Latina Entrepreneur Angelique Velez Talks Turning 'Breakups To Makeup' Into Profitable Company

With the intention of spreading the message that makeup is more than just a product, but also an art form, Latina beauty entrepreneur Angelique Velez launched “Breakups to Makeup” in June 2013. From quirky products to empowering t-shirt slogans, Breakups to Makeup is more than just a brand, it is the possibility that no matter what happens in your life, you can put your chin up and meet the horizon with direct gaze.

The company stays at the forefront of fashion, accessories, and beauty with fun collections and new quirky sayings that launch seasonally, serving as a staple for self-expression. Velez dedicates her brand to the person whose heart was broken and buried in the darkest of places, to the cancer patient who has lost all her hair, yet finds comfort in that perfect shade of lipstick, to the person who has a genuine love for makeup.

Latin Times interviewed accomplished makeup artist and professional educator Angelique Velez on the story behind Breakups to Makeup, how she decided to be part of the entrepreneurial world, and more. ​

"Breakups to Makeup launched after I personally went through a very difficult breakup. At the time, I didn't want to do too much of anything and I barely left my apartment. I dove into work and my career, because applying makeup on others and helping them feel better about themselves inevitably made me feel better as well," revealed Velez.

"I already knew the power of makeup, but going through this difficult time made it even clearer. I knew that if I was going through something like this, others had to be as well. I wanted to create something that incorporated my feelings and the art/power of makeup. I decided to create what I called a 'makeup clutch,' a fashion/statement piece that could also be used to store makeup.

I added bold and fun sayings right on the front of the clutch so people would see them right away. I wanted others to know the power that makeup has and how it helps so many people who are going through difficult times in their lives."

"I come up with all of the sayings and I am mostly inspired by my friends and family, current events, our industry, etc.," Angelique told Latin Times. "Originally, everything was made here in the US, but with expansion, we have started to produce overseas as well. I use different vendors depending on my needs and what I am creating."

Feeling like she always had that entrepreneurial spirit, Velez explained why she decided to be part of the entrepreneurial world. "Before Breakups to Makeup, I was a freelance makeup artist, working for myself with different clients, etc. It wasn't an easy decision to leave the comfortable 9-5 realm with benefits and insurance, believe me, but I will honestly never look back," she says.

"I always loved makeup and even when I had an 'office' job, I used to have a vision board where I would keep clippings inspirational quotes. One of the clippings was actually an article about makeup artists and Fashion Week. It was a dream of mine to be a makeup artist working the tents during New York Fashion Week, so I always kept that up to remind me of that. Fast-forward almost 10 years later and I am already 12 seasons in, it's crazy to think about that!"

When you start a business, family and friends should be always your supporters; luckily for Angelique this was her case. "I would have to say with Breakups to Makeup, I attribute my success to my fan base and family. My family - and friends that are family, are my biggest supporters and I honestly wouldn't know what I would do without them," says Velez.

"The fans of Breakups to Makeup, who I call Team B2M are unbelievably supportive and truly keep me going. Any time that I come out with a new saying or product they remind me why I am doing this. They constantly share their stories on how they relate to the brand. That really keeps me going, because I know somewhere, someone is being affected and uplifted by the message I am spreading. To me, that is everything!" she added.

Breakups to Makeup accessories and apparel are for sale here, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, Ricky’s and NYLON Shop.