Meet Karian Durham: Cosmetic Company Owner/ Licensed Esthetician

When people remember KomplexxBlends Cosmetics, I want them to remember how beauty made a dramatic impact in the world of Parkinson’s disease in the African-American community.

I think what sets Komplexx Blends Cosmetics apart from other cosmetic companies is that I’m not just a woman who loves to play in makeup. I am also a licensed esthetician. I have the added knowledge of different skin tones, skin types, and textures. It also helps that I have my bachelors degree from Prairie View A & M University (HBCU) in marketing and I utilize that to help create excitement behind my brand. We did not always have the exciting lime green & black packaging people have come to love. We went through many phases of packaging, just like some of the big name brands who have changed their logos multiple times. But, it takes money to make money you have to invest in your brand.

I honestly don’t know if this is a fair question because my best friend did live in Houston for a short time frame. However, there has been some new fun and exciting things have come to Houston since then. Those who know me know that I love to eat, so I would take my bestie to a few black owned restaurants that I frequent here in Houston which are a Upper Kirby Bistro,Taste Bar and Kitchen, and Kulture-they have some really good drinks. We will also have to swing by Alley Kat on a Saturday because I know half the staff lol. Majority of my friends are all about relaxing which means that I will probably be put to work doing facials as I am a licensed esthetician. So I will probably end up doing a few days of that. Then finally we will finish up at Playhaus Two because it is also black owned and it’s a cool little kickback!!!

When it comes to Komplexx Blends there are many people that I would like to thank for helping us get to where we are today. First, I would like to thank my mother Karmun Newby, as she has supported me through the ups and downs of my business and has helped me stay on track when it came to understanding my brand. Next would be my best friend Nicole Love, who’s back at home in Detroit, MI. She helps me stay focused when it comes to doing my finances. I would also like to shoutout my accountability partner Miyah Mitchell, who is always there to make sure that I remain brand focused. We talk about vendor events, we run & review branding ideas, etc.Without them I don’t know where I would be.