Meet Kaitlyn Tapia

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaitlyn Tapia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaitlyn below.

Hi Kaitlyn , great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

I developed my ability to take risks through the journey of building my small business, Tapia Lip Oils, from the ground up. Starting a brand with a social mission that donates 50% of profits to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) was not just a financial risk, but a personal one. I was investing a significant portion of my own time, money, and energy into something that I deeply believed in, but that I knew could be scrutinized by others with certain political investments. Some of my own friends and family members expressed concern and disapproval for this venture, interpreting it as an attack on Jewish people. I came to realize that the discomfort I experienced at such reactions paled in comparison to the suffering experienced by those forced to advocate for their own right to life. I knew that aligning my business with a purpose was worth the risk.

Taking that step meant accepting the possibility of public criticism, slow sales, or even loss. I had to learn how to balance that purpose with smart financial decisions: sourcing ingredients, designing products, managing inventory, and covering operational costs. I worked a part-time job as a teacher to afford the initial costs of production, while simultaneously trying to maintain good grades as a student. Every choice had consequences, and not every investment paid off immediately. But the process taught me to evaluate risks more clearly, to adapt quickly, and to stand firmly by my values, even when it wasn’t easy.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Tapia Lip Oils is a small, independently run business that produces watermelon-themed lip oils. Everything from the name, scent, and flavor to the key ingredient (watermelon seed oil) is intentional. Watermelon has become a widely recognized symbol of solidarity with Palestine, and Tapia uses that symbolism to raise awareness in a subtle but meaningful way. Beyond that, the oils are designed to be lightweight, moisturizing, and clean. They’re made in small batches and shipped directly to customers.

I chose to donate 50% of all profits to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) specifically because it is a long-established, trusted, non-governmental organization that provides medical care and humanitarian aid to children in the Middle East, regardless of religion or nationality. Unlike other organizations, PCRF’s work is focused on practical, long-term healing: they provide surgeries, prosthetics, evacuations, therapeutic foods, mental health programs, and critical psychological care for children impacted by war and occupation. It is evident that the organization is transparent, effective, and deeply dedicated to children’s well-being.

Building this business has required personal and financial risk. I source and order the ingredients, I produce the lip oils, I package and ship orders with my dad, and I promote the business on social media. I’ve had to expand my skills in photography, website management, and advertisement while simultaneously navigating the challenges of being openly aligned with a humanitarian cause that’s often politicized. But the goal has always been clear: create something simple, and nourishing that also contributes to real-world impact.

Our products are made with natural ingredients including rice bran oil, watermelon seed oil, grapeseed oil, red raspberry seed oil, jojoba oil, and more. These ingredients make our lip oils highly nourishing, and they can be worn as a lip mask before bed. They taste and smell like fresh watermelon, perfect for the summertime. We just launched a new product, Watermelon Spice, which is a deep brown shade. Every purchase supports the delivery of comfort and relief for children who need it most.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

In retrospect, the three most impactful elements in my journey with Tapia Lip Oils have been collaboration, research, and transparency.

Collaboration has been essential, even though I run most of the business independently. I work closely with a website designer who also helps manage social media content and keeps the brand’s message clear and consistent. My dad plays a major role as well; he handles all the shipping, packaging, transportation of products, and deliveries, which allows me to focus on product creation, marketing, and customer engagement. Having that support makes the work sustainable and reminds me that building something meaningful doesn’t have to be done alone. I’ve overcome roadblocks in clear and consistent communication by explicitly arranging our terms of collaboration and exercising my strong people skills.

Research has been foundational, not just for running the business, but for grounding the mission behind it. My understanding of the Palestinian struggle comes from a combination of sources: I read books and longform journalism, follow trusted Palestinian reporters and photojournalists on the ground, and listen to people sharing their own lived experiences both in Palestine and in the diaspora. Their perspectives have helped me understand this is not just a crisis, but a decades-long system of displacement, occupation, and loss. Learning about the Nakba, the ongoing siege of Gaza, and how everyday life is shaped by violence and restriction has shaped how I approach Tapia’s mission. It also informed my choice to support PCRF, a nonpolitical humanitarian organization focused specifically on children’s medical care. Their work is practical, transparent, and deeply needed, giving me confidence in tying my business to their efforts.

Transparency is something I prioritize in every part of Tapia. I’m extremely honest about where funds go, why I center Palestine, and what this brand is and is not. We dedicate our platforms to raising awareness about the conflict and our stance. This isn’t a trend or a marketing angle; it’s a consistent commitment to sharing what I know, what I’m still learning, and where the money is going. I know that customers deserve clarity and honesty, especially when a cause is involved.

For anyone starting their own project, my advice is: value the people who support you, even behind the scenes. Learn deeply from the people most affected by the issues you care about, and always lead with honesty. Otherwise, your project will inevitably crumble under the weight of a weak foundation.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is support Tapia Lip Oils in very hands-on and meaningful ways. My dad has been a huge help with packaging, shipping, transport, and delivery, handling the logistics that keep the business running smoothly. He’s very intelligent and well-researched, with a background in teaching history and debate, which means he brings a thoughtful and critical perspective to our discussions. He often plays devil’s advocate when we talk about the Israel-Palestine conflict, challenging my views and pushing me to consider the issue from multiple angles. Those conversations have helped me think more deeply and communicate more clearly, reaching a wider audience. He also helps me research the best bulk containers and suppliers, contributing practical knowledge that improves the product and the business. My mom has also been invaluable. She has very sensitive lips that react to most harsh products, but she’s always happy to test my products. Her feedback is honest and careful, helping me refine formulas that are gentle yet effective. She also models the products, showing me how they perform in real life on various skin tones and helping me share that with customers. Their support, both practical and intellectual, has shaped not only the business but also how I approach it thoughtfully and with care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tapialipoils.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapialipoils/
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tapia.lipoils