In the dynamic world of beauty, Maria Bland is making waves with her brand of lip gloss, P.U.R.E. LIP, a company she founded alongside her three daughters, Kennedi, Cameron and Cachet. Driven by a desire to create high-quality, safe lip products, Bland’s journey is one of passion, perseverance and empowerment.
When Bland’s youngest daughter, Cameron, then 16, voiced her frustration with the lip gloss options available on the market, she sparked the idea for P.U.R.E. LIP (shoppurelip.com).
“My girls were constantly mixing Carmex with dollar-store lip gloss to get the hydration they needed with the shine they wanted,” Bland says. “Cameron asked me, ‘Can we make our own?’ and that was the start of everything.”
Rather than settling for pre-made formulations, Bland and her daughters embarked on a mission to create their own. They experimented with natural ingredients, researching and testing until they perfected a vegan, cruelty-free and luxurious formula.
“We wanted something that not only looked beautiful but also nurtured and protected lips,” Bland says.
Building a Brand with a Purpose
Founded in 2020, amid the global pandemic, P.U.R.E. LIP — standing for Perfection Under Raw Elegance — was more than just a business venture: It was a statement.
“We wanted to show that beauty is personal, and every woman deserves to feel confident and radiant in her own way,” Bland says.
The brand offers 16 stunning gloss shades designed for everyday wear and glamour alike, complemented by six lip pencils for definition. Each product is carefully crafted with nourishing ingredients to promote lip health.
“Mother Nature is our inspiration,” Bland says. “We focus on sustainability, safety and style to ensure that everyone can indulge in beauty without compromise.”
The Power of Family in Business
Working with family can be both rewarding and challenging, but for Bland, it’s an integral part of P.U.R.E. LIP’s success.
“It’s an incredible experience to build something with my daughters,” she says. “They see firsthand the dedication and resilience it takes to create and sustain a business.”
At its core, P.U.R.E. LIP is about more than just cosmetics — it’s about confidence and empowerment.
“Lip gloss is that one extra thing that makes women feel put together, whether they’re heading to work, school or a big event,” Bland says. “It’s a small but powerful tool that enhances natural beauty and boosts confidence.”
Through partnerships with major brands like Toyota and Lexus and events such as the Women of Power Summit, P.U.R.E. LIP is reaching a wide audience.
“About 1,800 women from across the world came to this year’s Summit in Las Vegas,” Bland says. “They were from all different industries — automotive, healthcare, finance. Together, they share their journeys about their careers, their paths and the things that they've done. But we were in those swag bags, and it was exciting to see the reactions.”
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to start their own business, Bland emphasizes the importance of planning and persistence.
“Write down your ideas, stay connected with your community and talk to people who have done it before,” she says. “Starting P.U.R.E. LIP wasn’t easy, but having a clear vision and a strong support system made all the difference.”
As P.U.R.E. LIP continues to expand, Bland remains dedicated to empowering and uplifting women.
“Our community flourishes when we uplift each other,” she says. “It’s essential that we stay connected and actively support one another to foster growth. That’s why we’re here — building, engaging and ensuring that our community not only thrives today but sustains itself for the future.”
“We wanted something that not only looked beautiful but also nurtured and protected lips. We wanted to show that beauty is personal, and every woman deserves to feel confident and radiant in her own way.” — Maria Bland