Behind the Brand - Karen Murrell

Image: Karen Murrell

Interview by BR Merilyn

Karen Murrell,  the local girl who grew up in Te Awamutu, and is now making her stamp on the lipstick world with her vibrant and unique lipsticks.  We talk to Karen to understand abit more about what goes on behind brand "Karen Murrell".

BR: Tell us a bit about yourself. Have you always lived and worked in NZ?

I grew up in Te Awamutu and spent most of my adult life living and working in Auckland.  

BR: What is your background? How long have you been in the Beauty Industry?

I have always loved cosmetics; I started my career on the Clinique cosmetic counter in Smith and Caughey on Queen Street in Auckland.  This gave me a great overall view of the industry and paved the way for my first business.  After a short stint as a sales rep, I started my first company Skinfood and then went on to launch my own Karen Murrell lipstick line.

BR: When did you create Karen Murrell?

The formulation of my lipsticks started during the summer of 2008 while the pohutakawas blossomed on Takapuna beach, where I live. I formulated red shimmer to the exact shade that I saw that day on the beach.  My first four lipsticks were tested out on friends and family and it was this summer that I decided to launch my lipsticks into a mainstream market.

BR: What is the philosophy behind the your business? What does it stand for?

It stands for what I love – colour and nature and travel, where I find the inspiration to create my lipstick shades and create new products. 

BR: To many people, you would have their dream job, what is the best thing about owning and running your own beauty brand?

Freedom to do what I love, and create what I love, which is lipsticks. Also, working with a team of positive caring suppliers that I have worked with for more than 15 years is awesome.  I love what I do and I adore those who I work with.  

BR: In this business in particular you must rub shoulders with the glitterati. Have you ever met anyone really famous and if so what were they really like?

Not really but when I see famous women wearing my lipstick, it does make me smile.  That’s the best thing about lipstick… it’s so personal.

BR: What is the best selling Karen Murrell product?

05 VIOLET Mousse.

BR: What is it about this product that makes it so popular? 

It’s a shade that any skin tone can wear.  I’m wearing it today with smoky eyes.  Yesterday I wore it down to the marina with trainers and jeans; you can take it anywhere with any outfit.  A handbag staple. 

BR: What’s been the biggest highlight of your years in the Beauty Industry?

French Vogue interviewed me in 2006 in Paris.  That was pretty incredible.  I also won an Oh Natural Beauty Award 2013 for the best lipstick this year, which was a big treat! 

BR: What’s your favorite Karen Murrell product?

06 Carnation Mist.   
This is the colour my mother, grandmother and I all wear. 

BR: What advice would you give to readers who want to get into the Beauty Industry and one day maybe do what you do? 

Work on a cosmetic counter somewhere. It’s best to learn on the job, and it’s a great way to practice makeup and learn about skin types

BR: Favorite scent?

Chanel Chance

BR: What does a normal day for you consist of?

I am not the fastest person in the morning so I need a couple of coffees! Then I go into the office to read emails, set up meetings for PR or brand meetings with my distributors. I like to catch up with friends for breakfast as when I start the day it just doesn’t stop.  We export more and more product these days so afternoons are normally spent on Skype talking to other markets.  Days often turn into nights when it comes to the export side of my business, which makes my finishing time pretty inconsistent!  

BR: How do you relax?

I would love to say I have hobby, but my life is very busy.  I’m exhausted at the end of the day, but we laugh a lot in our house and that helps me relax.

BR: Can you give us a hint about what’s next for Karen Murrell? 

I would say it’s just around the corner and it’s floral…  

“I designed Violet Mousse to be worn at a breakfast meeting in the morning to after dinner drinks and still be appropriate. This is the ultimate little black dress of lipsticks.” Karen Murrell

For more on Karen Murrell or to check out her lipsticks go to www.karenmurrell.com