Wende Zomnir’s Inspiring Journey with Urban Decay and Caliray

Wende Zomnir is a name that has been synonymous with beauty innovation. As a co-founder of Urban Decay, she revolutionized the makeup industry by championing self-expression over traditional beauty standards. But her journey didn’t stop there. After years of thriving in the corporate world with L’Oréal, Wende took a leap into the unknown, driven by her deep-rooted passion for entrepreneurship and sustainability. In this episode, Wende shares her inspiring story—from building groundbreaking beauty products to embracing clean, sustainable beauty practices, all while balancing the challenges of raising a family.

Wende Zomnir has lived a life filled with innovative ideas, resilience, and a deep desire to make an impact, not just in the beauty world but also in the environment. As a co-founder of Urban Decay, Wende played a significant role in transforming the beauty industry by redefining beauty standards. However, her journey was far from linear. From her early days experimenting with product creation to stepping away from a prestigious role in a global corporation to follow her entrepreneurial dreams, Wendy’s path has been nothing short of remarkable. Let’s dive into Wende’s extraordinary journey and explore the values that keep her moving forward with passion and purpose.

A New Chapter Begins: The Birth of Caliray

For Wende, being a creator was always in her bones. As a child, she was the type of person who couldn’t stop making things. Whether it was crafting necklaces from straws or imagining products that could have a place in the market, she had an entrepreneurial spirit from the start. Despite finding incredible success with Urban Decay, Wende couldn’t shake the desire to return to the roots of her passion, creating products from scratch.

After over 18 years with Urban Decay, a brand she helped build from the ground up, Wende felt a shift. With the global beauty market changing and her personal aspirations evolving, it was time for a new challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic further solidified her feelings that the corporate world, despite all its success, wasn’t fulfilling her desire for hands-on creation and innovation.

“I love getting my hands dirty with a product. I love inventing products and testing everything,” Wendy recalls. “But in the corporate world, you’re more of a consultant than a creator. It just didn’t feel the same.”

And so, Wende decided to pivot. She stepped away from L’Oréal, leaving her role in a major corporation to embrace her passion for entrepreneurship once again. This marked the beginning of her new venture—Caliray, a brand that focuses on sustainability in the beauty industry. But this time, her mission went beyond self-expression and included a commitment to the planet.

Embracing Sustainability: The Next Mission

Wende’s commitment to sustainability didn’t begin when she started Caliray. Her passion for eco-friendly beauty dates back to her time with Urban Decay, where she was already thinking about clean, green alternatives. She was ahead of the curve, asking her team if they could make packaging out of recycled materials and experimenting with eco-friendly polymers made from corn instead of petroleum. Even the office she built was environmentally conscious, made from non-off-gassing materials and complete with a biodynamic garden where employees could harvest lunch.

But the defining moment that inspired Wende’s full-fledged commitment to sustainability came during a surf trip with her family. While taking a break from surfing, Wende paddled her board to an uninhabited island, only to find the beach covered in plastic waste. The sight of so much pollution in such a pristine, remote place was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face.

“That moment really hit me,” she shares. “It made me realize that the next mission in beauty should be sustainability. Beauty has a major problem, and I want to do something about it.”

With this new sense of purpose, Wende began working on Caliray, a brand designed not just for beauty but for the planet. The products she created were not only good for the skin but also for the environment. The packaging, for instance, is made from upcycled ocean plastic; a nod to her commitment to reducing plastic waste and helping clean up the oceans.

Overcoming Obstacles and Pioneering Change

Wende’s journey has not been without its obstacles. The beauty industry, like many others, faces challenges when it comes to integrating sustainability into its practices. Makeup packaging is notoriously difficult to recycle, and finding materials that are both eco-friendly and effective is no easy feat. But Wendy was determined to push through.

One of the hurdles Wende encountered was cost. Sustainable packaging often comes with a higher price tag, and incorporating recycled materials into her products meant making adjustments to the product itself. But instead of compromising on quality, Wende made small adjustments to the design and materials to ensure the final product was sustainable without sacrificing performance.

“Sometimes you have to get creative,” she says. “We use slightly thinner paper, and we make sure everything is recyclable. You may not get a shiny, glossy box, but you’re paying for what’s inside and the sustainability of the packaging.”

Wende’s dedication to doing things right has resulted in products that are both eco-conscious and effective. One of Caliray flagship products, the Come Hell or High Water Mascara, is a testament to Wendy’s commitment to quality. The tubing mascara is smudge-proof, nourishing for the lashes, and even made from upcycled ocean plastic. Wende’s formula allows women to feel confident and beautiful while knowing they are making a positive impact on the environment.

A Balancing Act: Raising a Family and Building a Business

As if her entrepreneurial endeavors weren’t demanding enough, Wende is also a mother to two sons. She often jokes about how much she loves being a hands-on mom while still running a business and maintaining her own personal well-being.

“I love being a mom, but I also wanted to set an example for my boys,” she explains. “I wanted to show them that you can follow your dreams, no matter how old you are. They’ve always been supportive, but it’s not easy to juggle everything.”

Even with the demands of motherhood, Wende has managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. A big part of that balance has been her commitment to physical fitness. Wendy discovered the benefits of weightlifting in her 50s, and it’s made a huge impact on her life. Not only has it improved her strength for activities like tennis and surfing, but it’s also been essential for her overall health.

“For women over 50, lifting weights is crucial,” Wende says. “It helps with bone density, strength, balance, and overall vitality. But it’s important to do it correctly. I work with a coach to make sure I’m lifting properly, and it’s made a world of difference.”

Impact Beyond Beauty: Wende’s Commitment to Creating a Legacy

Wende’s dedication to creating products that align with her values goes beyond just the immediate success of Caliray. She envisions a lasting legacy, one that will inspire future generations to prioritize sustainability, responsibility, and authenticity in the beauty industry. Wende believes that beauty should be about more than just aesthetics; it should be a force for positive change. She sees herself not only as an entrepreneur but as a trailblazer who’s helping pave the way for a future where beauty and environmental consciousness coexist harmoniously. “I hope that Caliray can inspire others in the beauty world to do better, to think more about their impact on the planet, and to recognize the power we have as consumers to drive change,” she says. Wende’s unwavering commitment to creating a more sustainable future serves as a reminder that the beauty industry has the power to redefine not only what we wear on the outside but also how we care for the world around us.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Caliray and Personal Growth

Wende’s journey has been filled with growth, both personally and professionally. Looking ahead, she sees herself spending more time with her husband, traveling the world, and exploring new sports like snowboarding and surfing. But she’s not done making a difference in the world of beauty.

“I see myself continuing to work on Caliray, but I also see myself taking time to enjoy life more—spending time in different places and continuing to push boundaries,” she shares. “There’s always more to learn and more to do.”

As Wende’s story shows, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue your passions. Her journey from Urban Decay to Caliray is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the importance of staying true to your values.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mother, or simply someone looking to make a difference in the world, Wende’s story offers a powerful reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of creativity.

Embracing the Future with Purpose and Passion

Wende’s journey is a powerful reminder that age is never a barrier to reinvention, success, or making an impact. From her entrepreneurial beginnings to her groundbreaking work in the beauty industry, Wende has shown that it’s possible to live with purpose, passion, and a commitment to sustainability at every stage of life. Whether through creating innovative, eco-conscious beauty products or balancing her personal pursuits with family life, Wende’s story proves that with hard work, dedication, and a vision, you can achieve anything. Her journey is a beacon for anyone looking to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a new chapter, no matter where they are in life. As Wende continues to innovate, inspire, and break barriers, one thing is certain—the best is yet to come.

Watch her full episode here: