Alicia Grande is the CEO of Grande Cosmetics. She has spent 25 years in the anti-aging, skin care, and beauty industry. In 2009, she discovered the secret to naturally beautiful eyelashes, a lash enhancing conditioner she called GrandeLASH-MD. This product was so powerful it inspired Grande to create Grande Cosmetics, a result-driven line made up of innovative cosmetics, serums, and conditioners. Products from the collection have won over 15 awards in the beauty industry. This has helped the brand to establish itself as both a consumer and professional favorite. We chatted with Alicia to learn more about the inspiring woman behind Grande Cosmetics.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
I started in skin care and cosmetics over 30 years ago when I was 16 running a cosmetic booth in a flea market in Spring Valley, NY. While I was on the job I realized how much I loved enhancing the look of women through various cosmetics and skin care items that this booth carried. After college with a degree in business marketing, I landed a job in marketing at a vitamin company where I learned how nutrients affect your inner and outer body in looks, mood and so much more. This lead me to become very passionate about ingredients and products that make you look and feel your best.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I have won over 15 awards for my product line for GrandeLASH-MD, GrandeLIPS & GrandeMASCARA.
What has surprised you most about working in the spa industry?
I started my company with $20k of my own money and did my first trade show in 2009 to ICESC in NY at the Jacob Javitz center where I marketed directly to estheticians. I sold out of GrandeLASH-MD on my first show and received many re orders from the estheticians. I was surprised how knowledgeable they were about ingredients plus that every esthetician would not recommend a product that they didn’t personally use.
What new spa treatment would you like to try?
I want to try Cyro Therapy. However, I’ve heard some positive and negative.
What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
Tell us two things about yourself we don’t know.
I love to hike with my dog Lance who’s a 3-year-old golden retriever in the woods. It helps me to relax and I love when he is happy. I do Orange Theory workout 4-5 times per week.
What positions have you worked in that you feel have been most influential to your career? I was a marketing director for a vitamin/skin care company called NAC marketing in Long Island, NY where I would scout out spokespeople and products to go on radio and TV infomercials.
What are your three greatest priorities in life? My two boys Jake, 16 and Michael, 13. I feel very blessed to have to healthy and happy boys who love me. All the money and accomplishments in the world don't compete with that for me.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Slow down and smell the roses. I try to do this every day to appreciate life.
To learn more about Grande Cosmetics visit here.