In honour of International Women’s Day, we wanted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of local female entrepreneurs. Here is our interview with Camille Katona and Stephanie Spence, founders of 19/99 – a Toronto-based brand that is inclusive of all ideals of beauty. Their mission? To tear down traditional definitions of beauty and to allow individuals to create their own, whether you’re 19 or 99, with high-quality, multi-use beauty essentials designed for building, blending, buffing, smudging, and doing what you want.
1. How did you come up with the idea for your brand?
C: In 2016, one of my professors at Parsons challenged me to define my purpose for a class assignment. Having worked in beauty and being frustrated with cookie-cutter definitions of beauty at the time, I said “I want to challenge people to see beyond the traditional conventions of beauty.” I’ve always been very close with my mom Diti – we share both clothes and makeup, as well as thoughts, opinions, and world views. It didn’t make sense that beauty brands were only speaking to me, and not to her. It didn’t make sense that there were perceived limitations on how one should look, act, or think based on age or position. I resented the fear-driven marketing that pushed wrinkles as the ultimate flaw.
With 19/99, we wanted to create a brand that is not only inclusive of all ages, but all interpretations of beauty. While makeup may seem trivial to some, it is an integral part of how we express beauty in our daily lives. And at the end of the day, it’s about having FUN!
2. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? (What were your motivations or aspirations at the beginning?)
S: It was a pretty simple situation where we wanted something that we couldn’t find, so we made it. We wanted to bring makeup back to being makeup – about play, creativity and expression. Our aspirations in the beginning were pretty pure and focused on building something that was inspirational and exciting to us and our community. We wanted to be able to collaborate and work with people we admire and create a different industry than the one we grew up with, and do what we can to move the gaze of beauty from external to internal.
3. What impact would you like to have on people, other women, society in general?
C: We would like to help everyone be comfortable in their own skin.
S: We would like to encourage people to embrace themselves, and others, without judgement.
4. How do you manage work-life balance as an entrepreneur? (Do you have strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout?)
C: Acknowledging that work-life balance doesn’t really exist, and that being an entrepreneur involves always being absorbed in your business, and being ready to get your hands dirty at any time. Being an entrepreneur also allows you to have some flexibility with your schedule, so making time to exercise and spend time with friends and family helps prevent burnout.
S: We don’t really have work-life balance, but accepting that things are out of balance makes it a lot easier. And recognizing that we chose to do this and it is a privilege to be able to start something, so to just get on with it. Also – we try not to take ourselves too seriously.
5. Are there any women who have inspired you in your professional or personal life, and if so, why?
C: My mom and grandma were both entrepreneurs. My grandmother immigrated to Canada in 1956 and ran a convenience store with my grandfather until she retired, and my mom started her branding agency in the late 80s and is still working with amazing brands today.
S: Too many to name. We are both blessed with mums and sisters who are incredibly strong, interesting, kind and hilarious women.
6. As a woman entrepreneur, have you encountered any unique challenges? (This could be related to gender, stereotypes, or social and economic barriers).
S: Nothing terrible overt – we are fortunate to have a supportive community around us. However, it is a fact that funding to women-founded companies is less than 1%.
7. What advice would you give to young women who want to start their own business but are hesitant due to fear of failure or perceived barriers?
C: You realize quickly that no one really knows what they are doing, so just go for it! You’ll learn along the way. At the same time, I think it was helpful to have industry experience and more than one company instead of starting something straight out of school.
S: Speak to as many people as you can about the business and make sure it is viable – and you can start small… everything won’t be figured out and you can adjust as you go.
8. How do you define success?
S: Freedom of choice.
C: Same.
9. Can you share a defining moment or success that you’re particularly proud of in your entrepreneurial journey?
C: Launching with some of our amazing retail partners has been surreal. I had my prom makeup done at Holt Renfrew not too far away from where our brand display is now, and I remember shopping at Space NK when it was in New York on Broadway.
10. If you could give one golden rule to an aspiring female entrepreneur, what would it be?
C: Don’t let your gender get in the way of doing what you want do. And have thick skin!
