Meet the Entrepreneur: Sophie Jansen
In this monthly Q&A series, we shine a spotlight on the inspiring (student) entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the IQONIC community. We present them a number of thought-provoking questions and ask them to reveal fun facts about themselves and their businesses. These stories serve as a source of inspiration for others and showcase the thriving entrepreneurial culture that IQONIC nurtures. This month we would like to introduce you to Sophie Jansen!
Q: Sophie, could you introduce yourself and your company?
A: My name is Sophie Jansen, and I am 23 years old. Currently, I'm a third-year student in the Bachelor's program 'Entrepreneurship & Business Innovation' at Tilburg University. I own 'Cosm.Ethics Bar', a beauty brand that distinguishes itself through its sustainable and vegan products. Our motto, 'Beauty with a conscience', is something we strive for by using bamboo reusable packaging and providing vegan ingredients with ingredient cards instead of boxes, all while maintaining affordability and good quality.
I launched this business about three years ago, coinciding with the onset of COVID in the Netherlands. It was my exam year, but all exams were canceled, leaving me with a lot of spare time. At that time, I was working at a wine bar, which also had to close due to the pandemic. I knew I would be starting my studies in August at a university of applied sciences, which at that time was Windesheim in Zwolle. They offered a special program called Business College, allowing students with a business to earn study points through their enterprise. I started my business partly because of this program and partly because I recognized the need for more sustainable beauty products. Entrepreneurship runs in my family; both my parents and my grandfather were entrepreneurs. So, it's in my genes. That's how I got started! Two years later, I switched schools and began selling my products officially.
‘Beauty with a conscience’ is my motto Sophie
Q: If you could choose any celebrity to collaborate with on your cosmetic line, who would be your dream partner, and what kind of product would you create together?
A: I would choose Gisele Bündchen. She's an internationally renowned supermodel and an environmental activist, embodying the ideal match for my brand. Gisele is a self-made career woman with extensive experience in beauty and fashion, and she is deeply committed to the future of our planet. Her long-standing presence in the industry makes her appealing to both younger and more mature audiences. I would love to co-create a skincare line with her. Gisele has fantastic skin and follows an elaborate skincare routine. Collaborating with someone of her stature would signify a significant milestone for my brand.
Q: Where do you hope to see your business in 5 years?
A: I hope to see my products in numerous beauty stores, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, I aim to open my own store offering product refills and fostering overall brand recognition. My goal is also to inspire many women to venture into entrepreneurship. Although entrepreneurship is often perceived as a male-dominated field, statistics show that women are more likely to succeed when they start their own businesses. This demonstrates our capability in this arena. Therefore, to the women reading this article who are contemplating starting their own ventures, I say go for it!
Seeing all these different entrepreneurs in my surroundings through IQONIC inspires me in various ways, and I think that's very valuable Sophie
Q: How would you describe your brand in just three words?
A: Sustainable, future-oriented, and affordable!
'Sustainable' because our products and materials are eco-friendly. 'Future-oriented' as my brand aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will become increasingly significant. 'Affordable' because our products are priced accessibly, unlike top brands in the makeup industry that often charge double our rates.
Q: What is the most important lesson you learned as an entrepreneur?
A: You have to actively pursue every opportunity yourself; you can't just wait for them to come to you. And when an opportunity does come, seize it immediately, otherwise it might slip away. Another thing that I have learned is that with everyone in your surroundings you can find some type of inspiration. Even if these people aren't in the same field I am in or use makeup at all. Seeing all these different entrepreneurs in my surroundings through IQONIC inspires me in various ways, and I think that's very valuable.
Want to know more about Sophie or Cosm.Ethics.Bar? Visit their website