Charlotte makeup artist Jami Svay recently launched Tastee Cosmetics, a line of all-natural lip balm. "I've been working commercial and editorial photo shoots for about six years now," says Svay, 27. "(Launching Tastee) seemed to be the next professional step for me." The lip balm, $7, is available at Civilian in Phillips Place, Lotus on East Boulevard and Folicle Salon in Dilworth as well as online at www.tasteecosmetics.com.

Melissa Lamkin, Special to the Observer

Where and when did you get the idea to start Tastee? I looked at my makeup kit and personal cosmetics drawer to see what was missing. What was the one product I didn't have that I could use? I realized I've always looked for a lip gloss that wasn't sticky, was moisturizing and tastes good.

Where did you get the name for the line? My husband and I have been together for 10 years now. When we first started dating, after our first kiss, he said to me "You're tasty!" and it's always been an inside joke between the two of us.

What has been most challenging about starting the line? I think the most challenging thing was staying true to the original product idea. I wanted to be sure that my product was all-natural and organic. I had to always keep this in mind as I was searching for ingredients and for companies to produce my product. For example, I knew I wanted SPF protection and could have used some type of animal fat but chose not to. I also could have had the product produced outside of the United States to cut costs but did not.

What products are currently available in the line? I have two lip balms available - Berry Baby, afruity flavor and Sugar Rush, which is more like sweet candy. I will introduce two additional lip gloss flavors in the fall of 2009, Cutie Pie and Honey Bun (both named after two of my husband's nicknames for me).

why does a portion of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer society? Four years ago my father passed away from cancer and my husband's father is currently battling with it. My father paid my tuition...and was always supportive of my career...I am honoring my father and also helping to fund cancer research (10 percent of the profit from each tube goes to ACS)

Published on 2008-12-11, Page 1E, Charlotte Observer, The (NC)

name: jami svay

where do you live? charlotte

how long have you been in charlotte? a long time

how did you get your start in the makeup industry? one photographer taking a chance on me

did you have any formal traning? yes, workshops, intense courses and life

favorite cosmetic line? tastee cosmetics

do you think there is a high demand for makeup artists in charlotte? yes, i do... there's just so many aspects to doing makeup besides fashion magazines. we have real women out there what want to look good too.

how do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? travel, magazines, and my mom!

where in charlotte do you usually hang out? where ever there's good food...

what magazines/websites do you read regularly? v magazine, zink, and nylon are my favorites.

favorite thing about charlotte? my house! there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed!

why did you decide to get into the makeup business? my love for art and freedom. i mean who are we kidding, me working in an office... ha!

is there a lot of competition in charlotte as far as makeup artists? there are so many needs for all different kinds of makeup. i believe there's enough for everyone to go around.