Manny King John
Last Summer, GRUNGECAKE threw a music video release party for Chinese Kitty, who is one of the entrepreneur’s friends, and that’s how we met. Ahead of that event, RED launched her first cosmetics line in the Spring. She went to school, in pursuit to become a makeup artist, only to find out that she didn’t want to spend time working on other people’s faces.
GRUNGECAKE was able to catch up with RED to discuss her new business, her future endeavours, and more.
GRUNGECAKE: Tell us a little about yourself. Who is RED?
RED: RED is a mother of two beautiful children! A hard-working entrepreneur, who enjoys having fun, loves to be in a happy space with is the comfort of my own home. It’s nice to have people around who love you, but I’m a Pisces and my peaceful time is what I enjoy. Believe it or not, I drive my kids crazy. I be sweating them, like I’m the kid.
GRUNGECAKE: Who or what are your creative influences?
RED: Growing up, I always played in makeup and always admired my mum beat-face and bright red lipstick, that I was told wasn’t meant for a child. Once I became of age, I took a cosmetics course, only to realize, I only wanted to beat my own face. So, I switched from being a makeup artist to a entrepreneur that sells cosmetics and more.
GRUNGECAKE: What is your favorite part of being a model?
RED: My favorite part about being a model is playing dress-up. It’s a great way to express yourself without saying anything. Pictures speak a thousand words.
GRUNGECAKE: What was the inspiration behind the creation of cmrcosmetics?
RED: My inspirations behind CMR Cosmetics are my peers. They’ve always asked or told me they love how I do my makeup. I took a step back and said, you know what, I spend a lot of money on all other brands, so why not start my own? So, my peers can get the same beauty experience I was getting.
GRUNGECAKE: Where do you see yourself and your brand in five years?
RED: In five years, I pray CMR will have its own storefront, and will be sold in other high-end beauty stores.
GRUNGECAKE: If you could collaborate with any cosmetic line, who would it be and why?
RED: I would love to work with Rihanna and do a collaboration with Fenty Beauty. Rihanna is a dope artist and an awesome entrepreneur! Fenty makeup quality is amazing and I’m gonna strive for CMR to be as great.
GRUNGECAKE: What types of products can customers find on cmrcosmetics.com?
RED: Customers can find vegan and cruelty-free products on CMRcosmetics.com. We provide lip cream, matte lipstick, shiny lip gloss, eyeshadow palettes, loose eyeshadow pigments with vibrant colors. Amazing eyelashes that fit many personalities and liquid highlighter that will brighten up the room.
GRUNGECAKE: What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
RED: I would tell my younger self [that] I did a great job; living with no regrets. Never give up on yourself, and continue to push for the best. No matter how hard it gets, don’t give up!
GRUNGECAKE: You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
RED: It’s obvious that I will be a red crayon for many reasons. My mom began calling me RED when I was a toddler. The color red tells a story. It shows love, strength, happiness, awareness, hurt, anger, pain, caution, mysteries, confidence—It’s so much more to this colour. Follow my journey to see the unseen.
