Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe: Episode with Nikki DeRoest - Celeb Makeup Artist & Founder
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host/Author: Cloud10 and iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe, host Rachel Zoe welcomes the talented makeup artist and entrepreneur, Nikki DeRoest, founder of Ciel Cosmetics. Rachel sets the tone by highlighting Nikki's journey from observing her mother in a home salon to becoming a renowned makeup artist for Hollywood's elite and eventually launching her own successful cosmetics brand.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Nikki shares her early exposure to the beauty industry, growing up in Utah where her mother ran a hairdressing salon from their basement. This environment cultivated her passion for beauty from a young age.
Nikki DeRoest [06:12]: "I've always been around beauty. Growing up in Utah, with a salon in our house, it was never a question for me, like, what am I going to do with my life."
Nikki recounts her move to Los Angeles, driven by her ambition to work with industry mentors like Howard McLaren of R+Co. Her determination led her to book a trip to LA with little experience, enduring challenges such as navigating freeways and managing finances on a tight budget.
Nikki DeRoest [07:45]: "I just decided to come and try to say yes to everything. Early on, it was about meeting directors, producers—doing whatever job someone would say yes to."
Building a Career in Makeup Artistry
Nikki discusses the evolution of her career, emphasizing the importance of trust and personal connection in her role as a makeup artist. Her genuine demeanor and ability to enhance natural beauty set her apart in the competitive Hollywood scene.
Nikki DeRoest [20:22]: "You take natural beauty and run with that rather than saying, 'I'm giving you a new face tonight.'"
She highlights her signature style, which focuses on skin health and subtle enhancements, allowing her clients' natural radiance to shine through.
Nikki DeRoest [20:55]: "It's their skin first. Your skin first."
Entrepreneurial Journey: Founding Ciel Cosmetics
Nikki elaborates on her transition from being a celebrity makeup artist to launching her own cosmetics line, Ciel Cosmetics. The brand emphasizes clean, non-pore-clogging ingredients and broad-spectrum SPF, aligning with her commitment to skin health and enhancing natural beauty.
Nikki DeRoest [17:46]: "Creating Ciel Cosmetics was about giving back to an industry I love and owe so much to."
Nikki discusses the challenges of product development, from conceptualizing unique formulas to navigating the business aspects of launching a brand. Her resilience is evident as she shares stories of overcoming setbacks and learning from failures.
Nikki DeRoest [26:12]: "I've had many failures, but those have been epic learning lessons."
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failures
The conversation delves into the inevitable hurdles of entrepreneurship. Nikki candidly talks about past failures, including a previous brand that didn’t succeed, and how these experiences fortified her resolve and business acumen.
Nikki DeRoest [27:02]: "I've had totally failed before, but those failures taught me invaluable lessons for Ciel Cosmetics."
Rachel and Matt, another guest, discuss the emotional and practical aspects of bouncing back from setbacks. Matt shares his own experiences with failed ventures and emphasizes the importance of community and support in overcoming challenges.
Matt [28:48]: "It's comforting to know you're not alone. People are gunning for you because they believe in you."
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Motherhood
Nikki and Matt explore the intricate balance between running a business and personal life, particularly motherhood. Nikki shares her insights on managing time, maintaining passion for her work, and embracing the chaos that comes with balancing both roles.
Nikki DeRoest [42:11]: "The juggle of motherhood and working makes you better and more efficient with your life."
Matt opens up about his upcoming journey into parenthood, discussing the fears and excitement that come with expanding his family while continuing his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Matt [37:32]: "What's next is that I'm going to be a mother next year. It's a new chapter, and I'm ready to wing it."
Signature Style and Business Philosophy
Nikki emphasizes her commitment to enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it. Her approach prioritizes skin health, using products that ensure clients feel confident and radiant.
Nikki DeRoest [20:22]: "I always know the skin first. Your skin first."
She explains how her personal and professional philosophies intertwine, driving her to create products that not only beautify but also care for the skin.
Nikki DeRoest [19:09]: "I want to create products that educate and make people feel more confident through glam."
Future Plans and Continued Growth
Looking ahead, Nikki expresses her excitement about expanding Ciel Cosmetics and engaging with a broader audience through upcoming digital events and retail partnerships with major stores like Sephora.
Nikki DeRoest [51:56]: "We're doing a lot more next year in Sephora as well... we have digital events and more exciting things on tour with baby in tow."
She remains committed to innovation and community engagement, aiming to inspire and empower more women through her products and personal story.
Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Takeaways
Rachel wraps up the episode by celebrating Nikki’s authenticity, humility, and unwavering dedication. She underscores the importance of perseverance, embracing failures as learning opportunities, and staying true to one's values in the entrepreneurial journey.
Rachel Zoe [52:24]: "Nikki is as real as they come... she's remained humble and open about her journey."
Nikki reinforces the message of resilience and self-belief, encouraging listeners to "wing it" and trust their instincts as they navigate their own paths.
Nikki DeRoest [45:17]: "I believe in winging it. Just do you."
Notable Quotes
- Nikki DeRoest [06:12]: "I've always been around beauty. Growing up in Utah, with a salon in our house, it was never a question for me, like, what am I going to do with my life."
- Nikki DeRoest [20:22]: "You take natural beauty and run with that rather than saying, 'I'm giving you a new face tonight.'"
- Matt [28:48]: "It's comforting to know you're not alone. People are gunning for you because they believe in you."
- Nikki DeRoest [27:02]: "I've had totally failed before, but those failures taught me invaluable lessons for Ciel Cosmetics."
- Nikki DeRoest [42:11]: "The juggle of motherhood and working makes you better and more efficient with your life."
- Nikki DeRoest [45:17]: "I believe in winging it. Just do you."
Conclusion
This episode of Climbing in Heels offers a profound glimpse into Nikki DeRoest's journey as a celebrated makeup artist and successful entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion. Listeners are left inspired to embrace their own challenges, trust their instincts, and celebrate their unique paths to success.
For those who haven't listened, this episode encapsulates the essence of female entrepreneurship, the beauty industry, and the delicate balance between personal and professional life. Nikki DeRoest's candidness and wisdom make it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical insights into building a meaningful career.