Jamie Kern Lima, CEO of IT Cosmetics

Name: Jamie Kern Lima

Occupation: Co-Founder and CEO IT Cosmetics

Location: Studio City, CA and Jersey City, NJ

Website: www.itcosmetics.com

“After getting my MBA from Columbia I anchored TV news for years where I arrived to work at 1:30 AM and had to learn so many makeup tips and tricks to look awake for the 4:30 AM news! I always struggled to find products that didn’t make me look cakey and older. After years of covering crime and lots of depressing news, I realized my passion for makeup was what I need to be doing! I teamed up with plastic surgeons to develop truly innovative anti-aging color cosmetics, and IT Cosmetics was born!”

My style is: Gut Feeling. If you feel in your gut something looks good and is ‘you’ go with it!

The best part about starting my own makeup line has been: Finally solving my own beauty problems (I have lots of them) but developing a concealer that covers my intense rosacea, that was a big one!

The most unique thing about my company is: We won’t launch a product just because we don’t have it in our line yet. It has to be truly innovative and I have to believe it is better than what is out there. For example we don’t have a foundation yet, even though our concealer is our top seller. We have been working on foundation for three years and I refuse to launch it until it’s phenomenal!

I always tell people who’ve never tried my products before to go for the: Brow Power Brow Pencil or Bye Bye Under Eye concealer. They are iconic for our line and have really become cult favorites. But this week, our new Hello Lashes Mascara and Vitality Lip Flush Stains are crazy-good…can I have 4 items on this desert island?

People usually compliment my: Eyes. I believe you can tell kindness through eyes. I know life is short and I am in a super-competitive business where many lose their kindness and become cutthroat. I will never do that, it’s not worth it. Life is too short and too precious. I am more proud of being a person that sees others through kind eyes then I am for anything else I’ve accomplished.

I’ll never forget the time: We launched IT Cosmetics on QVC. I knew our product was amazing and I knew when women get it home it will change their lives – but before any of that happens you have to sell. I was shaking like a leaf and the producer kept telling me in my ear “calm down…..calllllmmmmmmm down.” I found out later he was communicating with the production staff to get ready for me to faint live on air. I was praying like crazy and was just so nervous! We sold out in 10 minutes and the second I got off air I started crying, my team was crying, our makeup artists and even a few of our models were crying. It was a really special moment, because I knew how fortunate I was.

For my skin, I love to use: Retinol and physical sunscreen.

My favorite makeup tip: Contour! Not 80s stripes, but soft contouring of all your features! It can erase 10 pounds instantly and bring out the features you love while hiding the ones you don’t. Once you learn how it is so simple, it will be the 20 seconds extra to your routine that make a world of difference!

Current beauty product obsession: So many! Perfect Nail Pink Gel Coat polish, Philosophy Purity Made Simple, Clarisonic, WEN

But I also can’t live without: OPI Bubble Bath nail polish – it’s the perfect color!

Worst habit: Working so late I fall asleep on my laptop!

My favorite scent right now is: I love French Perfumes like Musc Et Freesia by E. Coudray. I also love almost every Philosophy fragrance and Kim Kardashian’s perfume.

People might be surprised to know: At night if I am really stressed out I watch reality shows while working. My husband thinks I am crazy but I love them! The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad, Dancing with the Stars, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Real Housewives…anything I can get. Many of the stars of the shows wear IT Cosmetics so I can justify watching it right?!

My favorite hair product is: Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo and WEN Cleansing Conditioner

I don’t understand people who don’t like: Chocolate! (But I wish I were one of them, I would be a lot thinner!)

The restaurant I can never get tired of is: Plataforma Churrascaria! It’s a traditional Brazilian Steakhouse (all you can eat) in New York City! The most amazing restaurant ever, but definitely show up with a big appetite when you go there!

Though I can make a mean: Bowl of cookie dough!

Who inspires me: Joel Osteen. I think no matter what faith you believe or don’t believe in, his sermons are universal and inspiring.

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Stacy Igel. Photo Credit: Amanda De Cadenet

Name: Stacy Igel

Age: hahah

Occupation: Founder/Creative Director/Fashion Designer for Boy Meets Girl

Location: New York, NY

Website: boymeetsgirlusa.com and stacyigel.blogspot.com

Twitter: @stacyigel

“My goal is to build the next big brand empire! Think the Lacoste logo, think Boy Meets Girl’s logo even BIGGER ”

My style is: I like to think it’s eclectic, edgy, and demure all rolled into one neat little package.



The song I have on repeat right now is: Alexis Murdoch – Orange Sky or Breathe
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The best part about starting my own brand is: I love seeing someone walk down the street wearing a piece I made. I usually stop and dial my mom’s cell phone to tell her the exiting news: ”Hey Mommy, just spotted an adorable girl rocking my line in the park!” I’m also so grateful to be able to give back through my brand. Working with several charities to raise awareness in collaboration with Boy Meets Girl® and me brings smiles all around.



