If you opened up Motives Cosmetics Instagram page you will definitely find our next Fearless Female all over the feed. Ka Xiong is a talented artist, business owner and content creator who inspires so many people. She has a keen eye for viral content and isn’t afraid of showing herself off on her social platforms. Luckily for us, we work with Ka all the time to create gorgeous photos and videos for Motives. She truly knows how to take a product and market it on social media!
How long have you been in a business?
At the age of 20, I found myself working in a salon for a short period, then shifting to work behind the beauty counter simply giving advice to those seeking for beauty products. Fast forward to 6 years ago, I decided to go off on my own and get serious with the beauty industry, from freelancing makeup services to adding permanent makeup and eyelash extension. Not only heading into the beauty industry as my own individual, me and my husband also established our painting business as well as start our Market America business in 2015. Now that I think back about it, wow, I would’ve never thought to have started 3 businesses within a few years. But here we are today.
Which market are you from?
Makeup and skincare
What makes Market America | SHOP.COM unique?
Market America | SHOP.COM is unique because of our compensation plan, being a product brokerage which allows us to move with the trend, the trainings that are provided to us, the ethics that we take seriously, and the people behind the company that makes this company so amazing.
Favorite product to sell and why?
I honestly do not have a favorite product to sell because it changes from person to person and as the company grows, I find new products to love and share. As a whole, I would have to say skincare overall. As we age, we learn to embrace our own skin and learn to take better care of it. With skincare, everyone is different so what works for one person may not work for another. So it boils down to the personal consultations that I take pride in promoting/selling.
How did you pivot your business strategy when the pandemic hit?
The beauty industry got hit pretty hard during the pandemic, as many other industries. That, on top of many other factors, has made it hard to keep business going at the salon. The salon was where my customers came in for makeup services amongst other services and I can personalize each customer’s consult. That couldn’t happen with everything being shut down. But product sales never stopped, in-fact it grew. For myself during the pandemic, I put an emphasis on self care, both health and skin and embracing my face in its natural habitat. So skincare became my go to as well as my health and mental health. That was something that I can relate to with my customers. The only pivot that really happened was going from “in person” and hands on services to everything virtual (virtual consultations, virtual blending, virtual meetings, and virtual training/learning). Big thank you to Zoom!
How have you used social and digital to grow your business?
Social media has always been something me and my husband use to promote our business, whether it’s our painting business, my beauty business, or any business. We rely quite a bit on social media but we definitely learned a lot more about social media through this pandemic and as with anything, social media “trends” shift as well. (Hello TikTok!) It’s definitely been more about providing information or “How to” more than anything and not just “hey, look what I did!” Custom blending on social media has grown my business and there’s so many people out there who are looking for info, and I’m happy to provide the info.
What piece of advice you tell a UFO who is just starting out?
My advice is to get to the trainings and continue to learn and implement what you’ve learned. You can learn as much as you want but if you never implement what you learned, nothing really happens. Also, believe in yourself!! It all starts there and continue to believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who also believe in you.
Which new product are you most excited to try?
I’m always excited with new products the company launches. But one product I’m super excited for are the new LDV eye revive gels!!! Of course, the eye is quite a problematic area, at least for me. Also the Motives ultra-fine brow pencils because brows are a must in my books.
How has Loren Ridinger inspired you?
Oh my, Loren is one of those women who says something and it doesn’t just goes into your ears, it reaches your heart and soul. She resonates with the Boss Babe within you, waiting to soar and she’s the one that reaches that hand to say “come on Babe, let’s go!” I will never forget the first time I heard Loren speak and made me realize that I am me and no one else can have that power to determine who I am but myself.
Are there any other females in the business that inspire you? If so, who and why?
Yes, there are plenty of females in this business that inspire me. I will not name anyone simply because there are so many and I do not want to miss anyone. These women “know who you are”. As big of an impact or as little as these women think they’ve inspired me, they have made a difference in my life and my business. Some have helped me overcome obstacles, some have pushed me to believe in myself, some have lifted me to a higher level, some have inspired me by sharing their story, and some have become a sister, amongst many many other things. And I love each and everyone of you and know that I appreciate you all!
What’s your super power?
My super powder is perseverance. No matter what life throws at me, I shall continue to be the woman that I am because I know the woman I want and need to be for myself and those that I love.
Want to nominate a Fearless Female? Send me an email telling me what makes this person a Rockstar in the business! Email nominations to sabrinav@marketamerica.com and stay tuned for our next feature!
