Yin is a Chinese small business owner who is currently living in Florida. Yin owns an anime and gaming-inspired makeup brand called Nekoyanin. We asked Yin some questions about herself and her makeup brand.
Tell us about yourself
Since childhood, I have grown fond of anime. I remember coming home from school and looking forward to one piece being aired on tv! Anime and gaming now it has become a huge part of me today. I spend most of my days on discord hanging out with friends either watching shows or playing games! One of my favorite animes is Inuyasha ( a really old one but always one of my top!) and my favorite games would be mobile legends as well as indie games off steam.
Tell us about your small business. What products do you provide?
I own an anime and gaming-inspired makeup brand called Nekoyanin.
We have lipsticks, lip gloss, eyeshadow palettes, eyeliner and will be expanding more in the future! Most of the makeup products are inspired either by an anime show or gaming-related.
It was very hard for me to find makeup palettes that would match the colors that I wanted and at the same time be my aesthetic. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and that is where Nekoyanin was created. Everything is animal cruelty-free ( will always be!) and vegan. My brand name was inspired by my kitty because her name is Yang and mine is Yin.
How did you come up with this idea and how long has it been in your journey so far?
I had this idea from the back of my mind for a while, I did not have enough funds to start it yet. One day I went on Amazon and found an eyeshadow palette that had anime art on it I took that as my sign to start that business that I’ve always wanted but with a little bit of a twist of my own imagination.
I started saving every penny that I could save to try to make this vision happen!
My first launch was on February 25th. It has now been almost 6 months in which time basically flew by. Guess time passes differently when you’re having fun.
Who are these items targeted for?
They are for everyone who has a love for anime, gaming, and makeup regardless of their age, sexuality, or race.
Which are your best sellers and why do you think they are resonating with people?
One of my best sellers would be the gamer bundle! It has everything you need to create a fresh makeup look ranging from eyeliner, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeshadow palette, etc.
The reason why I think it resonates with my customers is that we all share the same interests and hobbies. Which brings us closer to the community of gaming and anime. I also like to add a bit of fun in the eyeshadow shade names so I believe it relates to people on a more personal level.
Of your products, which one is your favorite and why?
Ahhh this is the question I could never escape from! I love all of the products equally because I designed them all. They are like my babies, so hard to choose and each product is unique in its own way.
What were the initial reactions from family, friends, and customers when you decided to start making these products?
I did everything on my own and didn’t tell anyone about it until it was really noticeable!
I was still working while doing all this but when my parents eventually found out they were pretty supportive of it because I wasn’t playing games all day in my free time haha.
Once my friends found out they didn’t think much of it, although some were happy about it! But I believe the most excited were strangers on the internet. They were super supportive and when the idea came to life they became my best customers.
Is there anything new you’re working on that you can tell our readers about?
Yes! I’m currently working on a very exciting bundle that includes lip glosses and lipsticks! All I can say is that they each have a theme!
Will you be attending any in-person sale events or have a booth at any comic book conventions any time soon?
I would love to attend conventions and eventually have a booth set up there and have a chance to meet amazing people in person but unfortunately, COVID-19s numbers are very high in Florida so for my family’s safety I won’t be attending as of now.
Where can people find you on social media or online?
You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @Nekoyanin
And you can also shop at nekoyanin.com
@nekoyanin Hello are u there 👁〰👁 #animebrand #kawaiimakeup #animelove #gamersontiktok
