It’s true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Daughter of Mary Easaw-John, the Chief Dietitian of The National Heart Institute, Zuleika Marie Gomez is a force to reckon among her peers. At the age of 18, Zuleika has a lot of things going on for her- she’s a full time student, she owns her own skincare line, and she’s also a Youtuber and up and rising social media influencer. On today’s Featured Interview, this independent young lady shares about her experience running a vegan and chemical-free skincare line, @_unicornlab_.
1. Hi Zuleika! Tell us more about yourself.
My name is Zuleika Marie Gomez, I go by the name of vogue.unicorn on Instagram is a beauty and fashion influencer and is also an entrepreneur besides the whole media frenzy. I’m currently doing my Foundation in Business at Taylor’s Lakeside University. I currently have two companies under me that go by the names _unicornlab_ and _beingvogue_ that are both on Instagram. My skincare and cosmetics page, _unicornlab_ is a 100% vegan and chemical free company. My other page, _beingvogue_ was created because I would receive a few direct messages a day asking me where I got a certain outfit i was wearing.
2. What inspired you to start your own skincare line, @_unicornlab_?
I have seen many products that say are chemical free but upon checking the label, there will be more chemical ingredients where coconut oil is the least ingredients.I then realize that it is not what the label says and that it is merely a marketing gimmick. Thus I decided to give people exactly what they are paid for using 100% natural ingredients. I decided instead of consumers unconsciously paying to destroy their skin and later on having all sorts of aesthetic facial treatments to patch up the flaws. Consumers should be taught how to take care of their skins naturally and prolonging it.
3. How is it like to juggle 2 online businesses, full time student, a YouTuber, all at the same time?
Being a full time student , a Youtuber & to be juggling 2 online businesses is really tough. However I tend to prioritizes which is more important. In my opinion, education is important and is always my main priority, but as of my favourite sayings , “In a whole earth of engineers, doctors, lawyers and a lot of professionals, what makes you stand out”. You need to have something that balances you and helps you to keep moving forward. As for the social side, I try to reply to everyone who messages her except the weird request because I have my own policy where every follower and subscriber is family to me because they have brought me to where I am today.
4. We’ve heard some really good reviews about Unicorn Lab’s The Detox Mask. Share with us about the backstory of coming out with this product.
For those who know me well , they know my biggest obsession is face masks. Ever since I was 13 , I used to make a lot of DIY face masks. I use to also apply these masks for my parents & friends. Eventually , my clay mask mixture worked for all skin types and for some it cleared their skin. Thus , I made effort to perfect the formula and publish it for all skin-types.
5. We’ve seen the latest YouTube video with your mom and we thought that’s really cute! And then we realize that your mom is Mary Easaw-John, who is a dietitian. How is it like growing up with a mom who has achieved a great deal in her career?
Thank you so much ! Yes , my mother is Mary Easaw-John, the Chief Dietitian of The National Heart Institute (IJN). Growing up I always wanted to be somewhat like my mother , she inspires me as a public figure. Although as a little girl , I would be upset as every time we went out to spend time , there would be at least 2 people who would approach her and talk to her for a solid 10 minutes and usually it drags on longer. However, as I matured , I realized that my mother was a role model & leader and I’m very proud to be her daughter.
6. At the age of 18, what are the nicest and the most absurd things that you heard people saying about you so far?
Most absurd thing : you are so fake & ugly.
Most nicest thing : you’re so inspiring ! you’re my role model.
7. With over 41 thousands of followers on Instagram, do you think that being a full time social media influencer is something which you’ll most likely to explore in the future?
I don’t think that I will be a full time social media influencer as I’m very education oriented person. I have plans to pursue my education up until my Masters.
8. Are there any big plans for coming up for @_unicornlab_?
Yes there are ! We will be launching our all new lipsticks , face moisturizer and makeup primer ( yeap that’s right , all-in-one) and a few other surprises.
9. What are the things that you’ve learned as an online entrepreneur which you would like to share with budding entrepreneurs out there in Malaysia?
As an entrepreneur , I’ve learnt that no matter what happens , you’re on your own. Trust no one. Make the effort yourself , the ending is rewarding.
10. Any life motto which you live by?
“ No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” & “My tattoos & piercings don’t make me a thug , your shawl & bindi don’t make you a saint”.
