Behind every successful brand lies a story of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Trace Cosmetics is a narrative of unwavering determination and fiery passion. With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and empowerment, Trace Cosmetics has emerged as a trailblazer in the competitive world of cosmetics. Trace Cosmetics is founded by Caroline Abdel-Nour, a visionary makeup artist with a passion for all things beauty. She swiftly carved a niche for herself in the beauty industry landscape. In an exclusive interview, the founder shares behind-the-scenes insights into the beloved brand.
The Beginning of Trace Cosmetics
While Trace Cosmetics began in 2020, it was Caroline’s lifelong dream. “It has always been a dream of mine, ever since I was 18, to start my own brand. But it always seemed bigger than me.” shares the founder, reflecting on her journey. The fast-paced nature of her job was the everlasting obstacle. Amidst the whirlwind of her career, the unexpected pause brought by the COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity for introspection and planning. “When COVID happened in 2020, it was the first time in a very long time that I had a break. I took that time to study and talk to a lot of consultants specialized in their field,” she explains. She took all that free time and worked out hard to study and research the field. She reached out to consultants across various fields to learn as much as possible. Thus, Trace Cosmetics was born—a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of a dream.
The Meaning Behind The Name Trace Cosmetics
Caroline noted the significance of the name Trace, “I truly believe that the brand’s main mission is to send a message”. She explained, “We all, especially women, have such a special journey in life. I believe that we all leave traces in life and we all have to leave a trace in life.” She believes that whether you had the opportunity for the light to shine on them, or not, their story should be appreciated and celebrated. She concluded, “I believe that we all have traces in life and we all have to leave their trace in life.” With this profound philosophy at its core, Trace Cosmetics embarks on a mission to empower women to embrace their unique stories and make their mark on the world.
Setting a New Standard in Beauty
In a market saturated with cosmetic brands, Trace Cosmetics distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. A couple of years ago, many people automatically thought of local brands as lesser quality. “My purpose and goal with Trace is to provide products that look ‘wow’ and exude ‘wow’ quality,” asserts Caroline. She wanted to create products of international quality made in Egypt, with Egyptian hands. From the beginning, the brand aimed to fill a void in the local market. She explained, “I did not want to make a product that everyone else is making”. Trace Cosmetics’ first product was brow soap, which was very trendy at the time but was not present in the market. Caroline always thinks as a consumer when designing her products. She explained, “. I always want to go the extra mile for my customers. When we created our brow soap, not only did we include a brush with it, but we also bent it so you can use it faster and easier.”
Inspirations and Lessons Learned
When asked about sources of inspiration, Caroline’s admiration extends to her mother, a beacon of strength and wisdom. “My mom is a great woman. She taught me a lot and continues to teach me,” she shares. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of women, both personally and professionally, the founder underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Caroline offers invaluable advice to her younger self and aspiring female entrepreneurs alike. “Ask questions, do not be shy, do not be scared”, she encourages. For aspiring entrepreneurs, she highlights the importance of the research phase. She said, “Understand where you want your business to go and how to get that done. Also, know all the aspects of the business before starting because it is very challenging.”
Future Endeavors
Looking ahead, Caroline passion for makeup fuels her vision for Trace Cosmetics. “Makeup is my field. I am excited and hopeful it will happen very soon,” she shares eagerly about her upcoming project. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a dedication to meeting consumer needs, Trace Cosmetics embarks on an exciting journey of expansion and innovation.