Roxanne Sylvia turned an early passion for beauty into a thriving entrepreneurial journey that spans multiple brands and markets. What started with understanding faces, skin tones, and client needs evolved into a bigger mission: building businesses that empower women, celebrate diversity, and create lasting impact. From navigating early challenges to scaling with strategy, Roxanne’s story is one of vision, resilience, and turning passion into an empire.
“Beauty was my entry point, but empowering women became my mission.”
What inspired you to turn your passion for beauty into multiple thriving startups?
Beauty was my entry point, but entrepreneurship was always the bigger calling. I started very young, working with different faces, skin tones, climates, and personalities, and I realised beauty wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was about confidence, self-belief, and opportunity.
As I grew, I saw how one skill could evolve into multiple businesses when paired with intention and strategy. Each brand I’ve built came from a real need I experienced first-hand, whether as an artist, a consumer, or a founder navigating growth.
How did you identify gaps in the market that your brands could fill?
I’ve always paid attention to friction and what didn’t work. From makeup that couldn’t survive humidity, to bridal wear that felt inaccessible or outdated, to entrepreneurs lacking real, practical guidance.
I listened closely to clients, watched purchasing behaviour, and tested small before scaling. Those gaps weren’t theoretical; they were lived experiences that my brands were designed to solve.
Which early business challenge taught you the most about entrepreneurship?
Learning that passion alone doesn’t sustain a business, systems do.
Early on, I did everything myself, which led to burnout and bottlenecks. That phase taught me the importance of delegation, cash flow discipline, and building repeatable processes. It was uncomfortable but foundational; it shifted me from being a service provider to becoming a business owner.
How do you leverage technology and social media to scale your businesses?
Technology allows me to scale without being physically present. From e-commerce platforms and TikTok Live selling to CRM systems, digital funnels, and automation, everything is designed to reduce dependency on me.
Social media, especially, has been powerful, it’s not just marketing, it’s real-time market research, storytelling, and community-building rolled into one.
What’s one risk you took that transformed your brand trajectory?
Betting on myself, financially and strategically. There were moments where I reinvested everything back into inventory, branding, or expansion when playing safe would’ve felt easier.
Those risks forced clarity, sharpened my decision-making, and accelerated growth. Playing small would’ve been the bigger risk.
How do you ensure your products and services reflect the needs of diverse customers?
Diversity isn’t an afterthought, it’s the starting point. I test products on multiple skin tones, work with varied body types, and listen deeply to feedback from different markets.
Growing up and working across regions taught me that inclusivity isn’t about trends; it’s about respect and representation in every detail.
Can you share a story where your startup directly empowered a woman entrepreneur or client?
One that stays with me is a client who started as a makeup student with no confidence and limited resources. Through training, mentorship, and real exposure, she built her own client base and eventually launched her own service business.
Watching that transformation, from self-doubt to independence, reminded me why I build beyond profit.
How do you prioritize innovation while maintaining brand integrity?
I innovate within my values. Trends come and go, but brand identity should be consistent.
Every new product, collaboration, or platform expansion has to align with quality, intention, and long-term vision. Innovation without integrity dilutes trust—and trust is the real currency of any brand.
What are the key habits or routines that keep you productive and inspired as a founder?
I protect my mornings, plan my weeks intentionally, and separate creative time from operational work. I also regularly audit what only I should be doing versus what can be delegated.
Inspiration comes from execution, momentum fuels motivation, not the other way around.
Looking ahead, what new markets or ventures are you most excited to explore?
I’m excited about expanding into international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, and scaling digital education products that empower entrepreneurs beyond beauty.
Building systems that allow women to create income, independence, and legacy is where I see the future of my work.
