Community Highlights: Meet Lailaa Camara of LaiTheMua

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lailaa Camara

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello, My name is lailaa Camara and I’m 20 year old college student studying a healthcare major while running my makeup business. My mom’s side of the family is filled with successful entrepreneurs. I have always looked up to them and still do! One thing that had me glued to entrepreneurship is the freedom. At 17, I believed that I could run my own business. Once Covid-19 hit and we were in quarantine I took some time to think about what type of business I wanted to run. I knew I wanted to do something I was passionate about and not just do it for money. I had only less than 500 dollars to invest in my business but I believed in myself. That’s when I came up with kkashmere.collections , I always had a passion for jewelry and makeup. Kkashmere.collections was my first business. I created customized jewelry for women. Everyone always criticized me at a young age because I was not working a 9-5 but I knew God had a plan for me, so after school, I would do my homework and then go straight to my office. I have made over 1 thousand dollars from just selling bracelets in my home at the age of 17 all by myself. Time passed and I graduated high school and life started to hit me. During my freshman year of college, I realized I wasn’t passionate about my business like how I was in the beginning. I wanted to change my brand, so I paused my business and focused on school but I started to miss ruining a business. So I took some time again to figure out myself and my rebrand. Sophomore year of college I decided to invest in my second business LaiTheMua . I have always loved doing my makeup and people would ask me to do their makeup. So I decided to take it seriously and invest in myself. I spend fall break taking courses and researching makeup every day. Found makeup vendors and invested 1 thousand into my business. I started to do my research on different makeup techniques and to find a good base routine for all skin types. In January 2024 I launched LaiTheMua, my second business at the age of 19, and ever Since I started my second business it has been nothing but a blessing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road has not been smooth at all but God got me through it. Starting a business, especially a cosmetic business is not easy and you have to do your best to stick out from the rest. A Lot of hiccups and challenges I had to push through, for example when I first started my business I was taking clients on campus but it was hard to accept clients on campus because the campus was not allowing business to conduct in dorms. So I had to take a break and figure out another plan. I transferred schools and revamped my makeup studio in my house. Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone, you have to be strong and have confidence in your plan because nobody else is going to be your biggest cheerleader but you!

We’ve been impressed with LaiTheMua , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
LaiTheMua is my makeup brand, I specialize in soft glam looks. My soft glam looks are great for everyday looks or for a special event. I spent a month studying a perfect base that caters to your particular skin tone. What sets me apart from other mua is my customer service. I take customer service very seriously because your work could be perfect but if your customer service is trash nobody would want to work with you. Makeup is my passion and everything I do during my services is to make sure you feel beautiful before and after your service. I would like readers to know that LaiTheMua is more than just a service. My services are created to make you feel good and relaxed while getting your glam done. I want you to feel good about yourself before and after. Makeup is not a necessity, it’s just a want.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I would love to talk about risk-taking. Risk-taking is the biggest part of the entrepreneurship journey. This journey is all about risk, if you don’t feel comfortable taking risks then you will never grow. You have to be okay with being in uncomfortable positions, so you can learn from them and evolve. Life is not supposed to be comfortable.

Pricing:

• $85 for a soft glam look

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lailthemua.as.me/schedule.php
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_laithemua/?__d=1
• Other: https://linktr.ee/adore.lailaa

Image Credits
Lailaa Camara