, she would use makeup to cover up her bruises. Now years later, she has turned her pain into power by creating her own cosmetic line called Natalia Me-gan Beauty.
We recently had the opportunity to chat with her about discovering self-love, the process it took to create her line and more. Check out the full interview below.
What inspired you to create a beauty line?
Growing up, I always loved to play in my mom’s makeup. As an adult, makeup took on a different meaning for me. I went from using makeup to enhance my beauty to using it to cover marks, black eyes, and nail prints that covered my face and upper body from the daily beating I received in my domestic violence relationship.
I needed makeup to leave my house to do everyday tasks like going to work, the grocery store, and the kids’ school. That made me realize that cosmetics were a part of my journey and if I had to use them in that capacity, imagine all the other women who have/had to. That’s when I started researching what it took to create a cosmetic line.
What was the process like?
It was years of planning and research. I built my company from the ground up. It was a lot of highs and even more lows. My vendor search was one of the most challenging tasks. I had to find the right mink lashes and ensure the quality hair was perfect without spinning the wheel and wasting money.
For my cosmetics, I started my lip-gloss line in my kitchen. It took me a few times to perfect the glosses, but the key was to keep trying and never quit.
Working in this industry, you have to have tough skin.
What are your top 3 favorite products from your company and why?
My three favorite products are: the mascara, my lipsticks/lip-glosses and my eyeshadow palettes.
The reason being I’m so busy these days that I really don’t have time to beat my face everyday so as long as I have my eyes and lips I’m good.
I read how you overcame a DV relationship, what advice would you give someone who is trying to leave a toxic relationship?
Formulate a plan. I planned every inch of my escape. Some people think it is as easy as waking up and walking away. Well, I’m here to say it is not. When you are threatened with death (and have been in near-death situations), then you know that individual is serious.
Also, have code words with one or two people that you trust. Make sure they know what your plan is and realize you are not alone. The first thing someone does is isolate you from your friends and family so that all you have are them
What have you discovered about yourself while on this healing journey?
Wow. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I realized and that nothing or no one will ever break me down again. No matter what life throws my way, I’ll never fold. I’ve also realized that I still carry a lot of hurt and guilt from my mom’s death when I was 16 and losing my dad in 2013.
What makes you RARE?
This is a good question. Hmm. My ability to bounce back and not harbor any hatred makes me rare. It takes a lot to forgive people, however, I’ve come to realize the forgiveness isn’t for them, it’s for you.
What’s next?
I'm planning on expanding my brand by adding more products. I am also taking on more speaking engagements and taking on a bigger advocacy role. My goal is for people to see that no matter what life throws your way - you can overcome and live out your dreams.
To keep up with what’s new with the Natalia Me-gan brand be sure to follow them on the links below:
Watch our review of the Natalia Me-gan Lip Glosses
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.