Rebel Queen, Beauty With A Latin Heart

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

Regina Merson, the founder of the makeup brand Reina Rebelde has made her Mexican pride and the empowerment of Latin women her best flag. Don't miss her story of success and motivation.

Who are examples of superwoman or women who inspire you?

I always try to find pioneering women who have had the courage and the conviction to live without apology. Frida Kahlo has been a great inspiration as have been a number of women that she met through Reina Rebelde, women who are fighters and who are not afraid of their difficult circumstances and who continue to fight and take steps forward with their faces held high, beautiful, well made up and with a sense of humor. That is something very deep and proud.

How did you go from advocacy to creating a makeup line?

I had been a lawyer for 6 years and I really did not feel comfortable. When I turned 30 I had a personal crisis when I realized I was going the wrong way. I felt paralyzed at the thought of taking a complete turn in my life and starting again. I thought about my family's frustration and disappointment and the time it had taken me to get to this point. But soon I learned a very valuable lesson and knew that I had every right to change my mind. I started exploring what I liked to do and realized that what I loved was the ritual of getting ready in the morning. The origin goes back to remembering my childhood in Guadalajara and spending time with my Mother while she was getting ready to go out. Seeing my grandmother beautify herself and remember my fascination with soap operas from the eighties and my admiration for beauties like Verónica Castro and her colorful and exciting makeup. It was there that I became a true addict to grooming and especially makeup. When I became an adult, I realized that there was no beauty product or brand on the market that understood our culture or gave the corresponding nuances to our dark complexions. I had to consolidate twenty and if not more, different brands and products to complete my personal "look". It was then that my light went on and I thought of other women just like me. When I became an adult, I realized that there was no beauty product or brand on the market that understood our culture or gave the corresponding nuances to our dark complexions. I had to consolidate twenty and if not more, different brands and products to complete my personal "look". It was then that my light went on and I thought of other women just like me. When I became an adult, I realized that there was no beauty product or brand on the market that understood our culture or gave the corresponding nuances to our dark complexions. I had to consolidate twenty and if not more, different brands and products to complete my personal "look". It was then that my light went on and I thought of other women just like me.

What is the philosophy of your brand, Reina Rebelde?

Reina Rebelde celebrates and promotes our collective experience as Latina women. We are a collection of amazing products with built-in versatility and provocative, remorseless shadows that bring to life our various dualities that unleash the intensity of our spirit, while also highlighting our timeless and mysterious beauty.

Did you always have in mind that it was a line dedicated to celebrating Latin and Mexican culture?

It is definitely my priority! I have always said that being a Latina woman is a privilege of life and has been the great contributor so that in some way I can strengthen the Latino community. All aspects of my line have a reflection of Mexico and Latin America. Starting with the miracles on the packages, the name of Reina Rebelde, the vibrant colors, the women who represent us: Reina Rebelde is a poem to the Latin woman.

How do you think Reina Rebelde's products contribute to making those who use them feel proud of their cultural duality?

The aesthetics of the brand is to celebrate duality in a modern way but always with the connection of what it is to be Latina in the US, what it is to be a Queen and a Rebel, and more, and wanted each part of the brand highlights " duality". For example, the Reina Rebelde logo is what they call an “ambigram”, which can be read equally on both sides. It was something perfect for the brand in the sense that Latinas are Queens and Rebels at the same time. Likewise, many Latinas in the US speak English and Spanish or "Spanglish." We understand that today's Latina lives in two worlds, so we speak like her, we know the challenges of this duality and we celebrate it.

On this path to achieving success with your brand now, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced?

I have had many challenges but the greatest has been not to lose my dream or passion. The process of starting my own company has been difficult and extremely tiring but I do it with pleasure and fulfill my mission day by day. The most exciting day has been the day I went to a Target with my Mom and there in plain sight in the cosmetic aisle in full view of everyone: Rebel Queen! I was so nervous and it was such a special moment that after so many years and having grown up in Guadalajara and after knowing that we came once a year to the great shopping mecca Target: seeing my products there, it was almost like a poetic experience, like being in a magical place.

Do you consider yourself a superwoman?

Of course not. The only thing I try to do is not to be disappointed therefore I always try to do the best I can, always. It is all I can do.

Do you have a mantra or motto that gives you strength or that has inspired you in your daily life or in particular in this business adventure?

I have had thousands of mantras that have helped me in this adventure. But the most important thing and the primary lesson has been to have the recklessness to confront my fears head-on and conquer my anxieties and insecurities. This is always worth it.