Jacqueline Lee/E!Ever thought getting your makeup done would be as easy as picking a look from a menu? At Blushington, it's just that simple.
Walking through the doors of this makeup and beauty lounge is like entering girl heaven—there's makeup galore, gorgeous décor and Instagram-perfect beauty stations. Like we said, the only thing you've got to do is pick your makeup look, kick up your heels and enjoy a little pampering. It's affordable, convenient and all-around genius.
At the helm of this glitzy destination are sisters Stephi and Nicki Maron, CEO and CMO respectively. As the brains behind this beauty business, this sibling power act have worked tirelessly to transform Blushington into the premier pampering destination. And lucky us, both Stephi and Nicki took time out to chat with us on everything from building the company from the ground up to launching their first-ever lipstick, B.Lovely.
Now go ahead and reads on to hear from these sisters themselves!
What was your first job?
SM: My first job was Elyse Walker in Pacific Palisades.
NM: My first job was working for Joss Whedon. I ended up working for Joss for about two years and worked on the last season of DollHouse and the first film, The Avengers.
How did you get started in your career?
SM: I always loved the beauty and fashion world, and I knew it was where I wanted to be.
NM: After working in the entertainment business for over six years, my dad was the one who said, ok, it's time for you to officially come on board.
What is a typical day like for you?
SM: There is no typical day, no exact regimen. Everyday I'm traveling to a different Blushington location. There is always something happening. As soon as I wake up I check my emails and handle business. It's all about taking care of Blushington.
NM: A typical day includes: driving to work with my sister, visiting a Blushington location, back to back calls all day long, a workout of some sort (SoulCycle, Hot Pilates, biking) and then playing with our three puppies.
Tell us about your office décor. When did you last give your office a makeover?
SM: It's very "Blushington" décor. Very feminine in coral and pink with gray accents. I also have an amazing and huge marble desk that I absolutely love.
NM: When I officially came on board about two years ago, I completely redid the office. I felt it was very important to highlight our brand's history, starting with the actual building that Blushington West Hollywood is located in. I also felt like it was important to bring a sense of hominess (always have great florals on your desk) as well as life quotes. I love Rifle Paper and Gray Malin pieces too.
What's the best part about your job?
SM: I love changing the way the world sees makeup. Seeing my clients feel confident and beautiful is very fulfilling.
NM: The best part of our job is seeing how makeup can positively change someone's life. From a teen with acne to a grown adult who doesn't know how to apply eye liner- Blushington is the place where anyone can feel like a million bucks. And, the absolute best part of my job is seeing my sister have a strong voice and helping women find their pretty.
What inspired you to open Blushington? And where was your first store?
SM: I was looking for a place that offered makeup applications and didn't want to go to a place that would make me buy products I didn't like. After doing research, I couldn't find a place that did this. So I decided to open Blushington in 2011. Our first location is still our biggest location on Sunset Plaza in West Hollywood.
What are the biggest trends in fall beauty right now?
SM: 1. Blush in the same color you wear on your cheeks, eyes, and lips; 2. Thicker-winged eye-liner; 3. Black and smoky, relaxed look, 4. Minimal eye makeup with a bold red lip.
What are the most popular makeup looks people ask for?
SM: Each Blushington location is different. I would say either our Pure or Natural look, Simply Glowing or Smoke & Mirrors. You can find images of these looks on our website.
What are your three must-have makeup products right now?
SM: Kevyn Aucoin Brow Pencil and Mascara, Ellis Faas Foundation and Bora Bora Blush from Girlactik.
NM: Eve Lom Primer and Foundation, Beauty Blender and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
SM: Opening Blushington for the first time.
NM: Leaving a great job in entertainment business for a startup.
Who are some of your career heroes?
SM: My dad.
NM: My dad, hands down!
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
SM: Have fun and love your job so it won't feel like work!
NM: Honey goes a lot farther than vinegar.
Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had…
Both: Joan's on Third.
The first website I log onto every day is…
SM: Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, etc. I like looking at the newest and best beauty trends.
NM: Vogue.com and ABC.com. A healthy mix between what's going on in the world and beauty.
My usual Starbucks order is…
SM: Grande iced coffee.
NM: Grande drip.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would…
NM: Be a veterinarian or have a farm with alpacas.
SM: I would help her.
My favorite place to visit is…
SM: Punta Mita and Europe, specifically London.
NM: Punta Muta. There is something so gorgeous about the Mexican coast.
List five things that are on your desk right now…
SM: Samples of new product to try, my MacBook, bottle of Smart Water, iced coffee and sour patch kids
NM: My notebook, fresh flowers, my MacBook, Smart Water and Altoids. You never know who you are going to meet!
My favorite shade of lipstick is…
SM: the one I'm creating.
NM: Our own Blushington lipstick.