Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Canady.
Hi Cara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m an Aries (I guess that’s how you start interviews). On a serious note, I’ve always been a creative person and knew I one day wanted to own my own business. Like many others, the pandemic gave me time to actually make that dream a reality. My journey is a spontaneous one. I randomly woke up on September 20, 2020 and yelled to myself “we about to sell some lashes!” Yes, false eyelashes (lol).
The idea of a beauty brand was never my plan but after researching others who have done similar launches, I started my brand with lip gloss, matte lipstick and premium lashes. The goal was and is to make makeup simple again. I’m still a beginner at makeup application and feel like a lot of my customers are too. I believe in products that are quality, affordable, and easy to use. ARAC untamed offers products that fit this category. From brow soaps to rich – pigment lipsticks, we feel we have a product for every occasion and personality.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest, it has been a rather smooth road. I’m coming in the game a seasoned, educated individual; which MAY have helped me get organized and actually roadmap what I personally wanted to bring to and offer my target audience. I’m still a newbie but the main thing I told myself before actually launching my brand was to have fun with it. I enjoy being able to creatively name my products, pick my product line and decide on opportunities that help me engage with my customers and peers. I am also big on networking. As previously mentioned, I am a makeup beginner so from the beginning I understood the importance of having experts on my team. I collaborate constantly with makeup artists and enthusiasts.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Education and climbing the corporate ladder was once part of my personal goals. I have tons of degrees and industry certifications but the goal I am focusing on now is building my brand. I would love to eventually be my own boss and expand in various other industries with the knowledge I have gained from being an entrepreneur. I think what sets me apart is the goal-getter mentality and work ethic. I’ve met so many amazing business owners during my short journey and they all have noticed that I’m “everywhere”. I am consistently looking for and creating opportunities for my business to be front and center. That could be engaging with content creators, makeup artists, photographers, etc. My business is online and within my first 12 months, ARAC products were shipped to 34 of the 50 US states. I didn’t do that alone. I found a community of makeup lovers, built a relationship with them and luckily they loved the products and customer service and were willing to share with other makeup lovers.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Anything involving travel. I travel all the time and it’s my #1 passion. It’s also likely to be my next business venture. No matter where I go, I take ARAC with me. These products are great for pictures.
Pricing:
- Longwear Lipstick $13.50
- Mink lashes (wearable 20x or more) $13.50
- Vegan lashes (wearable 20x or more) $7.50
- Moisturizing Sheer Shine Gloss $7.50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aracuntamed.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/arac_untamed
- Facebook: ARAC untamed – lashes, lip gloss and more
Image Credits
All images by Danny Austin Photography in Birmingham, Al
