Lisa Opie
My
journey as a social media influencer began quite organically. I was always
passionate about fashion, beauty, and self-expression, and I saw the potential
of social media early on in about 2011. I started by sharing my personal style
on Instagram, posting makeup tutorials on YouTube, and connecting with my
audience on Facebook.
Photography: the Code Creatives @thecodecreatives
Styling: Joey Rolon @joeyrolon
Creative Director: Joey Rolon @joeyrolon
Set design: Alexis Lechanet @alexis.lechanet
Hair: Jason Tavares @jtavar_
Makeup: Beauty by LadyCode @beautybyladycode
My first business, Vizcaya Swimwear was marketed only on Facebook when I started it and thanks to viral posts, it really catapulted the brand to become what it is today. The success of using social media to promote Vizcaya Swimwear became the blueprint for my other brands, including my personal brand. Collaboration is key to growth so I do my best to collaborate with my favorite influencers and brands.
Shoulder bow: Juan Carlos Piñera Dress: Saint Laurent Corset: Mugler Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Consistency and creativity is also
key. I made it a point to post regularly and engage with my followers. I
listened to their feedback and evolved my content to cater to their interests.
Over time, my accounts started to gain momentum, and just last year I reached
the 1 million followers milestone.
Working with renowned brands like
PrettyLittleThing, Fashion Nova, Tiffany & Co, PinkApple Dresses and SHEIN
has been an incredible experience. These collaborations not only allowed me to
showcase my personal style but also opened doors to new opportunities. They
provided me with a platform to connect with a broader audience and establish
credibility in the industry.
Collaborating with such prestigious
brands taught me the importance of professionalism and delivering quality
content consistently. It also enabled me to align my personal brand with those
brands' values and aesthetics.
Dress: Alice & Olivia
Crafting Success Stitch by Stitch: The Genesis of Vizcaya
Swimwear
Starting Vizcaya Swimwear with just
$17 was undoubtedly a challenging endeavor. I faced hurdles like sourcing
materials, manufacturing, and marketing with very limited resources. However, I
was determined to turn my vision into reality.
I overcame these challenges through
sheer perseverance and resourcefulness. I reached out to local manufacturers,
negotiated favorable terms, and utilized social media to promote my swimwear line.
Thanks to my network in the pageant industry and social media, Vizcaya Swimwear
gained traction and became a successful brand.
Shoulder bow: Juan Carlos Piñera Dress: Saint Laurent Corset: Mugler Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Unveiling LadyCode Cosmetics: Where Beauty Meets Entrepreneurship
The inspiration behind LadyCode
Cosmetics stemmed from my desire to create a cosmetics line that celebrated
diversity and inclusivity. I noticed a gap in the market for beauty products
that catered to people of all skin tones and types while delivering quality
product, and I wanted to fill that void.
What sets LadyCode Cosmetics apart
is our commitment to offering a wide range of shades and products that empower
individuals to express themselves. We also prioritize cruelty-free and
environmentally conscious beauty practices, which resonate with our socially conscious
consumers.
Shoulder bow: Juan Carlos Piñera Dress: Saint Laurent Corset: Mugler Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Challenges and Triumphs
Being a female business owner does
come with its unique set of challenges. As a woman of Asian descent, I feel
like I have always worked twice as hard to receive half the credit. Gender bias
and stereotypes can be pervasive, but I've always believed in breaking down
those barriers. I've actively worked to empower and support other women by
sharing my experiences and insights, hosting workshops, and creating mentorship
programs.
It's essential to create a
community of support where women can learn from one another and overcome
obstacles together. We are stronger together, and I'm proud to be a part of
that movement.
Makeup Mentorship: Cultivating Aspiring Artists and Entrepreneurs
Teaching makeup lessons has been an incredibly fulfilling aspect of my career. Watching my students grow and gain confidence is immensely rewarding. One inspiring story is of a student who started as a beginner but later launched her own successful beauty business and opened up her own salon in her hometown. It's moments like these that remind me of the positive impact we can have on others' lives.
A Multilingual Wanderer: Exploring Culture and Diversity
My multicultural background and
language skills have enriched my life and broadened my horizons. Speaking
Japanese, English, and Spanish has allowed me to connect with people from
diverse backgrounds and cultures. It has also influenced my approach to
business by emphasizing inclusivity and global perspectives.
Beyond Business: Pursuits of Passion and Balance
My hobbies like skiing, pilates,
rock climbing, and investing are my way of finding balance and maintaining a
healthy work-life equilibrium. They keep me physically and mentally fit, helping
me manage stress and stay creative. Investing, in particular, has allowed me to
diversify my interests and financial portfolio.
Shoulder bow: Juan Carlos Piñera Dress: Saint Laurent Corset: Mugler Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Future Horizons: Aspirations and Dreams
Looking ahead, I have ambitious
plans for my business ventures and personal brand. I'm excited about expanding
LadyCode Cosmetics and launching new product lines that continue to celebrate
diversity and empower individuals. I'm also exploring opportunities to use my
platform for advocacy and social impact initiatives.
Mastering the Art of Time: Juggling Career, Hobbies, and
Self-Care
Balancing a career, business
ownership, and hobbies can be demanding, but it's all about effective time
management and setting priorities. I have a strict schedule that allows me to
allocate time to each aspect of my life. I've learned to delegate and seek help
when needed, and I prioritize self-care to maintain my energy and enthusiasm.
Ultimately, it's about finding what works for you and staying true to your
passion and purpose.
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