Gina Keller

Gina Keller is the girl boss and founder of Nasty Woman Cosmetics - a socially minded cosmetics company dedicated to supporting feminist ideals. Inspired by the feminist history of red lipstick, Gina has formulated their lipstick to be long lasting, highly pigmented and smudge free, perfect for the woman who has a lot to say! Gina has truly built an empowering and stylish brand dedicated to uplifting women’s voices and advancing equal rights.

Gina, more activist than businesswoman, started her company in 2017. Her deep dedication and passion for progress and equal rights motivated her to start her company, and she’s been on a mission to make the best vegan lip products possible and sell them to fund greater activism. Her brand of lipstick feminism is simple - they want to make the world a better place for women, and they want to wear a bold lip color while doing it.

Gender equality and progress are at the forefront of her mission, and proceeds from their sales benefit organizations that share their values of empowerment and equality. Emily’s List is one of those organizations - a political action committee dedicated to helping progressive Democratic women become elected to all levels of government. Gina is truly part of a greater mission to empower women to be who they are, and I am so excited and inspired by what she’s doing. It’s been really wonderful to connect with Gina over the last year (she was on the podcast last January! You can check out her episode here) and I’m so excited for you all to learn more about Gina, what inspired Nasty Woman Cosmetics, her passions, and follow along!

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Gina Keller. I am an entrepreneur, activist, mother, blogger and animal lover. Right now I am focusing on supporting women's rights and my business Nasty Woman Cosmetics. Gender equality and progress are at the forefront of our mission. Proceeds of our sales support organizations that share our values of empowerment and equality.

How did you get started?

I started my company in 2017, it was born out of all the turmoil felt by the political climate. I wanted a platform to be able to further women's rights and fund my activism. Selling lipstick to stick it to the misogynists seems like a good idea! My blog and social media accounts tell my truth. I'm not afraid to say how I feel. My brand is based on my values. I have had some detractors asking us why we would start a makeup company that was political. "Why do you want to alienate half the population?" they asked. Well here is a little secret. I am more activists than businesswoman. I care more about progress and equal rights than anything else. I am passionate about what I believe and what I create.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

I have always been a politically minded individual, but after Trump got elected I felt a spark that was forcing me to take action. I couldn't believe we elected a person who is so blatant with his disrespect for women, and so out of touch with humanity. I felt the power of women's energies from all over the world begin to synchronize and rise up together. I knew it was my time to get involved.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

Choosing my biggest passion is hard. I think supporting other women, the way I had support when I launched my business is one though. I had never started a business before, every aspect was new to me. I had help each step of the way from women who had gone before me, made a mistake and learned from it and passed that knowledge down to me. I am forever grateful for that and I try each day to pay it forward.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I think learning and trying new things is the best way to find your passion and joy. I like to find joy in every day activities. Reading to my children every night and answering their questions brings me joy. Taking my dog on a long walk gives me joy. Reading comments and messages from women who had a post resonate with them so they shared a personal story gives me joy. I feel very connected to all of my social media friends.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I just try to stay authentic. Being transparent and admitting if I made a mistake help me live intentionally. Having self awareness is also key.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

I think my younger self would be proud to know that every wrong path lead to the right path, every blunder lead to a lesson learned. She would smile and finally exhale.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

I find myself saying Nevertheless She Persists daily.

What is your biggest dream?

To have Nasty Woman Cosmetics sold at the makeup counter in Bloomingdale's and to see a government that puts people over profits. I'd like to be more politically active in getting policy made that advances women's rights. We are at a crucial time in history and we need all hands on deck!

To learn more about Gina you can connect with her on her website www.nastywomanlipgloss.com Instagram @nastywomancosmetics and on Facebook @nastywomancosmetics

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Gina Keller - Nasty Woman Cosmetics