Pursuit 365 Day 89: LeiLani Kopp

LeiLani, has created global change in her business, and has been awarded some high honours regarding her contribution to the movement towards Better Beauty for your Health and the Planet! Best sustainable skincare Canadian Biz award, CBRB best biz in Canada, as well as a nomination for LuxLife Health and Wellness, all for 2022.

From LeiLani’s pro bono work, she created potent, plant powered complexion products infused with skincare that treat and benefit the skin.

You can plan for a certain future and end up in a totally different place. In my case, although I didn’t change career fields, a big pivot created a business that changed my journey.

Sometimes when you can’t find a solution to something, you just have to create it yourself.

Staying flexible and open to new possibilities can lead to great things, as can hard work.

I never set out to have a business; I work in film/TV as a makeup/hair artist. I certainly had no business background. Through my pro bono work with burn/cancer/trauma surgeons, I was simply trying to solve a difficult problem for these patients. Little did I know that Sweet LeiLani Cosmetics would be one of first of its kind on the market, ahead of the curve in what clean beauty means for women today.

If you’re looking to start, pivot, or grow a business, your opportunities may come when you least expect it. Heighten your senses for the areas within your own life that could use a little boost to start.

My story is a clear example of perseverance and of what can be achieved with determination. The struggle I experienced in my early years with surgeons telling me, “it was just makeup, these patients need to get on with their lives.” Meanwhile, husbands would hug me crying, saying their wives would go out in public again. Over and over I would hear how this makeup was giving them their lives back. These patients humbled and inspired me. I couldn’t give up; I knew there was a need to take my products to market. Don’t question it, just do it! Determination will yield results—even if it takes a few years.

The road to success isn’t an easy one. You’ll experience hardship, obstacles, detractors, and decisions that seem impossible. But with smart planning and a great idea you believe in, you can get yourself on the road to success.

In a world where there is more intention behind consumer purchase than ever, I am most proud of my commitment to community by building a purpose driven company. Forge your own path; no one else will do this for you!