Demi Howell shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Demi, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
These days, my mornings start with intention. After walking through breast cancer, I learned not to let life run me. I set the tone. I start with a moment of gratitude, maybe some journaling or prayer, to center myself before the day takes off.
Then, I move into my work with a lot more clarity. Whether I’m developing new projects, mapping out strategy, or mentoring women who are building their own dreams, I keep my energy focused on the things that truly matter. My ambition hasn’t gone anywhere, it’s just become more refined. I know where to pour my time now, and I do it without losing my health or peace in the process.
Evenings are for my family and myself, because I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you build. It’s about how fully you live while building it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Demi Howell, and I like to call myself a creative genius because my work lives at the intersection of beauty, strategy, and transformation. For over 25 years, I built a name in the beauty industry as a master hair artist, makeup artist, and wardrobe stylist, working with high-profile clients and brands. But beyond the titles, what makes my story unique is the pivot that came after my breast cancer journey.
Walking through that experience taught me how to build businesses and brands with more intention and balance. Today, through my brands, Soft Boss and Demi Howell & Co., I help women and entrepreneurs redefine success on their own terms. Whether it’s through digital resources, coaching, or lifestyle products, everything I create carries the message that you can be ambitious without losing yourself in the process.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding Soft Boss into a full lifestyle brand while using my story to help others align their work, well-being, and legacy. My journey is proof that you can go through fire and come out softer, stronger, and even more unstoppable than before.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that believed I had to carry everything on my own. That version served its purpose, but she has to be released. For years, I thought success meant saying yes to everything, pushing through exhaustion, and wearing my strength like armor.
Walking through breast cancer changed that. It taught me that my worth isn’t in how much I can endure but in how deeply I can live. Now, I give myself permission to rest, delegate, and create from a place of peace instead of pressure. That old version got me here, but she can’t go with me to where I’m going next.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the value of stillness and presence, something success alone never could. When everything was stripped down during my cancer journey, I realized that titles, achievements, and the constant ‘go’ had nothing on the power of simply being here, alive, and connected to what truly matters.
It taught me compassion for myself, to release perfection, and to build success from a place of peace rather than pressure. Success gave me confidence, but suffering gave me depth, and that depth changed how I live, lead, and create.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty and entrepreneurial industries tell themselves is that success requires you to sacrifice yourself completely and that burnout is a badge of honor. We glorify the hustle, the long hours, the ‘never stop’ mentality, as if exhaustion equals excellence.
Another lie is that perfection sells better than authenticity. I’ve learned that people crave realness, connection, and brands with heart, not just polish and highlight reels. The world is shifting, and the future belongs to those who can blend excellence with empathy.”
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my roles, and every possession, what would remain is my resilience, my faith, and my capacity to love. Titles and things can be taken, but the woman who learned to rebuild after cancer, who learned to choose peace over perfection, who raised a family while chasing big dreams……that woman stays.
What would remain is the impact I’ve had on people’s lives, the conversations, the moments of courage I’ve inspired, the businesses and brands that gave others permission to dream bigger while living softer. That’s the part of me that can’t be stripped away.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.softbossexperience.com/
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/thedemihowell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Yk2FuAG3Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thesoftbossexperience?si=ducMqY5cFYb9Srqt
Image Credits
Randy Howell- Photographer
Charles Beason- Photographer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
