Celebrity Make-Up Artist, Sophia Lenore, Talks Fashion and Beauty, and Women’s Empowerment
Born and raised in one of the fashion capitals of the world, New York City, Sophia Lenore has always had a passion for all things fashion-related. Growing up in New York, Sophia devoured everything fashion-related from fashion couture storefront windows, to fashion magazines- to inspirational books. She had the ambition to attend medical school, and started off as a nursing student at New York University, but realized the medical field was not for her. So Sophia decided to pursue her dream in the fashion and beauty industry, by obtaining her cosmetology license. From there Sophia started working as an assistant for iconic and hair make-up artists like Billy B., Gucci Westerman, Neil Moodie, Orbie, and Tony Luca.
Now that Sophia has pursued her career dream, she is certain that her true calling is the fashion and beauty industry. In the past few years, Sophia has become a true make-up artist with a great eye for color, style, and creativity. It's Sophia's aim to create clean, fresh and modern looks with a twist, which has become her signature style for her celebrity clients like CNN journalist Larry King, US Senator and Former U.S. Presidential Candidate John McCain; General Commander of the US Army David Petraeus, Actress Eva Mendes, Actor Matt Damon, and Super Model Alessandra Ambrosio. And for major publications and networks such as Vogue, MTV, Revlon Cosmetics, Macy's, GQ Magazine, and CBS.
Like any tenacious professional with a dream, Sophia sees herself reaching the pinnacle of the fashion and beauty industry, reaching the same ranks of her former mentors, she hopes to make an impact on the industry. Seele took a moment to ask Sophia about her journey so far, how women should really think about make-up, her life in Berlin, and women's empowerment.
Seele Magazine: What was it like growing up in one of the major fashion capitals of the world?
SL: Sophia Lenore: It can be overwhelming as a young adult growing up in New York because you’re expected to look a certain way from a very young age. Your hairstyles need to be in trend, your wardrobe must be dope and in fashion, and your swagger needs to be perfected by 13 years old! Oh man, the pressure! Haha.
Thank God I learned some tricks quick because my parents were not spending $150 on sneakers for a teenager, no mama!
SM: What did you study at NYU and why did you want to get your cosmotology license?
SL: At NYU I studied nursing with intentions to later attend med school. However, during my sophomore year of college I realized that I hated studying! Or at least the amount of studying required for an advanced career in medicine. No matter how much I loved the medical profession I decided to acknowledge and embrace my limits, which meant changing my career path. Cosmetolgy just felt more natural.
SM: What have you learned about women's beauty by being a make-up artist?
SL: That beauty is in the eye of the beholder! What I think is beautiful may be mediocre to you and that's ok. The perception of beauty differs from country to country, culture to culture and even that it changes with time!
To me every woman is beautiful. Throughout my career I have touched and worked on some of the most gorgeous faces that have belonged to the most ugly souls! So, I associate beauty with the character of the person and not the physical make up of a person.
SM: What do you say to young girls who feel make-up is the only way for them to feel beautiful?
SL: It is ALL an illusion! Makeup is a mask that either covers up the unattractive truth, or tells a lie to over-exaggerate false beauty for the slightly attractive. So don't believe the hype! If you have the confidence to strut your natural beauty with your head held high you’re "Winning" in my book!
SM: Why did you choose to go to Berlin to open your make-up studio?
SL: My husband is German, so I initially came to Germany to acclimate myself to his country and culture. We chose to live in Berlin because it is "English Friendly". However, after a few years the city grew on me. Berlin began to feel like home so I decided to plant my roots here and make it official.
SM: How do women feel when they leave your hair and makeup shops?
SL: Like a valued and adored client! Several of my clients have become my friends and acquaintances. I don't want to just be a service provider that solely cares about getting paid. I prefer to be a confidence builder! That is my true calling.
SM: What does women's empowerment mean to you?
SL: Letting God's love shine through you to comfort and encourage other women. This can be done in many ways. You can empower other women through mentoring, lecturing, sharing your God given gifts, or by just being a good listener. All of this is based on a strong foundation of " Charitable Support".
SM: What do you hope to accomplish in the hair and make-up world?
SL: I hope to help men and women find love of self! Yeah the mask of makeup is nice to wear on occasion but the confidence and love of your natural God given looks is what sets your soul free!
SM: Who is someone whose make-up you have done, and that inspired you?
SL: CNN Anchor Christiane Amanpour! She was so chill and focused on her job! She really didn't care about looking fierce for the camera. She was more concerned about delivering the news and the facts and she was unapologetic about it! That was so dope to me!
SM: Whose makeup would you like to do?
SL: Tina Turner, because I know she could teach me a trick or two and share some pearls of wisdom!
SM: What does your Christian faith mean to you? When you hear the name Jesus what comes to mind?
SL: My Christian faith means everything to me! When I hear the name Jesus, freedom and peace is what comes to my mind...
MCM Worldwide Launch
Sophia covering the MCM Worldwide new collection launch in Berlin, Germany for Fashion TV. MCM Worldwide clothing brand is owned by the renowned, Mrs. Sung-Joo Kim of South Korea.