People usually compliment my: Ability to multitask in all the aspects of building my brand in PR/Marketing/Design skills . I also get complimented on my personal style and starting new fads. I was the first to ever show my friends in grade school charm necklaces and created a catalog for all my friends to buy charms from me. Fast forward, I’m asked to be one of the first to introduce RadRingz (from the makers of Silly Bandz) to my fans. 



I’ll never forget the time: my mom and I worked together at my first trade show in 2001, and we sold to our first department store: Bergdorf Goodman. My mom was so excited — it was and still is her favorite store in NYC! This was pretty much the launch for my career.

For my skin, I love: (1) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer- it gives me a healthy glow and provides SPF 15, perfect for protection for everyday; (2) Kiehl’s Acai Eco-line of face wash and creams. They are not only good for the environment but they make your skin feel flawless; and (3) Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence Spray

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My favorite place in the whole world is: Tough question! I love different places for different reasons. But, if have to give one place I would say Bora Bora. It’s the closest place to bliss/nirvana I think anyone could ever get. I went there for my honeymoon and hope to go back sooner than later

Current beauty product obsession: Kiehl’s beauty products — they are not only affordable, but have done wonders for my skin!

But I also can’t live without: Tara Smith hair products! Check out my recent post on Tara’s products.

Worst habit: workaholic.

My best advice to people who want to work in the fashion industry is:
1. Be prepared to work like you’ve never worked before.
2. Being a talented designer is not enough. You need to learn how to be an effective marketer, networker, salesperson, service provider, writer, stylist, merchandiser and psychiatrist too.
3. Work with multiple vendors and never stop sourcing potential new ones. It gives you leverage and protects you from catastrophes.
4. Last, but not least: BELIEVE!

My favorite scent right now is: white musk.

People might be surprised to know: I used to tap dance and love the famous tap dancer Tommy Tune.

My favorite hair product is: Tara Smith’s Base Coat Serum & Top Coat Glosser.

I don’t understand people who don’t like: sushi.

The restaurant I can never get tired of is: Pure Food and Wine in the Flatiron district.

Though I can make a mean: I don’t cook much due to my busy schedule. But, I do make rad mountain eggs!

Who inspires me: Zandra Rhodes, Elie Tahari, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Kate Moss, Coco Chanel, Patti Smith, Patricia Velásquez, Oprah, my sister, my mom, my dad, and my Dj Blue Steel (aka my husband)…the list could go on, but I will leave it for now

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Amanda Hofman

Name: Amanda Hofman

Age: 29

Occupation: Founder & CEO of Urban Girl Squad

Location: New York, NY

Website: urbangirlsquad.com

Twitter: @urbangirlsquad

“What can I say…my passion in life is connecting people to each other (for friendship, jobs, advice or more…I’m responsible for four of my friends’ marriages!) and Urban Girl Squad is a forum where I can do that every day! When I’m not running UGS, I love cooking a big dinner with new recipes, having wine with friends, and hitting the gym (with loud music in my headphones and a girly magazine).”

My style is: variations on classic. I like to try one bold or unusual thing in every outfit (hot pink lipstick, a huge belt, red shoes, etc).

The song I have on repeat right now is: “Billionaire” by the Glee cast (I know, it’s so embarrassing!).

People usually compliment my: Eyebrows (another weird one, but it’s true. Ever since I was a kid)

I’ll never forget the time: a girl told me that she decided not to move away from NYC because of all the friends and resources she had found through Urban Girl Squad! That, and when I rode an elevator with Jon Hamm on my way home from surgery on my ankle and nearly died of happiness.

For my skin, I love: McBride Beauty day and night creams — their products are all natural and really easy on my sensitive skin

My favorite place in the whole world is: my aunt and uncle’s house on the beach in Los Angeles. I have wonderful childhood memories of visiting my family there every summer, and now I try to visit in the dead of winter in NYC so that I can remember what warmth feels like.

Current beauty product obsession: BRIGHT lipstick. I’m having a “look at my lips!!!!” moment. I just bought Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Intense 37. It’s barbie doll pink.

But I also can’t live without: Lancôme black eyeliner. I’ve tried a million different eyeliners but the Lancôme kohl is the absolute best, hands-down.

Worst habit: Checking email constantly.

When I travel, I MUST have: My husband! I love traveling with Jake. But if I had to choose a product, I’d say a hefty facial moisturizer and sunscreen– traveling tends to dry out my skin.

Worst habit: Procrastination!

My favorite scent is: Armani She.

My favorite hair product is: Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion… you tap a few “shakes” of it onto your scalp, muss up your hair, and voila! — styled volume and messiness.

I don’t understand people who don’t like: CHEESE. One of my favorite pastimes is going to Celeste, a restaurant on the Upper West, and ordering the cheese plate. The owner of the shop comes out and explains how he personally makes each cheese. Good luck if you can understand half of what he says through his thick Italian accent. Some of the cheeses are really tasty, and some are the stinkiest foods I’ve ever smelled. It’s fun!

