Today, we are thrilled to welcome back Kiria Mama, the creative force behind VELOUR. After reading her impressive interview with Second Life, we couldn’t resist the chance to dive deeper. Known for her beautifully crafted designs and groundbreaking ideas in Second Life’s beauty and fashion world, Kiria has set herself apart. Let’s hear more from her!Today, we are thrilled to welcome back Kiria Mama, the creative force behind VELOUR. After reading her impressive interview with Second Life, we couldn’t resist the chance to dive deeper. Known for her beautifully crafted designs and groundbreaking ideas in Second Life’s beauty and fashion world, Kiria has set herself apart. Let’s hear more from her!
How popular is Second Life in your country? Is there an active community of regular Second Life users, and how is it generally perceived there?
Second Life may not be as popular in Brazil nowadays, but it still boasts a vibrant Brazilian community. Members of this community connect through Facebook and gather in-game on Brazilian-themed islands, fostering a sense of unity and shared culture.
How did you become a creator, and what skills do you think are essential to succeed as one in Second Life?
I have a childhood friend, Annie Jolifaunt, who has been a Creator in Second Life since 2010. In the past, when she went on vacation, I used to manage her store, acting as a temporary manager. While I was in college, she taught me how to create skins and makeup, which allowed me to earn some extra cash while studying. I see myself more as a businesswoman than a designer. During the time I managed Annie’s store, I gained valuable insights into customer preferences, identifying which products were most successful and in demand. I used this knowledge, combined with data and statistics, to build a thriving store of my own—focusing on creating products that appeal to the masses. I believe this is the most crucial skill for becoming a successful Creator: understanding what customers want and designing products that meet their needs. In addition, staying relevant by consistently launching new releases is essential, especially in the consumer-driven culture we operate in.
Are there any specific programs or platforms that you’d recommend to beginners?
If you aspire to be a beauty creator, I highly recommend mastering tools like Photoshop or Substance Painter. For those interested in creating clothes, hair, or accessories, gaining proficiency in software such as Blender, 3DS Max, Maya, or similar programs is essential. These tools provide the technical foundation needed to bring your creative visions to life and succeed in the Second Life marketplace.
You’ve focused on creating beautiful, aesthetic avatars and specializing in the beauty niche. Where do you draw inspiration from in your daily life? Do real-world fashion or art influence your designs?
Yes, it does. We draw inspiration from real-life celebrities to create our Second Life faces, and art is a significant influence as well. One of our most iconic releases, Picasso Babe, is a tribute to the legendary artist Pablo Picasso.
What are the biggest challenges creators face in Second Life?
I believe the greatest challenge is securing a spot in the most prestigious events, where you can showcase your products to the Second Life community. Consistently releasing creative, high-quality content will increase your chances of being featured in the top events.
How do you handle the pressure to stay innovative, and do you have any tips for others?
The pressure is constant, especially internal pressure. Two years ago, I was under so much stress that I was working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, and I began to experience burnout. I decided to make a change by reducing my workload and taking weekends off. This shift not only improved the quality of my products but also boosted my productivity.
What has been your proudest moment in your career as a creator? Is there a project, product, or feedback that stands out as especially memorable?
I believe my proudest moment was the release of our latest body skin line for women in Second Life, called Picasso Babe. We received tremendous support from SL residents and creators. Our first major project, Ipanema, was the most memorable milestone for VELOUR. It marked the beginning of our collaboration with many creators in Second Life and played a pivotal role in VELOUR’s rise to prominence.
How important are collaborations to your success? What role do partnerships with other creators play, and how do these collaborations typically come about?
Collaborations are essential, and without them, we wouldn’t be the prominent brand we are in Second Life. Partnering with other creators is crucial for increasing your brand’s visibility and attracting public interest. It boosts exposure and helps customers become more aware of your store. Collaborations often begin with a shared theme, where two or more creators come together to craft something unique, creative, and innovative. These partnerships not only result in distinctive projects but also bring greater visibility to the brands involved.
What advice would you give to people looking to get started in Second Life—whether as a creator or just to explore the platform?
I would say that if you are looking to get into Second Life today, take the time to understand the platform and you won’t regret it. I see Second Life as a place to explore your creativity, meet people from all over the world and make lifelong friends.
What are your thoughts on the Metaverse and the future of Second Life? How do you envision Second Life evolving in the context of the growing interest in the Metaverse?
In Second Life, there has been a noticeable decline in active users year after year. However, with the development of the mobile version—which is already available and improving with each update—I see a significant effort by Linden Lab to increase user engagement and drive long-term growth. I believe Second Life remains the best metaverse created to date. It is the most complete and realistic, serving as a showcase and inspiration for the future metaverses currently being developed.
Thank you so much, Kiria Mama, for this wonderful interview. We truly appreciate the insights you’ve shared and wish you continued success in all your future endeavors
Photos: VELOUR
