Carla Beggs is transforming the lip care game with her revolutionary brand, GOOU. With over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, she’s redefining what it means to care for your lips.
We sat down with Carla to talk about her journey as a beauty expert and entrepreneur. Take a moment to get to know GOOU, the luxe lip care brand everyone’s talking about with and the amazing founder who made it all happen.
Cosmo ME: What inspired you to start GOOU beauty?
Carla: With over two decades in the beauty industry, I have dedicated my career to enhancing women’s confidence through expert care and innovation. As an award-winning semi-permanent makeup artist & trainer, I became renowned for my Lip Blush treatments, where I saw a major gap in the market for lip care products that truly work.
My journey into the world of GOOU has been shaped by a lifelong passion for beauty, semi permanent makeup and skincare, and a desire to promote confidence in women. Inspired by the beauty rituals from celebrities, magazines or social media observed from way back to my teenage years, I was destined to be part of the beauty industry. I wanted to create a brand that not only focuses on results but also emphasises the importance of self-love and care.
Cosmo ME: How did you get into the beauty industry?
Carla: I entered the beauty industry out of an obsession with art, treatments, skincare and anything that can make you feel amazing! I gained a diploma in beauty therapy and achieved many courses, you name it, I’ve done it. I embraced my passion for art as I moved into the field of aesthetics studying Semi Permanent makeup and becoming a certified trainer an educator. This was where my true passion lay, and after moving to Dubai and realising most clients suffered with extremely dry lips, I needed to find something for them that worked. After years of research and experimentation, I realised that there wasn’t anything really that worked that incorporated natural ingredients. I then decided to combine my love for beauty with a mission to offer high quality, nourishing lip care products that really work.
Cosmo Me: Where and when did you start GOOU beauty?
Carla: GOOU Beauty was officially launched in April 2025 when I was 7 months pregnant. It was no easy feat! I nearly gave up multiple times, but I kept digging deep and my passion and drive always showed up. I would work on my business before and after work and sometimes through the night to get things done. We had an iconic launch party which saw celebrities and influencers from all over attend. It was incredible!
Cosmo ME: What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome this?
Carla: The biggest challenge I faced was establishing brand recognition in a saturated market. I overcame this by focusing on authenticity and storytelling, allowing our customers to see the passion and care behind each product and how much hard work has gone into every inch of the business. Building a strong online community and utilising social media effectively helped us connect with our audience. I used my platform as a respected Semi Permanent Makeup Artist to showcase lip care products that really work. I also faced let down by others, empty promises, cancelled orders, lost stock, but each time something would negatively impact me, it would only make me even more determined to get it right and make it work.
Cosmo ME: What sets you apart from other beauty brands?
Carla: At GOOU, we prioritise clean, non toxic ingredients and ethical practices. We are committed to inclusivity, ensuring our products cater for everyone, and we have lots of fun whilst doing it!
Cosmo ME: Can you walk us through what it’s like to develop a new product?
Carla: Developing a new product involves a thorough process of research, formulation, and testing. I often start with identifying a need in the market and what I would like to use, then I explore natural ingredients that work and align with our brand values. I ask my friends, family and clients their feedback on names, colours, smells, ideas and I value all of their suggestions too. It’s a slow and lengthy process because I need to understand every ingredient, how it works and why it works.
My favorite product in our GOOU range has to be our viral Lip Oil Sunday Dew. It embodies the essence of GOOU Beauty with its nourishing properties but it’s super girly and fun.
Cosmo ME: What’s the most valuable lesson you have learnt since starting the brand?
Carla: One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. I face many challenges and pressure on a daily basis and there is a lot of work to be done. There’s highs and lows and I need to be focused and can never let me eye off the ball. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and being open to change has allowed me to grow and innovate continuously.
Cosmo ME: How do you find time for yourself in the midst of running a business? Do you have any self care tips?
Carla: Being honest, this is not my strength and I need to work on this. Finding time for myself amidst the hustle of emails, meetings, social media, a full time job and being a mum to two children is a struggle. I prioritise self care by setting aside time for a massage, and a good workout. I also love experimenting with new beauty routines that help me unwind and reconnect with myself.