Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaina Bassan.
Hi Shaina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After becoming interested in my Mom’s makeup drawer as a child, I began experimenting with how makeup could not only enhance my looks but boost my confidence and ability to express herself with many and varying looks. Not only did I become aware of the confidence I gained from wearing makeup, but I began to embrace my natural features, complexion, and the enjoyment I got out of exploring different products.
“I never wanted to hide behind makeup or become someone else, I wanted to play – like dress up – and capture different moods, different vibes, different aspects of my personality.”
As I became more and more aware of how much harder it was to achieve natural and professional looks with poor-quality makeup and tools, I began connecting with my Miami community, comparing and identifying what it was that was missing and how I might be able to create something longer-lasting, dependable and above all accessible.
“I’m super close to my Mom, she always encouraged me to find confidence in whatever I was into. I was fascinated as a child watching her do her makeup – the way blush lit up her complexion and now it’s Mom that asks me to do her face for a big night out. It’s such a privilege to have that kind of relationship.”
“I am proud to be providing makeup and tools for a hugely supportive community of expressive and makeup enthusiasts that champion empowerment and liberation through beauty with my city of Miami at the heart of my brand’s inspiration.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say that the most difficult part for me was at the beginning, trying to make sure that our products were as qualitative as possible, and really making sure that the “Miami” theme was present throughout our collections.
I wanted to tell the story of my life through the products that I released so I struggled a little bit in doing so because I am a bit of a perfectionist. Ultimately though, through the help of the people closest to me and those on our team, I think we’ve done a really great job in illustrating different parts of me through my makeup.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories were the surprise trips to New York that my dad would take me on. I remember the first one that we did, he had woken me up on a school day, super early in the morning, and asked me if I wanted to go to school. As most eight-year-olds would, I said no, he said “ok let’s go to New York.” I couldn’t believe it; I was so excited and we really did have the best time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shainabmiami.com
- Instagram: @shainabmiami
- Facebook: shainabmiami
- Twitter: shainabmiami
- Youtube: shainabmiami
