Meet: Dark Heart Designs

^ This is why I love Tina of Dark Heart Designs, and what her brand stands for.

If you've been reading this blog for over a year, you may have already met Tina of Dark Heart Designs. Tina joined my Making it Work series, discussing how she is able to fit a full-time job and her own business into a typical day. Check out Tina's interview, and read the rest of the Making it Work series here.

Tina is the top sponsor on She Makes a Home this month, so I wanted a chance to  get to know her and her cosmetics line better. Says Tina, "I hand make eye shadows, lip gloss, & eyeliners. Dark Heart Designs is more than just a cosmetics company. I want it to be a resource, an inspiration, and a brand that makes you feel like you're a part of something. Make up is just the beginning."

She Makes a Home: Last we talked to you, you worked 8+ hour days with your father in the carnival business, and worked on your cosmetics business in your free time. Is this still the norm for you, or have you changed your day job?

Not too much on that area has really changed. I still have my day job, and work on Dark Heart when I get home. Sometimes I’m not sure if I would completely quit if I did have the opportunity. My day job is one of the few connections I still have to the carnival industry that I grew up in since we no longer travel with them.

Vintage mascara

What is your average day like? When do you fit in time to work on your business?

My day is really nothing unusual. During the week I have the 9-5 job, which varies depending on the season, and I usually do things for Dark Heart in the evenings, and on weekends. I’m not a very social creature, and I think a lot of that is because I feel awkward in a lot of situations, and I tend to keep to myself.

What inspires you most with your products? How do you choose colors and names for your cosmetics?

I think my biggest inspiration for product design and the different aspects of it is music. I love music. It’s always been a big part of my life. Both my Dad and my Uncle play guitar, and I’m a total rock fan all the way. I also like to draw inspiration from books, movies, and TV. Our next collection is inspired by the new show American Horror Story. I find the supernatural to be absolutely fascinating, and I’ve been wanting to do a collection based on it since last season began.

True Love's Kiss lipstick

What is your favorite product and shade?

 

I don’t think I can honestly pick one. I love diversity and trying different things. I think you should continue to challenge yourself and keep an open mind. I’ve always considered make up to be more of an art form than a necessity or beauty aid. There is so much expression and power that can be accomplished with a few products and a set of good brushes.

What is your best seller?

 

My shadow sample set is the best seller, which is pretty easy to understand why. Second is Elphaba, which is a lime green shadow with a red shift and glitter. It’s part of the Good Witch/Bad Witch collection. This shade was a lot of fun to make. I wanted to capture the character as close as you possibly can when you’re limited to one color to do it with. Being as the ruby slippers are such an integral part to the story, I thought the red shift and glitter was a perfect addition to the color.

Elphaba eye shadow

How has your view of the handmade market changed since you first opened up shop? Is there anything you know now, that you wish you knew then?

 

To be honest, I wish I had known how many makeup companies there would be now. It’s really hard to find your place and get your things out there, but on the other hand, I also think of all the wonderful people I’ve met, and things I’ve been able to do because of Dark Heart, and I can’t help but be grateful to everyone who made that possible. I think it’s great that people are becoming more aware of homemade as well, and I hope the movement continues to grab.

What has been your most heart-warming moment as a business owner? 

 

I can’t even name one certain moment, because there are so many that I’m still in awe to have. I love being able to make something that someone else enjoys. I still haven’t gotten used to seeing my products on other people. It’s such a wonderful reward for all of those late nights, early mornings, and times I kept working when I felt like falling out. I don’t think there’s a way to thank everyone enough when they keep me going, and make Dark Heart so wonderful.

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* Thanks again to Tina for sponsoring She Makes a Home this month. If you're a makeup addict like I am, please stop by her online store! If you're interested in sponsorship opportunities on She Makes a Home, see the sponsor page here.