October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we here at Maniac want to take a moment to recognize some of the strongest women out there. I got a chance to speak to one of those women, namely Sonia Kashuk-makeup artist and founder of Sonia Kashuk Beauty, on her experiences as a successful business woman with an awesome Beauty brand as well as what keeps her motivated and strong. While you may recognize her name and you may have even tried her products, Sonia is not only a Beauty guru but a Breast cancer survivor. She began her business about 15 years ago in partnership with Target. The business has evolved from a makeup line into a lifestyle beauty brand and features a plethora of beauty finds. Anything from eye-shadow to brushes to makeup bags- Sonia has covered nearly everything a woman could possibly need. Not sacrificing quality for affordability, she stresses “Chic at a price” and has become a leading beauty brand that marries luxury products with an affordable price point- ensuring that any woman can look her best. Her hard work and dedication is truly inspiring and we can’t wait to see what Sonia does next.
What inspired you to start a business?
A love of both the art and commerce of the beauty business. I’m a very right brain, left brain person- a creative individual with a sense of business and to me both forms excite me. I was also the first makeup artist brand to go to mass market plus I was the first to take luxury to mass so I was really filing a white space and changing the industry landscape.
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?
I was diagnosed for 7 years ago and had surgery on September 13th, 2006.
How did the diagnosis affect your business?
I was grateful to have something else to focus on. A cancer diagnosis is very overwhelming so it was a nice relief to my business to take my mind off things. Since my diagnosis, my business has also given me an opportunity to give back philanthropically creating products to benefit breast cancer and help women going through this difficult situation.
How did Breast cancer affect your life?
It made me realize you can’t control everything in your life and you need to learn to deal with issues as they come. And it’s not about the hurdles, but how you jump over them.
What keeps you motivated?
I love making people feel good-it’s a huge energizer. It’s great being able to share little bits that make a huge impact in the way they [women] look and how they feel. It’s an incredible gift to be able to give confidence.
Who inspires you the most?
My mother. She’s very strong and powerful. It was nice to be raised by a woman of strength, understanding and support… I only hope to give that to my children. [She] helped guide and form us into who we became.
Any advice for women who want to start their own business?
Have knowledge and passion and be educated about what you’re doing. Knowledge and hard work go hand in hand and you need passion to fight through. Even if you have passion but no knowledge, it can be a difficult journey. Understand the industry and that dynamic duo.
Any future plans for the beauty brand?
We are actually launching bath and body which will be in Target on November 10th.
What would you say to somebody who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer? Any words of wisdom for them?
Stay positive. Talk to anybody that can give you insight and support, don’t shut yourself down. And gather as much information as possible. I am on the board of Cancer and Careers which is an amazing source of information for those trying to deal with work and cancer.
