Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sunnie Owens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sunnie , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My purpose was found through trial and error. I spent years chasing paths that weren’t truly meant for me, including going to college three different times for reasons other than to please myself. I faced setbacks and redirections that, at the time, felt like failures. But each experience was necessary—they shaped me, built my resilience, and ultimately led me to what was already within me. God had instilled my gifts in me all along—I just had to trust the journey, follow my heart, and embrace the path He had mapped out for me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a professional makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and the founder of Sunnie Cosmetics—a skincare line for all complexions, without the complexity. My journey into the beauty industry started with my love for makeup, which led me to earn my certification from the Bennett Career Institute in 2018. However, during my training, I quickly realized that great makeup starts with great skin, and that’s where my true passion for skincare was born.
In 2020, I launched Sunnie Cosmetics, a gender-neutral skincare line that’s perfect for all complexions. It’s designed to be effective, effortless, and inclusive—one that I not only stand behind but also personally use and believe in. To deepen my expertise, I became a licensed esthetician in 2021 through the Esthetic Institute in Vienna, Virginia, allowing me to bridge the gap between skincare and makeup in a way that truly benefits my clients.
What excites me most about my work is helping people feel confident in their skin—whether through skincare, makeup, or education. That’s why I don’t just offer products—I also provide makeup lessons, where I teach everyday people how to enhance their beauty using their own go-to products. And for those who want a more tailored experience, I now offer a one-on-one makeup shopping service, helping clients find the perfect shades and products for their skin tone.
Beyond individual services, I also host spa parties for kids, teens, and adults—whether for pure relaxation or a hands-on skincare and makeup tutorial with friends. Whether it’s a birthday party, bridal event, or a fun gathering, Sunnie Cosmetics does it all!
Looking ahead, my goal is to expand into more stores across the U.S. and get Sunnie Cosmetics into the hands of everyone—because they deserve it! Whether I’m working with a client one-on-one, creating content, or developing new products, my mission remains the same—to make beauty simple, accessible, and empowering for everyone.
For anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine, perfect their makeup skills, or host the ultimate beauty experience, I’d love to connect and help you on that journey!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities for me have been resilience, networking, and timing. God has instilled resilience in me from an early age, and there wasn’t too much I set my mind to that I didn’t accomplish. From being the class president in both elementary and high school, to track captain and national champion, and pursuing a modeling career, resilience has been at the core of it all.
Networking and having the right people in my corner has put me in doors I never thought I’d step foot in, opening up incredible opportunities. Timing is key—knowing when it’s your time to move is crucial. There’s a time and season for everything, and doing too much at once can deter you from your purpose or ultimate goal.
Everything won’t be perfect the first time around, and maybe not the second, but when you put the time into your craft, it shows, it’s noticed, and it’s rewarding. For anyone just starting out, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities to build mental strength, focus on building genuine relationships by attending events and collaborating, and prioritize your tasks while using tools to stay organized.
And most importantly, NEVER STOP LEARNING! Life and the industry are ALWAYS changing, and staying ahead means continuously growing.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling God into my life at an early age and teaching me the importance of being a good person. They instilled the idea that character, heart, and mind define who you are, and that I should hold myself to a certain caliber because of that. They let me be me, and honestly, I believe some children are just designed a certain way, and you kind of have to just go along for the ride—LOL, that’s me! But I’ll tell you this, life was never boring either.
They also supported everything I pursued. I was heavily into sports as a child, which allowed me to travel year-round with my gifts. Whatever I was into, my parents were into, and they supported everything I ever put my mind to 100%. For that, I can’t thank them enough. Their encouragement has been the foundation for everything I’ve achieved, and it’s something I carry with me every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.sunniecosmetics.com
- Instagram: @SunnieCosmetics
- Facebook: @sunniecosmetics
- Other: Google: SunnieCosmetics
Image Credits
Photographers: Greg Pinkney, Sam Johnson Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
