Meet The Founders
WarPaint International Beauty Agency
Samuel J. & Jessica Mae Koza
The Meet-Cute. It all started when…
In 2010 Sam and Jessica’s paths had just crossed in a mutual retail environment workplace - the Apple Store in the Mall of America. As a random meet-cute would have it, they found each other in the daily grind of work and they decided to go on a date. The rest, as they say, is history. But… the history is important.
Jessica was a part-time freelance makeup artist, who at the time worked on weddings for friends and family members. Sam had worked in retail and electronics/digital marketing his entire life. One night, lying in bed, Sam asked Jessica “What do you want to do with your makeup artistry?”. She replied that she loved it and would like to do it full-time. Sam positioned the idea of building an agency of people to leverage her efforts and so the journey began.
They knew nothing. They boot-strapped it. But they pressed on by doing work, getting involved in content opportunities, and finding press outlets to talk about their brand. Today WPI Beauty has over 40 Artisans in 3 different cities and growing.
About the Name WarPaint
“WarPaint" is about stepping into your personal power as you move through the world. It cultivates confidence and empowers our clients to embrace their natural beauty. These are the principles in which we were founded on and has made us a recognizable brand that stands for freedom of expression and embodies authenticity.
You see the phrase war paint being used all over the globe ranging from the all-female international band Warpaint, to informal references to cosmetics, full dress or regalia, and even Native American decoration to evoke spirit when going into war. As a child, Jessica’s father used to tell her she was putting on her war paint when doing makeup (a common phrase in the makeup world) so when conceiving a name for our company we tied her father’s sentiments in, but took it a step further. WarPaint International "(Beauty Agency) was born.
Our Motto is “Prepare For Battle”
Jessica Mae’s motto has always been “Life is a Stage. Prepare For Battle”. It’s on our T-shirts. Whether speaking in front of your peers, killing it on social media, attending an event, having professional photos taken, or stepping onto a literal stage for performance, a world-class on-site beauty experience can make us feel confident inside and out.
In Recent News
In June of 2024, KSTP 5 | Twin Cities Live did a story on WarPaint International Beauty Agency, where you get to meet the founders and other members of the team. Watch the news segment below.
WPI Beauty Agency featured on Twin Cities Live | KSTP 5.
Where we’ve been
Jessica Mae and WPI Beauty have been the recipient of the following awards:
NAWBO Innovation in Retail Award
Business Journals 40 Under 40 Awards
The Knot Hall of Fame “Best of Weddings” Award Winer
Multi-year Wedding Wire “Couples Choice” Award
Minnesota Bride Best of Weddings “Best Makeup” Award X 3
Best of ZOLA 2023
Founder Profiles
Jessica Mae's profile includes samples of her editorial work and what she’s focused on now. Sam’s profile has a brief background of what his role serves. Meet the Founders.
