HER STORY ⟡ Monica Walls
Meet the gal who is changing the cosmetics game!
MEET MONICA
Monica Walls is changing the cosmetics game, one kiss at a time. She believes that long-wear and luxury can go hand-in-hand – and is sharing her love for culture and community along the way.
Can you share a bit about your background?
People, culture and values have always been my passion and I am continuously inspired by the eclectic range of individuals I encounter on my travels. My grandfather is from Croatia, and he instilled in me a deep love for the country and its traditions. I’ve also always been a lipstick lover, and they represent more than just a makeup product for me; I see them as a celebration of personal identity and the unique beauty in each of us.
My journey began in Silicon Valley, where I worked as an HR leader. I infused my work with what spoke to my heart: volunteering, community, and championing causes like walk-a-thons, food drives, and women’s shelters. Yet, something was missing. I was tired of having to explain what seemed obvious: treat people well and do something meaningful with personality and grace.
What inspired you to launch Keca’s Usna?
As I took a break from my HR career, it became clear that the excitement of building something from the ground up was what I truly enjoyed, and it was time to do that for myself. After extensive travel and exploration, my experiences, particularly in Croatia, left a lasting impression. This connection inspired the creation of my lip color collection, Keca’s Usna.
I had tried various brands but found my favorites either sticky or short-lasting, while my go-to long-lasting lipstick left my lips dry. I wanted it all: a formula that was long-lasting, non-drying, and felt good. Keca’s Usna is a tribute to my heritage and journey, where each shade tells a story, celebrating diversity and connection while embodying the values I hold dear.
Our brand embodies strength, faith, and love, guiding our journey with transparency and consistent growth. We create luxurious, affordable lipsticks that enhance natural beauty, ensuring every customer feels uniquely empowered. Inspired by the vibrant culture of Croatia, each shade tells a story, reflecting our eclectic essence and community roots. With a playful yet refined personality, we celebrate diversity and uplift everyone in their beauty journey.
What activities bring you joy and help you stay energized?
I’ll always advocate for taking a break when you need one. To keep my personal life and work balanced, I try to make sure I get time at the beach, consistently travel, connect with my friends, and always have some lipstick on – it’s my ultimate mood booster.
What’s your favorite thing about San Jose?
Part of what makes San Jose so special to me is the diversity of the people who live here – it’s a beautiful community. The location doesn’t hurt either; I can get to the beach in 40 minutes, the snow in 4 hours and the airport in 20 minutes!
Get in touch with Monica on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/kecasusna)
Instagram
or via email: hello@kecasusna.com
