We had the incredible pleasure to interview Ida Gál-Csiszar, the founder and creator of Gállány Cosmetics. Ida is a truly inspiring woman who achieved in life what she set out to do. Nothing just happened but it was her perseverance and sheer determination that led to her success. At BeauDazzled, we love to be inspired by amazing women, who embody the principles of our brand. Ida Gál-Csiszar is a true inspiration. Thank you Ida for taking the time to share your story and experiences with us! 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty industry? Was it always your dream to create beauty products?

As a young child I was always fascinated by colour and how it could transform your eyes and your lips. After immigrating to this country (USA), I was fortunate enough to work for Johnson and Johnson and create a foundation in Chemistry. It wasn’t until I worked for Max Factor that I was able to truly embrace my passion for chemistry and colour and embrace the cosmetic industry. The idea for Gállány came to me while working at Max Factor. I have wanted to launch this dream project for over two decades but it never seemed like the right time.

What part of your work do you find the most satisfying?

I still love working with the lab to create new formulations. The raw materials and pigments that are available today, compared to 20 years ago, is both fascinating and amazing. They are truly innovative and I have so much fun experimenting with them!

What’s been the most challenging aspect of your career?

I truly had to work my way up in this industry. I was just an immigrant from a foreign country and did not even speak the language. I was fortunate to start at an entry level position at Johnson and Johnson. I was a very hard worker no matter what the task was. The hard work was not unnoticed and I slowly moved up within the company. When the opportunity arose at Max Factor to be the head of their liquid lab, I just couldn’t pass it up. It wasn’t so much that I had to prove to others that I could do the task; I had to prove to myself that I could do it. I have always believed that hard work and perseverance will take you anywhere you want to go.

What is your number one piece of advice for young women who want to pursue a career in this industry?

The industry is constantly evolving. I have had to take time to understand social media and what it can do for a brand. It was a very foreign concept for me to understand but I am fortunate enough to have an educated team to show me what it is and how it has completely changed the beauty industry over the past five years. My advice to young women who want to pursue a career in this industry is to work hard, educate yourself on the dynamics of the industry and make sure that you are constantly adapting to the changes so that you can succeed. If you don’t put in the work, you won’t be successful.

What’s most important to successfully pursue a career in this or in any industry, as a woman? Which qualities, skills, characteristics in an individual will lead to success?

As a woman you sometimes have to work that much harder to prove yourself. Which is also interesting in an industry that sells to women. However, to be successful at anything, you have to remain true to yourself, stay humble and work hard.

If you could encourage women to do one thing to pursue their dreams, what would it be?

Great things never come from staying in your comfort zone. To, successfully, pursue your dream you have to get out of your comfort zone, do the work and do it consistently.

Why did you create the Gállány brand?

I created the Gállány brand because there really isn’t a line out there that is created by someone who is an actual Chemist of colour cosmetics. It has always been my passion project but I was so busy building my other business that it always took a back seat. Then I realised that there would never be the perfect time to launch and decided to just do it! I wanted to provide the market with a prestige line that had amazing formulas, beautiful colours and would help transform and create beauty for those who used it.

How is Gállány different from other brands on the market place?

Gállány is truly different than other brands because it is created by a Chemist!

For the busy woman, what are the products from the Gállány range that you recommend to easily create a look to go from day to night?

When we first launched, we started with just lipsticks and then slowly added additional items so that our consumer could easily go from day to night with just a few products. No matter what your day may bring and no matter where you may be going you just can’t go wrong with a luxurious lip colour.

What's your favourite Gállány product?

I always have a bronzer in my purse along with my signature colour IDA of the Crème Satin Lipstick.

Thank you, Ida, for making the time to answer our questions!