Elektra was born in the cabaret community. That world is so innovative and inclusive. I think thatโs where we got our mission statement:
To inspire a community to SHINE.
I didnโt always live an unapologetically creative life. Even though I was passionate about art growing up, I had this fear of being a starving artist. I thought I had to choose between being creative and being realistic. I couldnโt picture a world where I could create art and be successful.
Now, I own a company that sells fun and innovative cosmetics products in the Unofficial Glitter Capital of the World: New Orleans.
Clearly, Iโve learned thereโs room for creativity and career. I hope Elektra inspires others to realize the same in their own lives.
How We Started
In the beginning, I used to just bring glitter cosmetics to my friendsโ burlesque shows. All we had was 12 Microfine glitters on a card table. Thatโs where we started.
Almost five years later, we now have over 30 Microfine glitters, plus 35 shades of Bolt Balm, our cult-classic glitter gel. We also introduced Glitter Lip kits, EKO Glitter (our plant-based biodegradable line), Body Shimmers, and just recently we launched our Power Pigments, a hyper-pigmented metallic mineral powder.
Our products are cruelty-free and vegan. Theyโre made in the US and hand-blended with love in New Orleans.
And though I take pride in our products, what I am most proud of is the community we have become a part of. We have made a lot of amazing and talented friends along the way (and around the world!).
Weโve traveled from NYC to LA for Ru Paulโs Drag Con and helped happy couples celebrate and sparkle on their wedding days with our GLITTER BUFFET experience.
We definitely have grown and expanded a lot since those days on the card table at the Allways Lounge.
The interesting part is I didnโt really have a plan to grow Elektra. Elektra almost just has a spirit of its own. Itโs magical.
Elektra has allowed me to really be immersed in New Orleans culture. I identify Elektra and the city as one; theyโre not separate entities to me.
I had a love affair with New Orleans, and Elektra facilitated that love affair.
Whether itโs curating the perfect costume when I march with the Merry Atonionettes or designing a headpiece to match a new Bolt Balm color weโre debuting, this city has a spirit and energy that is constantly inspiring me.
We just celebrated our fifth Mardi Gras in New Orleans and I hope that Elektra can be for other people what it has been for me: a tool that facilitates my creativity.
It helps me to be the best me. I hope it will do the same for you too.
Stay Sparkly,
Danielle