28 Feb 2019

Ms Nora Mcaslin takes pride in bringing the cosmetic best out of her clients, especially in this era where every lady and getleman wants to look good.

As a frequent consumer of cosmetics in her pageantry and modelling endeavours, Ms Mcaslin decided on her makeup line after realising that women of colour were not catered for in the cosmetic industry.

“The colours of my products are best suited for women of colour,  and they also cater for our now extremely harsh conditions.

For hot temperatures, I infuse my products with appropriate sunscreen, they also have enough doses of minerals that aid in skin absorption and are user-friendly, especially for those with sensitive skin,” she explained.

Ms Mcaslin of Nora Cosmetics, started off with a foundation which later inspired her to do lipsticks. It grew to three more products being eyebrow gel, mascara and highlighter which are all doing well in the market.

 The youthful innovator, entrepreneur and beauty queen said her line of cosmetics were conceptualised a couple of years ago, but only started retailing them in 2016.

“It was not easy to penetrate the international cosmetic market, and I had to ensure that I remained unique, maintaining thorough brand awareness and unending promotions that later yielded results,” she said.

 Although she still sends her specifications for manufacturing in Taiwan where she works with a number of qualified cosmetologists, the intention is to manufacture the cosmetics in the country.

“I am currently working on raising capital to build infrastructure and recruit qualified professionals to do the job,” said the Bobonong born woman.

 Ms Mcaslin said she has employed six permanent employees while she distributes to over 40 women nationwide, adding that she also worked with local make-up artists like Maxine. She noted that some local pharmacies had agreed to sell her products.

To broaden her scope, Ms Mcaslin Nora said she also exported to South Africa and Namibia where she had since received positive feedback.

Despite her successes, she said she faced numerous challenges among them lack of funds, as some financiers did not believe the potential that the business had.

The other challenge, she said, included high rental space. She, however, noted that her will to succeed was through motivation and zeal.

 “This made me realise that people did not pursue their dreams because of fear and lack of capital. I often tell people to fight and overcome, come up with a solid plan, let your vision be clear, hunt for money.

 People are also willing to help, all they want is commitment, passion and dedication,” she said. In addition to her versatility, Ms Mcaslin is the current Mrs Botswana reigning queen and is set to represent the nation in Mrs World billed for next month.

She also works as a motivational speaker and founder of Hiding behind the Mask that aims at women empowerment. ENDs