By Heather Collins
Carmel woman Patricia Leonardo has launched her own make-up collection, Patricia Collection by NENA Brands.
Leonardo is a 19-year-old student studying biochemistry at Indiana University. She also is an active member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and aspiring optometrist and entrepreneur.
Leonardo’s mother encouraged her to create her own make-up collection while Leonardo was shopping online for makeup.
Soon after, Leonardo connected with her godmother and owner of NENA Brands, Lorena Monoñedo Perez, to create her very own collection.
“This summer I was scrolling through Instagram, and I kept wondering how I could make my collection special,” Leonardo said. “I did a lot of self-reflection this summer, and I knew I wanted to start with something simple. I have a very minimalist-based aesthetic, so I wanted to incorporate that into my first collection. Simple and classy, with a bit of spontaneity.”
The collection is geared toward young women between the ages of 18 to 25, but Leonardo noted that her grandmother wears the collection.
“This collection is me. In a makeup business like mine, people are not only buying the product, they are also buying ‘Patricia’ a young entrepreneur,” Leonardo said. “It is a collection with my own personality that I want to share.”
Leonardo incorporates some of the newest make-up trends to her collection, including royal blue mascara.
“The royal blue tint of the mascara creates a reflection that bounces off your eyes that creates a glow and allows your eyes to look lighter and brighter.” Leonardo said.
The collection was released Oct. 22, followed by a launch party at the Skyline Club in Indianapolis.
“I was only 18 years old when the opportunity arose. In August on my 19th birthday I announced to the world that I am starting my own makeup collection,” Leonardo said. “I believe that alone sets myself apart from other makeup collections.”
For more, visit nenabrands.com/patricia.
