We recently connected with Sabrina Rowe Holdsworth and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sabrina Rowe, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience stems from a blend of personal experiences and professional challenges. Growing up in a mixed-race family of immigrants, I learned early on the value of hard work and persistence. My parents example was paramount in understanding the importance of resilience. Overcoming obstacles was absolutely necessary in order for my family and I to have anything. The beauty industry, particularly in the realms of fashion and celebrity styling, is fast-paced and demanding. It’s taught me to adapt quickly, think on my feet, and continually evolve my skills.
Founding and nurturing NTRL by Sabs required a deep level of resilience. Starting a business, especially one that challenges the status quo with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, comes with its unique set of hurdles. My passion for creating products that not only beautify but also uphold environmental and ethical standards has been a significant driving force.
Additionally, the support and stories of the diverse people I’ve been privileged to worked with have been instrumental in shaping my resilience. Their experiences, challenges, and triumphs continually inspire me to push through obstacles and strive for excellence in both my artistic endeavors and business pursuits.
In essence, my resilience is a product of my background, the challenges I’ve faced in the world and the beauty industry, the passion for my work, and the inspiration I draw from the people I interact with every day.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As the founder of NTRL by Sabs and a seasoned hair and makeup artist, my career revolves around the transformative power of beauty. What I do blends artistry with a deep commitment to sustainable and inclusive beauty practices. This fusion is not just my profession; it’s my passion.
What’s most exciting about my work is the ability to make a real impact. Whether I’m working on set with a celebrity or developing a new product for NTRL by Sabs, there’s a thrill in creating beauty that resonates with people on a personal level. It’s not just about external appearances; it’s about how these appearances can reflect and enhance one’s inner beauty and confidence.
A special aspect of my work is the focus on inclusivity. I believe beauty is for everyone, regardless of their gender, race, skin or hair type. This belief is deeply embedded in NTRL by Sabs. Our products are designed to cater to a diverse range of beauty needs, particularly those that have been historically overlooked in the beauty industry.
I’d like people to know that NTRL by Sabs is more than just a beauty brand. It’s a movement towards a more responsible, inclusive, and kind beauty culture. We’re committed to sustainability, not as a trend, but as a principle. Our products are crafted with the utmost care, considering not just the immediate beauty needs of our customers but also the long-term health of our planet.
In summary, my work is a blend of art, empathy, and responsibility. Whether I’m behind the scenes with a brush in hand or in the lab formulating the next NTRL by Sabs product, my goal remains the same: to empower through beauty, sustainably and inclusively.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities stand out as pivotal: adaptability, continuous learning, and authenticity.
1. Adaptability: In the ever-evolving beauty industry, being adaptable has been crucial. Trends change, client needs vary, and as a business owner, I’ve had to pivot strategies numerous times. My advice for those starting out is to embrace change. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment. This flexibility will not only enhance your creativity but also make you more resilient in the face of industry shifts.
2. Continuous Learning: The beauty industry is dynamic, with new techniques, products, and sustainability practices constantly emerging. My commitment to ongoing education has been instrumental in keeping my skills relevant and innovative. For those early in their journey, I recommend seeking out learning opportunities – whether formal education, workshops, or learning from peers. Stay curious and open to new knowledge, as it’s a powerful tool for growth and differentiation.
3. Authenticity: Staying true to myself and my values has been a guiding light. In an industry often swayed by trends, maintaining authenticity in my work and brand has helped me connect genuinely with clients and customers. For newcomers, remember that your unique perspective and style are your strengths. Build your brand or career around what you genuinely believe in and are passionate about. Authenticity resonates with people and can be your most significant differentiator.
In developing these qualities, patience and perseverance are key. Growth is a journey, not a race. Nurture these skills consistently, and they will pay dividends in your professional and personal development.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz has been a pivotal book in my personal and professional development, offering invaluable wisdom that’s deeply resonated with me.
Firstly, the principle of “Be Impeccable with Your Word” has been transformative. In the beauty industry, where communication is key, this agreement reminds me of the power of words. Whether I’m discussing product development or conversing with clients, I strive to speak with honesty and integrity. This agreement has taught me the importance of using my voice to uplift, inspire, and convey my truth.
Secondly, “Don’t Take Anything Personally” has been a game-changer. Working in a field that’s often subject to subjective opinions and trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of personalizing criticism. This agreement has helped me understand that people’s opinions are more about their own realities than mine. This perspective has been crucial in maintaining my confidence and focus, especially when facing challenges or setbacks.
“Don’t Make Assumptions” is another key takeaway. In the business world, and especially in the realm of beauty and fashion, assumptions can lead to misunderstandings or missteps. This agreement has encouraged me to seek clarity, ask questions, and base my actions on truth rather than conjecture. It’s a reminder of the importance of clear communication and understanding in all interactions.
Lastly, “Always Do Your Best” has been a guiding light. It’s a reminder that ‘best’ can vary from day to day, influenced by various factors. In my journey, this has meant giving myself grace and understanding that as long as I put in my sincere effort, I am achieving success, regardless of the outcome.
These principles from “The Four Agreements” have been instrumental in shaping my approach to life and business, guiding me towards operating with integrity, resilience, and authenticity. I highly recommend everyone read it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ntrlbysabs.com
- Instagram: @sabsthegoodgirl @ntrlbysabs
- Facebook: @ntrlbysabs
- Linkedin: @sabsthegoodgirl
- Twitter: @ntrlbysabs
- Other: TikTok: @ntrlbysabs
Image Credits
My portraits and NTRL product photos by (4 shots) – Joe Holdsworth NTRL Event Photography by (2 shots) – Tay Squaw Phoebe Robinson and I Candid (1 shot) – personal photo Phoebe Robinson Vanity Fair Oscars red carpet (1 photo) – Getty Images
