5 Questions With…5 Questions With Love Balungi’s Founder

Boston’s fashion and beauty scene is buzzing with bold, authentic voices!

Few embody that energy more than Catherine Waiswa, founder of
Love Balungi. From skincare rooted in heritage to artistry behind the brush, she’s redefining beauty with heart, culture, and community. 

Catherine Waiswa

Tell us about your creative journey.
My creative journey started from a very personal place; growing up with sensitive skin and watching my mom create her own remedies to keep our skin healthy and glowing. After losing her in 2019, I wanted to carry on her legacy in a way that honored both her and my Ugandan roots. That’s how
Love Balungi was born: small-batch, vegan skincare and beauty that puts love, care, and culture at the center.

At the same time, I became a makeup artist. Boston’s fashion and beauty scene gave me the chance to connect with models, designers, and photographers; not only to share my products, but also to bring my artistry to life. Both sides of my work go hand in hand and have helped me build deeper connections in the city. With a holiday collection coming soon and a new hair care line launching this fall, I’m excited to share even more with Boston and beyond.”

What inspires your work right now?
Community. Always. I draw inspiration from 90s style, old closet finds, and even pieces from my mom’s wardrobe. I love to thrift and remix, but I always come back to authenticity. 

As a makeup artist, Boston’s creative community (models, designers, photographers) push me to experiment with fresh looks that still feel rooted in story. Boston isn’t always seen as a beauty hub, but the authenticity here is what inspires me most.

Courage: Maroon Red Lip Gloss

What skincare/beauty trend are you most excited about this fall?
‘Skinimalism!’ Simplifying routines, focusing on nourishing products, and letting skin glow naturally. I’m loving how a fresh, dewy base pairs with bold pops of lip color. Like our ‘Courage’ maroon red and ‘Inspire’ burnt orange glosses. It’s the perfect balance of effortless and expressive.

Describe your personal style or creative aesthetic in three words.
Bold. Rooted. Authentic. Those words flow into everything I do, from my products to my makeup artistry.

What advice do you have for aspiring creatives in Boston?
“Start with what you have, right where you are. Boston may not feel as flashy as New York or LA, but that’s the magic, there’s space to build something unique. Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready.’ Share your story, connect with people, and collaborate. Collaboration over competition will take you further than you think, and consistency will set you apart.”

Want more? (of course you do!) Keep an eye out for Love Balungi’s holiday collection and a new hair care line debuting this fall.