The restaurant I can never get tired of is: Gennaro. It’s a cash-only northern Italian restaurant where the waiters have worked there for years and the italian owner comes by to say hi. The food is always spectacular. I never fail to order the kale salad to start (it’s not always on the menu, but they always have it, so ask).

Though I can make a mean: pesto! And apple cake. I really like to cook.

Who inspires me: People who love their jobs.

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Haale

Name: Haale Gafori

Occupation: Musician (Vocalist, Guitar-player, Composer)

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Website: TheMastMusic.com and Haale.com

“I’d like to see alternative energy systems (solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal) get more attention in the media and more funding. In Denmark, they convert household garbage to heat and electricity and power urban areas this way instead of filling landfills — I think that’s genius.”

My style: best expressed through music. Our new album, “Wild Poppies,” will be released on June 21, but you can hear a few tracks and pre-order at themast.bandcamp.com.

The song I have on repeat right now is: A lot of songs and albums are getting heavy rotation in my house. Right now, they are the Braids‘ album “Native Speaker,” tUnE-yArDs‘ “Whokill,” and “Ko Sira” by the queen of Malian music, Oumou Sangare — one of my favorite singers of all time..

People usually compliment my: laugh.

For my skin, I love: Lemon juice and Mario Badescu products.

Current beauty product obsession: Shea butter. It’s just a great moisturizer

But I also can’t live without: Yoga classes!

My favorite place in the whole wide world is: Brooklyn, NY, because so many amazing musicians and artists live here. And I do love the jungles of Goiás, Brazil…closest thing to paradise I’ve ever seen. And the deserts of California, especially Anza-Borrego where it’s so quiet, it’s loud.

The thing most people don’t know about my culture is: As for American culture, seems like many people don’t know of H.D. or Muriel Rukeyser — two great American poets. As for Iranian culture, most people don’t know about the original and very celebratory religion, Zorastrianism, the holy trinity being “good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.”

Worst habit: Procrastination!

My favorite scent is: Lavender oil, jasmine oil, and rose oil–yum! (used separately of course).

My favorite hair product is: DevaCurl No-Poo Cleanser — no sulfates and great for curls.

The restaurant I can never get tired of is: Kaz An Nou. It’s a French-Caribbean restaurant on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn. Our friends own it, great food, great live music on Sundays. Favorite entree is their beet/mango salad, bread soup, and passion-fruit mousse. Ridiculously good.

Though I can make a mean: Linguine with scallops.

What inspires me: Scientists and researchers who are developing biodegradable alternatives to plastic!

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Yuna performing at Webster Hall

I don’t think I’ve ever had one of our “Beauty on the Streets” serve as my “Inspiration of the Day” in the same week…but I can’t help it this time! After just barely missing her first NYC show at the Mercury Lounge the first time she was in town, I was pumped to catch Yuna at Webster Hall last night, opening for Raphael Saadiq. Needless to say, she blew the crowd away, playing songs from her new EP, Decorate, and even throwing in a cover of Nirvana’s Come As You are (gahhh one of my faves!!), just adding to the list of reasons why she’s so brilliantly talented. Check out some snippets of her performance last night below:



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Shy

Songstress Yuna Zarai

Name: Yuna Zarai

Age: 25

Occupation: Performer.

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Website: http://iamjetfuelshop.com.

“I’m a singer and songwriter who likes art, film, music, culture…and I’m obsessed with clothes that will make me look like a Jedi.”

My style: Comfort, Casual, Cool.

My favorite song right now is: James Blake – The Wilhelm Scream.

People usually compliment my: Shoes.

I’ll never forget the time: When I was 10-years-old, I would pretend I was performing with a guitar (holding a tennis racquet) to a bunch of people.

For my skin, I love: Lancôme products. They’re amazing.

My favorite place in the whole wide world is: New York. It’s a melting pot and when I’m there, I really feel like I come from a really tiny country trying to ‘make it’ in America.

My favorite makeup tip: ALWAYS WASH YOUR FACE after applying heavy make up.

The thing most people don’t know about my culture is: We eat all the time. Even at 2AM, you can always go to a nearby restaurant and eat.

Current beauty product obsession: Lancôme’s Artliner eyeliner!

But I also can’t live without: Maybelline mascaras! They’re the best!

Worst habit: I bite my nails.

My favorite scent is: Anna Sui’s Forbidden Affair.

People might be surprised to know: that I’m actually taller in real life…people always think I’m petite.

My favorite hair product is: Schwarzkopf shampoo.

I don’t understand people who don’t like: Spicy Indian food.

The food I can never get tired of is: banana leaf rice!

Though I can make a mean: Spaghetti!

What inspires me: Patti Smith’s book, “Just Kids“

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