Spotlight On: Lisa Opie Shares How She Became A Successful Business Owner Twice Over
Lisa Opie had to make her first swimsuit by hand for a pageant competition in 2012 because she couldn't afford to buy one. Now, she's a successful business owner of two companies: Vizcaya Swimwear and LadyCode Cosmetics. Here's how she did it.
Meet Lisa Opie – the gorgeous Japanese-American socialite, business owner, model, and former beauty pageant contestant. Beginning with just $17 in her pocket, Lisa turned her passion for design into two successful (and glamorous, might I add) brands: Vizcaya Swimwear, a luxury swimwear collection for pageants, and LadyCode Cosmetics, which offers high-quality makeup inspired by women’s beauty needs and cultural influences. “I believe that beauty is diverse, and makeup should be a tool for self-expression and empowerment,” Lisa tells Evie.
Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked in 2012 when she faced the challenge of being unable to afford her competition attire for Miss United States. But nothing was going to stop her. The model took matters into her own hands and crafted her first swimwear. Little did she know, this DIY creation would lead to a three-year contract as the official swimwear sponsor for the pageant.
You can probably tell that Lisa does it all – she’s even got a podcast for the girls. Titled Miss Represented, Lisa's goal is to empower women by centering the discussion on self-confidence, entrepreneurship, and overcoming challenges.
Nicole Dominique: What inspired you to venture into the fashion and beauty industries, particularly starting with Vizcaya Swimwear at a young age? Was there an event that sparked your interest?
Lisa Opie: My venture into the fashion and beauty industries was sparked by a moment of necessity and creativity. When I participated in Miss United States 2012, I faced the challenge of not being able to afford a gown or swimsuit for the competition. In response, I took matters into my own hands and designed my own swimsuit and gown.
Surprisingly, the judges took notice of my handmade swimsuit, and after making it to the top five, I received a remarkable opportunity. The director offered me a three-year contract as the official swimwear sponsor of Miss United States. This unexpected turn of events not only ignited my interest in the fashion world but also laid the foundation for my journey as an entrepreneur in the industry.
ND: What were some of the most significant hurdles you faced at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you overcome them?
LO: Starting my entrepreneurial journey, being young, female, and an ethnic minority, along with financial constraints, were significant hurdles. I turned adversity into motivation, using social media for visibility and networking for mentorship. Overcoming biases, I've become an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the fashion and beauty industries.
ND: I read your interview with Harper's Bazaar and loved it! You talked about growing your brand. How did you utilize social media marketing to promote Vizcaya Swimwear with little to no budget?
LO: In the early days of Vizcaya Swimwear, leveraging social media was a game-changer, and I unknowingly became one of the pioneers in 2012. Despite having little to no budget, we embraced the power of platforms like Facebook. Our strategy involved hosting photo contests and encouraging our audience to share our posts for a chance to win a swimsuit.
This interactive approach not only engaged our community but also fueled the viral spread of our brand. The contests created a buzz, and the audience sharing our posts organically amplified our reach. It was a grassroots movement that showcased the potential of social media marketing, even before it became a mainstream strategy. The authenticity of our engagement and the genuine connection we built with our audience played a crucial role in establishing and growing the Vizcaya Swimwear brand.
ND: What can women expect to learn and gain from Miss Represented, your latest podcast?
LO: Miss Represented aims to empower women by addressing a variety of topics relevant to their personal and professional lives. Through insightful discussions and interviews with inspiring guests, the podcast covers issues such as self-confidence, entrepreneurship, and navigating the challenges women face in different industries.
Listeners can expect valuable insights, practical advice, and a sense of community as we explore the journeys and experiences of successful women.
ND: What advice would you give to young women looking to establish their brands in the beauty or fashion industry, based on your own experience?
LO: For young women aspiring to establish their brands in the beauty or fashion industry, I would emphasize the importance of passion, perseverance, and authenticity. It's crucial to stay true to your vision, overcome challenges with resilience, and continuously educate yourself about the industry. Networking, building a strong online presence, and seeking mentorship can also play vital roles in navigating the competitive landscape of the beauty and fashion world.
ND: What's your philosophy behind LadyCode Cosmetics? What inspires your creativity?
LO: LadyCode Cosmetics is built on the philosophy of empowering women to express themselves confidently through makeup. I believe that beauty is diverse, and makeup should be a tool for self-expression and empowerment.
My creativity is inspired by a combination of personal experiences, cultural influences, and the desire to create products that cater to a wide range of beauty needs. LadyCode Cosmetics is not just about makeup; it's about fostering confidence and celebrating individuality.
ND: Do you have any future projects in mind for LadyCode Cosmetics?
LO: My Pink Holiday collection we just launched for the holidays was a huge success and one of my favorite collections I’ve created so far. As for the future of LadyCode Cosmetics, I'm constantly exploring new avenues to expand the brand and bring innovative products to our community. While I can't reveal specific details just yet, I can assure you that there are exciting projects in the pipeline. Stay tuned for more launches, collaborations, and initiatives that align with LadyCode Cosmetics' commitment to empowering and celebrating the diverse beauty of women.
If you want to listen to Lisa Opie's talk on confidence and entrepreneurship, click here, or you can follow her on Instagram here.
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