We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Sachs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa , so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I have many friends who are so well qualified and feel like imposters in their own industries, but the truth is that we are all figuring it out as we go. Experience makes a big difference in improving imposter syndrome, but until you gain it, the best thing you can do is be open to learning. Starting SWAKE, I had no prior background or experience in the cosmetic industry, so of course I felt like an imposter. As I learned more and experienced supply chain difficulties, customer challenges, and sales strategizing, I felt more and more integrated in the industry.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
WHO the heck am I? Well, to tell this story, you have to go way back to Austin, Texas in 2000. I was born and raised in a small town called ‘Round Rock’, where I was a first generation American with an older brother and two parents from Morocco and Canada. I always lived in warm climates and I was a natural born leader. (Don’t know if you’re into Zodiacs and all of that fun stuff–but I am a Leo, if that explains anything). I started SWAKE 21 years later, only 4 years after I had moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and was finishing my degree in Biology / Data Science.
WHERE did SWAKE come from? Well, back when I was in Texas, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, a mentally and physically hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women. Ever since, I adopted the gym as a way to destress and, in a way, stay sane. Working out became an outlet for my sweat and a way for me to regulate my hormones. For many years, I was a cycling instructor and was coached in bodybuilding. I spent years forming relationships with athletes and women who wanted to improve and better with their mental/physical health. One day, when my parents were living in Florida (another hot climate–what is it with us??), the concept for SWAKE came to me. I was rushing to get ready for lunch and had just gotten back from the gym and told my dad I was ‘swaking off my makeup’–a slip of the tongue for sweating off my makeup, and there was my lightbulb. Women shouldn’t have to compromise on time or energy to feel beautiful inside and out.
HOW did I create a cosmetic company? I had no background in beauty or cosmetic chemistry, but I did have elementary knowledge behind what should and shouldn’t be on your skin. I started by finding a cosmetic chemist who could help me formulate the first sweatproof formula. I actually found them on Upwork–a freelancer website–and had no idea that the formula would work until I actually tested it at a manufacturing site. Finding a manufacturer was the next hurdle–how would I find someone who would make sweatproof makeup on a budget? I’ll tell you how: persistence and determination that only a stubborn 21 year old could have. I called over 200 different manufacturing companies and finally found one to make the first-ever sweat resistant foundation.
WHERE are we now? Well, we became the Official Partner of the Atlanta Falcons in July of 2023 and are the fastest growing cosmetic company amongst bodybuilders in the US. It’s been quite the ride, and we’re only shooting for more stars in 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I think my determination and resilience was imperative in creating a brand. There were days where I did not want to login to my email and face supply chain issues, bills, and other issues that had flooded my inbox. In those moments, it was easy to feel overwhelmed, but I just had to remind myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither would SWAKE be. I took the time everyday to solve what I could and delay what could be delayed. Knowing how to prioritize would make a huge difference in my life as a Founder–because you’re not just a Founder; you’re a sister, partner, friend, athlete, and HUMAN. Knowing what I needed to do to make sure my non-negotiables happen was a massive organizational learning curve for me and definitely took some time / trial and error.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I absolutely loved the book “The Power of Now” because it explained how impactful spirituality is on your everyday life and served as an amazing guide for me in times of despair/depression/fatigue. The author went through his own trials but found peace in being present in the moment. I also particularly love the chapter about finding your “yao”, or balance in life–because we’re all essentially looking for balance throughout our life and the faster we find it, the better our lives will be. No matter your religion or background, this book is an amazing must read.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swakecosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swakecosmetics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swake/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/swakecosmetics
