Anna Ross
Founder & Director Kester Black shares her personal milestones and what she’s celebrating this season
What did you want to be when you were younger, and if it wasn't the owner of the beauty empire you have today, what inspired that path?
The list was so long! The two that stood out most were architect and fashion designer. Funnily enough, I decided not to study architecture because I knew there was a lot of maths and technical drawing involved, two things I really didn't love. So I enrolled in a Bachelor of Fashion Design in New Zealand and my first job out of university was a pattern maker, which of course, ended up being all maths and technical drawing! Maybe I should have studied architecture after all. I knew I wanted to work for myself one day, so alongside my full-time job, I started Kester Black jewellery, which I just worked on in lunch breaks and weekends. After growing bored of making silver jewellery, I decided I needed to add some colour in the form of enamel paint. This sparked the idea to make nail polish and the business really took on a life of its own from that point on.
What would your advice be to anyone dreaming of starting their own beauty brand or business?
It sounds like it's stolen from Nike but my advice is - just do it! I absolutely love working for Kester Black. There are so many experiences that I would have never had from a standard 9-5 job working for someone else. I get to work with leading global cosmetics manufacturers making beautiful products, travel the world attending trade shows, run creative direction for the brand and photo shoots. But the thing I love the most is connecting with our customers and supporters who share the same values and goals as I do, making a better beauty for us all.
Favourite Kester Black product?
The Miracle Treatment Base Coat! I don't know if that will ever change. I wear it almost every day and it's such a great product, even for people who aren't big wearers of nail polish.
How would you sum up this season's mood in terms of makeup looks?
Bold! People spent a lot of time perfecting their makeup looks during lockdown over the last two years. This season is all about bold eyeliner and bright colours. The seasons have merged into one and bright is in, no matter what the weather.
What do you love most about autumn?
I love the fresh mornings but warm days and the sunlight through the coloured leaves. It's my favourite season for riding my bike to work meetings.
What are you personally celebrating this season?
Self-care. But after the past two years, I think it will transcend all seasons.
What will Kester Black be celebrating in 2022?
All the small wins. With the global supply chain breakdown taking place, just getting an order to arrive is a big win these days. Fingers crossed we can all hang in there!