Amber Basalaj is the force of nature behind Basalaj Beauty, the high-performance makeup brand being embraced here and internationally. Basalaj Beauty was the official beauty partner for New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 and is the key makeup sponsor for Fashion for a Cure, which raises funds each year for cancer research.

Amber believes local brands and talent are the backbone of our community. It’s clear, she says, that New Zealand consumers need to reconsider their purchasing choices and recognise the vital role they play in supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship.

You have had another huge year with Basalaj Beauty – what have been the highlights? Fashion for a Cure events are always something I am super proud of every year and love attending! This year in particular we were the brand partner for New Zealand Fashion Week so that was a big highlight on top of just being fortunate enough to do what I love.

What motivated you to start your company? Definitely a love of fashion and beauty in general but I wanted to create high-performance makeup that was easy to use and genuinely promoted beauty in all forms. Confidence is so important and I want the company to represent and encourage that in people. A red lippy can help you to feel like anything is possible so I just want to spread empowerment and confidence to as many people as possible through the power of cosmetics! 

Is there a secret to your success or is it good old hard work? Working hard is definitely the only way to make things really happen, never giving up even when things get tough and you feel like it is going nowhere. Business is a game of mental fitness for so many different reasons, you have to find tools and strategies to keep you on track and moving forward. Even if you are doing something you don't necessarily love, I've always just worked at things by giving it my all and eventually that creates opportunity and the chance to get to where you really want to be.

Is there a role model or mentor who has inspired you? My husband has been a huge part of giving me the confidence to be the best I can be. He never ever lets me believe I can’t do something or that I won’t succeed, he encourages me and supports me in everything I do. Having someone to talk to as well at the end of the day to give you guidance is a huge step towards keeping focused, feeling confident, pushing ahead and moving on and up from hardships. I am very lucky to have him with me on this journey.

How do you ensure your brand stays relevant? I think just being genuine about what we are. We don't pretend to be something we aren't. I am who I am and try to encourage others to always stay true to yourself too – it’s the most confident and liberating thing you can do in life. So bringing that energy into the brand – making products that don't pretend to be something they aren't, are unapologetic in their boldness and high on performance are all things that have captured our audience. Basalaj Beauty is unique in its presentation and delivery and that keeps things interesting!

What does 2024 have in store for you and Basalaj Beauty? We have some big projects under way that are launching next year, things I have been working on since we launched so I am pretty excited about those! They have been a quiet grind that I am looking to see come to fruition soon. We are also heading to Paris Fashion Week to do artistry on shows – huge dream come true! The launch of new products is also something I am constantly striving to do – we have our new Liquid Lipsticks coming out in early December, which I am very excited about!

Tell us about Basalaj Beauty’s work with the Breast Cancer Cure foundation? My friend Joanne passed away from breast cancer in 2020. This was her second battle with it and during that time I created a Gold Highlighter to represent her bright, sparkly and courageous energy she always had no matter how bad her days got. I connected with Breast Cancer Cure fairly early on in the business and knew straight away that we needed to be involved and to help raise awareness and funds for research with the goal of trying to stop other families from having to go through losing their loved ones too. Basalaj Beauty travels around the country with a team of artists to complete all of the artistry needed as the events have a fashion show aspect to them. We also donate our product for the auctions to help raise funds at every show. I am so proud to be able to connect the brand with such a meaningful cause that also keeps the memory of my friend alive and look forward to carrying on the partnership throughout 2024.

You have argued strongly for Kiwi consumers to back Kiwi products – are you seeing any change there? I think the economic landscape is changing so much with the cost of living rising constantly so it is understandably tough for people to always back Kiwi products. There are so many ways to support local without having to buy, however. Supporting on social media is one that costs nothing at all but has a positive impact in supporting New Zealand businesses.

What’s your No. 1 life hack? A sense of humour even when times get tough. It makes things so much easier to manage. Taking life too seriously holds you back from enjoying the simple fact that we are fortunate to be here. Laughter is with me everywhere I go and I love to encourage that in others too.

How do you relax and unwind? I am a huge fan of reading books with a cup of my favourite green tea!

How do the fur babies cope with you being so busy? They definitely miss me if I am gone for more than a day! My rabbits in particular get very upset if I don't see them each day for cuddles! If I am away for long periods of time I call every day and somewhere along the line I speak to them through the phone – haha, they definitely are my babies. I love all of them so much!

www.basalajbeauty.com