Meet Sophie Powell | Black Owned Woman Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophie Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
First of all, I never wanted to be an entrepreneur, that was never a dream or a vision. I was happy working at Verizon Communication, and I worked there for 25 years as a Maintenance Administrator. After having a bad reaction to some makeup from a department store I was just talking out loud saying “I should create my own brand” not even knowing what a brand was but it sounded good. I knew I wanted makeup and skincare that did not have any animal byproducts or chemicals, so I started doing my homework and finding out what kind of ingredients go into makeup and skincare that was healthy. The process started and it was a long one, 2 years of investigating and studying about makeup and skincare. Here we are today and I have a successful company named Bold and Beautiful Cosmetics, it is a vegan brand. Creating Healthy Skin for all skin types including men because they want healthy skin too. We are creating makeup that will not break you out but enhance your look for any occasion, it is also a ministry for me because I want every person that shop with us to know they are Bold and Beautiful (Handsome) and they are Enough!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve spent 25 years working at Verizon Communications, honing my skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. What sets me apart is my ability to balance a successful corporate career with my passion for entrepreneurship, as I’m now building my own brand, Bold and Beautiful Cosmetics. I am most proud of launching this business while maintaining a long-term career, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. The journey hasn’t always been easy; balancing corporate life, family, and a startup has been challenging, days I wanted to stop and give up but knew that was not an option. I’ve learned that resilience and time management are key to overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself. The biggest lesson I’ve taken from this is to trust the process, never be afraid to evolve and be your own cheerleader. Bold and Beautiful Cosmetics is a reflection of my belief in self-confidence and the power of embracing one’s unique beauty. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that success is not just about reaching the destination but about enjoying the journey and learning from every step. I want the world to know that Bold and Beautiful Cosmetics is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a movement of empowerment and self-love. My story is one of perseverance, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter where they are in life. I’ve always believed that with hard work, dedication, trusting God that anything is possible. Bold and Beautiful Cosmetics represents my commitment to helping others feel confident and embrace their authentic selves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Virginia Beach for a week, I’d start by taking them to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for a morning bike ride and ocean views. We’d have brunch at the famous Doc Taylor’s, known for its hearty Southern breakfast. A visit to First Landing State Park would be perfect for hiking and taking in the natural beauty of the area. For a fun evening, we’d head to Catch 31 for fresh seafood and drinks by the beach. Midweek, we’d explore the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to see some fascinating marine life also spend a day relaxing at Sandbridge Beach, followed by a sunset cruise on the Atlantic Ocean. We’d also make time to visit the Cape Henry Lighthouse for some history and stunning panoramic views. For a taste of local culture, we’d stop by the ViBe Creative District to check out the art, murals, and local shops. To cap off the week, we’d enjoy a memorable dinner at Waterman’s Surfside Grille, where we’d toast the trip with their signature Orange Crush cocktails.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I choose my mom because her unwavering support and love have been the foundation of my strength and resilience. My husband has been my partner and rock, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams. My siblings have provided me with a lifetime of camaraderie, understanding, and motivation to grow. My children and grandchildren inspire me daily, filling my life with purpose, joy, and the drive to keep going. My children remind me of the importance of legacy, motivating me to set an example of perseverance and love. My grandchildren represent the future, inspiring me to leave behind a world filled with possibilities and hope.

Website: https://boldbeautifulcosmetic.com

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