If you’ve been following us for some time, you know that makeup and fandom have become a growing industry. They are the perfect fusion like Vegeta and Goku. Perhaps it’s mostly because companies can see the profits they stand to make, or they are finally acknowledging that femme nerds exist. Otakumetics is different than other cosmetic brands. Otakumetics Anime-Inspired Beauty Brand was created by those who truly love anime. Its customers are people who incorporate anime into their daily routines.
Fandom Spotlite had the pleasure of interviewing Sierra from Otakumetics; she shares with us how the brand started, the beauty of anime, and which magical girl is the best.
Fandom Spotlite: Can you tell us what the origin story is for Otakumetics?
Sierra: It all started in January of 2021, I was doing my makeup to go nowhere in particular due to Covid-19 & was listening to one of my favorite anime op’s. I started thinking about incorporating beauty with anime! Anime was something that brought me comfort since middle school & I always wanted to be a business owner, so what was a better time to start than now? I wanted to share the comforting feeling of anime through my beauty brand for everyone! I decided to go forward with it! I got some feedback from my friends & family and set my launch date for March 21, 2021.
FS: What was the process of creating your own cosmetics brand? Was it easier or more challenging than you thought?
Sierra: The process had its ups & downs. From getting my overall theme down to just understanding what I wanted my brand to portray. I feel that once I made a clear outline & roadmap of how I want things to be, it helped a bunch!
FS: Can you describe the feeling when you held or saw your first product?
Sierra: The feeling of holding/seeing your first product is so surreal! When I got my first ever package I rushed to open it. I was so in shock with how just an idea could turn out so perfectly in reality! 10/10 feeling for sure!
FS: I’m sure there is an equal amount of excitement and fear when going public with the brand; can you take us through that day?
Sierra: Sheesh, that day my nerves were all over the place! I was nervous and thinking, “omg will people really like my products ” “will I get any sales the first day?” I had reached a slight following on social media before the launch so a few people were really excited about my launch, as well as family members! Knowing I had support made my fears melt away. Opening day was a success & I was shocked at the number of orders I had. It was definitely a day to remember.
FS: Anime has grown immensely in popularity over the years, why do you think that is?
Sierra: I’ve noticed the shift in society’s attitude towards anime to be more inclusive and accepting. I feel like the change came from singers/rappers that quote anime in their songs or celebrities that incorporate it into their lifestyle, for example, Megan Thee Stallion is a huge anime fan and she makes it known publicly. I’ve seen a growing shift in more anime attire in stores as well as food places. I think it’s really cool that more people are getting into anime now!
FS: What is it you love about beauty in anime and the beauty of anime? How do you translate that into your products?
Sierra: Anime is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and that’s not an exaggeration. Even the roughest-looking anime has beauty in the way it was designed. The beauty of anime is that it transports you into this whole new world and environment. You feel what the characters feel, see what they see and you can relate to them. I want my beauty products to feel relatable and when applying them knowing that it was made from a person that can relate to your passions & was produced with love.
FS: If you could recommend your products to one anime character who would it be and what product?
Sierra: I feel that Momo Adachi from Peach Girl would love our products! I’d recommend her our “TANJIRO” Brown Gloss to compliment her skin tone. She does amazing makeup looks just like our OC Seiko-Chan and I’m sure they would be besties!
FS: Similarly, is there an anime character you would love to collab with? Someone who would make a great beauty influencer?
Sierra: Definitely NANA, both of them! They would make great beauty influencers. Their style is top tier and the makeup looks they had are legendary. They are comfortable just being themselves and don’t follow the status quo. A hypothetical collab would be everything!
FS: On social media, the women who use your products look so empowered and comfortable. Was that the goal for Otakumetics?
Sierra: I’m so glad that you all got that message from our social media. That is exactly what we at Otakumetics want for our base and brand! Making everyone feel empowered and comfortable in their skin & passions is our goal and will continue to be pushed going forward.
FS: Have you experienced gatekeeping in the beauty world and in the anime world?
Sierra: Of course, when you are trying to pursue your dreams there will always be haters & gatekeepers. Some Individuals/brands in the anime beauty scene feel entitled to anime tropes as their own creations when that is not the case. Gatekeeping is very prevalent within this community as anywhere else. You just have to keep going and don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t! This reminds me of a quote my mom said to me when I started my brand. “There could be 100+ of the same bread on the aisle but why are people choosing yours”? Makes you think huh.
FS: What advice would you give to someone too embarrassed or afraid to openly share their love of anime; and even makeup?
Sierra: I’d tell them that life is too short to not be vocal about your passions! Wear that “AOT” shirt to the mall, wear a bit of eyeshadow day-to-day! Take baby steps and you’ll see your self-esteem rise. Anime is becoming more and more popular by the day. You don’t have to be afraid or embarrassed. You’ll even make friends in the process, Go for it!
FS: Can you share with our readers what is next for Otakumetics? What can we look forward to in the future?
Sierra: Be on the lookout for more great anime-inspired beauty additions to our shop! We are working overtime to get the shop the upgrades it needs to be an even bigger success & provide you all with the serotonin you need! Stay tuned!
FS: My last question is a bit of a fan war question. Who do you think more of an anime beauty icon: Sailor Moon or Cardcaptor Sakura?
Sierra: Definitely, Sailor Moon! She’s an ICON! When you think of beauty in anime, she’s the first character that comes into my head. The magical girl theme is amazing and the transformations are the epitome of beautiful animated scenes done correctly. She’s literally legendary. Something our brand is striving to become!
To purchase Otakumetics superb products head to their official website! You can also follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
