Meet Grace Gonzalez (Wright) | Founder and CEO of PGW Cosmetics

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Gonzalez (Wright) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
When I first started PGW Cosmetics, I didn’t really know what the goal was aside from making women (specifically women of color) feel and look their best. However, makeup is only the surface level of that (literally and figuratively). That’s when I came up with the idea that every single package would have a positive affirmation or prayer to empower women and to let them know there is nothing they cannot do. The world is theirs. I wanted to be like their own personal cheerleader.

At the end of the day when we look good, we feel good! I want to help people feed inside AND out. Hopefully, that translates to helping the world because there will be more people out there who feel their best and so they can DO their best for others as well.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I honestly think what sets PGW apart from other cosmetic companies is the fact that we understand that beauty is not just about makeup. Makeup can absolutely be a gateway for self-love and is for many people including myself. However, being able to affirm and know your worth deeply is something that many people cannot do. Being able to then give that gift of affirmation or prayer to someone else can help to unify us in many ways. Our tag-line is Pangaea: Beautiful, Together. When I first came up with the idea for my company it was really about bringing people together through the power of makeup. I think I am most proud of how beautiful I have made so many women feel already. And we’re only just starting! This journey has been one the most difficult I have had to walk without a doubt. Owning and running a business is literally not for everyone and that’s okay! But the thing that keeps me going is seeing people in my lashes and gloss. I can’t wait to expand as a company and scale to all that I know we can be. I want the WORLD to know that if you think you are unworthy of love and to feel beautiful, PGW is here to make you feel your best! We want you to know that the voice inside your head that is telling you that you are not good enough is a liar. You are the main character in your life and there is nothing you cannot do. We love you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Okay,SO I’m originally from SoCal but now I live in Texas with my husband and OMG there are so many amazing food places in the 956, or El Valle. No, it’s not an actual valley surrounded by mountains (I’m actually from Redlands, CA which is an actual valley lol) but the food is sooo good! So if we have a whole week we’ll start at South Padre island for a beach day, grab a hurricane (alcoholic slushie) from Claytons, then head to Port Aransas where the water is LITERALLY bath water temperature!! We can spend the rest of the week going to the Mercado District which is a place with vendors and food from all over: pizza, ramen, handmade chocolates, and so much more! We can swing by Draft house for a moontang (moonshine and basically tropical juices frozen into a slushie) and grab a burger. Maybe if there’s a game at UTRGV we can stop by there and see where the night takes us after that. I could literally go on and on! I love the valley! Our birria is some of the BEST I’ve had. Tingy’s is a close second to Teddy’s Red Tacos for me and that is saying A LOT.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I have to thank God. Next would be my parents who always believed in me and told me to shoot for the stars, but do it with honor. My grandparents for their struggle during the segregated United States and teaching me what it truly means to hustle, get paid, and legitimately. I get my entrepreneurial spirit from them. All four of my older sisters for honestly showing me the power of makeup at a really young age. They each played such a significant role in my life and I would be nothing without them. My husband, Jaime, for always telling me how proud he is of me and actually investing in my business when I first started and continually!! My best friend, Allyson, for ALWAYS being there for me and supporting my business. She owns every single shade of gloss I make lmao. My amazing friend,Taylor, for always putting me in the space of abundance and opportunity. I wouldn’t be doing this interview without her. Finally, everyone who has shopped with PGW Cosmetics. There is NOTHING like seeing people ride for you and what you do. It has been an absolute blessing and I can’t wait to see how far we go! Thank you!

Website: www.pgwcosmetics.com

Instagram: shoppgwcosmetics

Facebook: PGW Cosmetics