Fly Female Entrepreneurs
Fly Female Entrepreneur: Kitiya Mischo King
If you follow me on Instagram (or know me in real life), you’re aware of my slight obsession with getting my nails done. The colors are amazing? Check. The names are catchy? Check. And there are no harsh chemicals in the formula? I’m here for it!
Because of this obsession, I was elated to find out that D.C.-based beauty veteran Kitiya Mischo King was launching her very own nail line, Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquer. Thankfully, this busy lady was kind enough to take time away from her launch week to answer a few questions about her latest venture. Hope you enjoy!
In Her Shoes: Congrats on giving birth to Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquer! What inspired the launch of this line?
Kitiya: Thank you so much! My son inspired this line. When I was pregnant, I was more aware of the products I was using and my diet. I love nail polish, my nails are always painted, but for the first six months of my pregnancy, I didn’t paint my nails because of all the toxins in the formulas. I tried a few formulas that were 4-free and some 5-free, but didn’t like how they went on, and they didn’t last. I decided I should create my own 5 FREE nail polish. I have a background in chemistry and cosmetology, so it was the perfect way to marry my two professions.
In Her Shoes: Once you came up with the concept, how long did it take you to launch the line?
Kitiya: It took me about a year to launch because I tried the nail lacquer formulas over and over, and wanted to make sure it was void of the 5 harmful toxins found in nail polish. I also wanted to make sure it was durable and I worked until I came up with a formula that I thought was perfect, and I’m so happy with the end result. After that was choosing bottles, branding, and more.
In Her Shoes: What are the points of difference between Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquer and the other lines on the market?
Kitiya: Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquer is 5 FREE, meaning it’s void of toxins linked to cancer, birth defects and reproductive issues. Those toxins are formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, toluene and DBP. There are a lot of 3 FREE and 4 FREE nail polish brands in the market, but not many 5 FREE. Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers, despite being void of toxins, is durable and chip-resistant. You will get a long-lasting shiny manicure and pedicure. A lot of editors have compared it to a gel manicure because the colors are so rich.
In Her Shoes: What is a day like in your shoes?
Kitiya: I wake up really early to check emails and make breakfast for my family. I still work a 9 to 5, so while I’m at the office, I use my lunch time to step outside and make business calls for Mischo Beauty. After work, I go for a workout, spend time with my family, and once my son is all settled in for bed, I spend the night working on Mischo Beauty – catching up on emails and fulfilling orders.
In Her Shoes: How often will you be releasing new colors?
Kitiya: New colors will be released for each fashion season – Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. In the future, we may begin to release products more frequently.
In Her Shoes: What was the most challenging aspect of launching this line and how did you overcome it?
Kitiya: The most challenging aspect was creating the perfect formula – making sure the toxins were not in the formula and creating rich pigments.
In Her Shoes: We know that you’re no stranger to beauty, what would you consider to be your top 3 “get glam” must-haves?
Kitiya: I use Natura Bisse products for my skin – they are great for oily and combination skin. Coconut Oil is a must! I use it for everything – my hair, my skin, after waxing and the list goes on. And of course, Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquers!
In Her Shoes: How do you juggle being a mom, wife, blogger and entrepreneur?
Kitiya: It’s a lot of work, but I’m doing everything I love and that is what really keeps me going. It doesn’t feel like work. I stay positive and manage my time very wisely. I have a wonderful network of support and that helps a lot.
In Her Shoes: Any exciting plans surrounding your launch we should know about?
Kitiya: We just held a launch party in DC at Toka Salon. It was hosted by bloggers Kara Manos of Politics of Pretty and Ashley Weatherford of August Skin. Guests were able to stop in and try our nail lacquers. It was a lot of fun!
In Her Shoes: If you could make five wishes for your brand in 2014 what would they be?
Kitiya:
1. Global recognition
2. Expansion to skincare and haircare
3. Expansion to a brick & mortar spa
4. Inspire girls to pursue STEM careers (science, technology, engineering & math) like I did with my chemistry degree – and show them that education like this can be used in the beauty industry, as well as many other industries!
5. That the brand would ultimately inspire other women to follow their dreams
Be the first of your friends to experience Mischo Luxury Nail Lacquer by clicking here: www.shopmischobeauty.com!
As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.