Anastasia Soare's journey from a Romanian immigrant struggling to adapt to life in Los Angeles to becoming a powerhouse in the beauty industry is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Arriving in 1989 with limited English proficiency and a one-year-old daughter, Soare found solace in television, particularly captivated by a show hosted by Oprah Winfrey. Little did she know that a decade later, she would grace national television screens, demonstrating her now-patented eyebrow-shaping technique on the very woman who once inspired her.
Trained in technical design and beauty school in Romania, Soare initially worked as an aesthetician in a Beverly Hills salon. It was during her facial treatments that she noticed the neglect of eyebrow grooming among her clients. Drawing from her artistic background and applying the principles of the Golden Ratio, Soare developed a method that revolutionized eyebrow shaping, emphasizing facial symmetry and balance.
Undeterred by skepticism, Soare ventured out on her own, renting a space to start her business, Anastasia Beverly Hills, in 1997. Despite initial doubts, her clientele quickly grew to include celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Michelle Pfeiffer. A glowing write-up in Vogue in 1994 catapulted her career, leading to the establishment of her eponymous product line in 2000.
In 2012, recognizing the power of social media, Soare embraced Instagram, connecting directly with beauty enthusiasts worldwide and exponentially expanding her brand's reach. This marked the beginning of a meteoric rise, culminating in a valuation of $3 billion for Anastasia Beverly Hills by 2018.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Soare remains deeply connected to her customers, listening attentively to their needs and desires. She celebrated the brand's 25th anniversary surrounded by loyal supporters, including Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Jennifer Lopez, who have been pivotal in her journey.
Looking ahead, Soare is enthusiastic about the evolving landscape of beauty, emphasizing individuality and self-expression. Through her partnership with United Friends of the Children, she aims to empower young adults by providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities, embodying the spirit of paying it forward.
Soare's story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and innovation. From humble beginnings as an immigrant aesthetician to the helm of a globally recognized beauty empire, her journey inspires countless aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and defy the odds.