Cara Santana and Joey Maalouf, the minds behind The Glam App
CARA SANTANA GETS BOOKED.
She’s one of the industry’s most successful models, after all, and she’s parlaying her in-demand status into an on-demand beauty business. Following in the footsteps of Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks, Santana is using her beauty to build a successful brand beyond modeling. Unlike her predecessors, she’s capitalizing on our technological obsession with all things app by teaming up with none other than Rachel Zoe BFF and hair maven Joey Maalouf to create The Glam App. The Glam App provides women with on-demand hair, makeup, and nail services. While there are other apps that have now jumped onto the on-demand beauty bandwagon, The Glam App is the first of its kind to also act as a virtual agency for the artists. Another unique feature of The Glam App is it allows clients to have the option of hiring stylists at different levels of experience, which also allows them to find one that will fit any budget. Santana spoke with Lady Clever about her first entrepreneurial endeavor, turning negatives into positives, and balancing her modeling and acting career with her new CEO duties.
What was the inspiration behind creating The Glam App?
I wanted to create a luxurious, affordable, and accessible beauty experience for every woman everywhere. Luxury beauty services have typically been reserved for the elite: the rich, the famous. But all women deserve to feel beautiful. When we look good, we feel good. That was intrinsic to the idea.
You are a successful model, actress, and fashion blogger. Were you nervous about a foray into the tech and entrepreneurial worlds?
I was certainly not without doubt. But, you can’t spend too much time on fear. I pushed through it and made a conscious effort to ask questions when I approached something I was unsure about and be confident on what I did know.
How do you balance your modeling and acting careers with the responsibilities that come with running a successful company?
Time management. Right before we launched Los Angeles I was on location filming Salem, dressed in full Indian garb, on my cell phone, going over the app functionality before action on every scene. It was funny. Truth is, it’s not just one person. You to have a team of people to assist you because you can’t do it all on your own. It is most definitely a balancing act and I’m learning how to do that.
Why was it important for The Glam App to act as a virtual agency for its freelance artists?
I wanted it to be equally advantageous for the providers as the clients. I knew it would only work this way. I wanted to access the freelance beauty community and help them build their brand, expand their clientele, and supplement their income.
Has it been challenging melding the tech and beauty worlds together?
You know what? Honestly, it hasn’t. They have fit nicely together.
Do you think people are attracted more to the ease of booking and paying for appointments on an app, or having the services come to them exactly when they need them?
Both! It’s all about convenience. Getting things when you want, how you want it, and not being encumbered with having to make an effort is exactly why people love this service. It’s no-fuss!
Why did you decide to offer stylists at different experience levels and price points?
I wanted all levels of stylists — from someone just starting out from beauty school to a pro — to be able to utilize this app. Similarly, I wanted every woman (or man) to be able to afford a service. This structure allowed us to have a scaled price structure and create opportunity for everyone.
Have you had to take a step back from modeling and blogging to get your company off the ground?
I’ve been fortunate not to have to. My show wrapped before our super-aggressive activation schedule and we will go back to filming coincidentally after our launches subside.
How involved are you in the day-to-day operations of The Glam App?
More than my staff would like me to be. Haha. I am in the office if I’m not on set. I respond to customer service emails, manage event planning, and oversee all the tech aspects. I’m very involved. Sometimes I know they rejoice when I can’t make it in.
Are you planning on expanding The Glam App to include styling? Do you plan on branching out into fashion in another way?
Right now we are focused on beauty. The great thing about our model is that expansion is limitless.
What is your favorite Glam App service?
The bombshell blowout!
What is one piece of advice you’d offer female entrepreneurs?
Use the things that people hold against you as an asset. Emotionality, assertiveness, passion — use them to your advantage. Men in business will often think this is your deficit. It doesn’t have to be.
If you could give women one beauty tip, what would it be?
Less is more!
When it comes to beauty, who you gonna call? The Glam App!
The Glam App currently operates in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Phoenix, and New York City.
To download The Glam App, visit their website or download it at the App Store. Keep up with all things glam by following the The Glam App on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Keep up with Cara by checking out her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
