Founder of MARA Beauty Allison McNamara
Allison McNamara never set out to be an entrepreneur, but has always loved being her own boss. “I started out as a television host and entertainer where you as a persona re the entire business, which was the perfect precursor to launching a brand because it taught me that you have to believe in your product and be self sufficient in order to succeed.” She believes the most challenging part about her job is that everyday there is a new challenge. “You can read all the entrepreneur and business books in the world and still have no clue what you’re doing. There is no playbook for this, each brand has their own unique challenges which is what makes it both exhilarating and terrifying.”
Allison is the founder of MARA Beauty, a clean, efficacious line of algae-infused skincare. “I grew up on the coast in SoCal and have always been drawn to algae in skincare. I knew I wanted to use these incredible ingredients in a line of super hydrating, effective face oils, which I have been using well over a decade.” MARA means “sea” in Gaelic and was dreamt up on the Sea of Marmara while she was in turkey, and also happens to be apart of her last name. “Cruelty free was always a must, however the brand became “clean” as we got into formulation. I always question ingredients and want to make sure we’re not adding any filler or fluff to our formulas.” They ended up with incredibly clean, active formulas that transform your skin.
Beauty, skincare, and makeup have always been something Allison has always had an interest in. Her dad works in skin and cosmetics so growing up she was constantly surrounded by products. “I always knew I wanted to work in beauty I just wasn’t sure what I would do. I have always been focused on skin health over makeup, because you don’t need to cover up great skin.”
Before beginning her own business, she was an on camera host and journalist. In college, she entered for E! And MTV, and ended up working at E! Right out of college in their media center and then as a PA on E! Live Events. “From there, she got hired as an on camera personality at POPSUGAR where I co-hosted TV shows, digital shows, Oscar red carpets, you name it.” As media slowly transitioned away from linear TV to Instagram and Snapchat, she realized she was fatigued from entertainment and hosting in general. “Waking up and performing everyday does take a toll on you, it's also a really competitive and unhealthy industry. I left my full time job in 2016 and started to create MARA, it's the best decision I ever made.”
The advice Allison would give someone who wants to create their own product or business would be “don’t create something unless you think people won’t be able to live without it. There is enough “stuff” in this world as is—if you’re going to add to the noise you need to make it count.”