Lisa Opie (@lisa_opie) started her first business with $17 in her pocket, and today she is the owner of two successful brands - Vizcaya Swimwear (@vizcayaswimwear) and LadyCode Cosmetics (@theladycodeshop), as well as an influencer with 1 million followers on Instagram. In her interview with L`Officiel Baltic 1000 Models, Lisa talked about her path to success and plans for the future.

You started your first business, the Vizcaya Swimwear brand, at the age of 20. Did you think that you would achieve such success?
Starting my first business, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vizcayaswimwear/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vizcaya Swimwear</a>, while I was working on my bachelors degree with only $17 in my pocket was definitely one of the most challenging things I have ever done, mostly because no one really took me seriously, but it was also incredibly exciting and empowering. I've always been a go-getter, so I knew that if I put in hard work and dedication, success would come, and it did! I never could have imagined that Vizcaya Swimwear would become the global brand it is today, but I'm incredibly grateful for all the experiences and opportunities that have come my way.
Please tell us about the Vizcaya Swimwear SS 2023 collection.
As for the Vizcaya Swimwear SS 2023 collection, I am so excited to share it with the world. The design team created a beautiful collection inspired by the Italian coast. This collection is all about bold, vibrant colors and playful prints that evoke the spirit of summer. We've used high-quality fabrics that feel luxurious and comfortable on the skin, and the styles range from classic bikinis to one-pieces with unexpected cutouts and details. I can't wait for everyone to see it!

How did your brand LadyCode Cosmetics come about? Which products are the hits of the brand and which ones do you like the most?
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theladycodeshop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LadyCode Cosmetics</a> came about because I saw a need for high-quality, affordable makeup that was also cruelty-free and vegan. As a beauty influencer and YouTuber, I&rsquo;ve tested and reviewed thousands of products and I still felt like certain products could be better. I used my earnings from YouTube to create a small collection of lashes and continued to reinvest in the brand to build it to what it is today. I'm so proud of the brand we've built and the products we offer. Our false color eyelashes have definitely been a hit, but I personally love our creamy lip liners, lash products, and eyeshadow palettes the most&hellip; and of course I can&rsquo;t live without my LadyCode SNATCHED palette!
Your brand also offers a very interesting Fringe Shades accessory. How did the idea of its creation come about?
The idea for the LadyCode Fringe Shades actually came from my love of fashion and accessories. I wanted to create something that was unique and versatile, that could be worn by anyone to elevate any outfit. Fringe Shades are statement sunglasses with gold and silver colorways that can be interchanged with different colors and styles. They're so much fun and always make a statement!

As an influencer you have worked with many brands. Cooperation with which of the brands you remember the most?
As an influencer, I've had the pleasure of working with many incredible brands, but the one that stands out the most to me is PrettyLittleThing. I've been a fan of their products for years, so to be able to collaborate with them was a dream come true. The team is also very friendly and I think that makes a huge difference for me to make my experience as an influencer a positive one.
What are your favorite fashion designers/brands?
When it comes to fashion, I'm drawn to designers and brands that are innovative and forward-thinking. Some of my favorites include Dior, Givenchy, and Dolce &amp; Gabbana. My stylist, Joey Rolon makes all of my looks absolutely incredible and when I am lucky enough for him to create a couture piece for me, I feel like a star.

You have 1 million followers on Instagram. Who are they - gender, age, occupation? Do you have enough time to communicate with them?
My followers on Instagram come from all walks of life - different genders, ages, and occupations. It's truly humbling to know that so many people are interested in my life and what I have to say. While it can be challenging to respond to every message and comment, I try my best to make time for my followers and engage with them as much as possible.
You work a lot, but at the same time give makeup lessons, help many women open their own cosmetic lines and salons. Why is it important for you to share your experience?
Sharing my experiences and knowledge is incredibly important to me because I believe that when one person succeeds, we all succeed. I want to empower other women to chase their dreams and build successful businesses, just like I did. Hearing success stories from my former students or even clients makes me so happy and I&rsquo;m grateful to have the opportunity to positively impact their lives.

You are a Japanese American. Is Japanese culture still present in your life in some way?
Japanese culture is definitely still present in my life. I grew up speaking Japanese and I'm proud of my heritage. I love exploring Japanese fashion and beauty trends, visiting my family there as much as I can, and I also enjoy cooking Japanese food at home.
Among your hobbies, peaceful Pilates goes hand in hand with rather risky rock climbing. How risky are you in general? Tell us about the most exciting thing you have ever done in your life.
I would say that I'm a risk-taker, but I always make sure to weigh the pros and cons before making any decisions. One of the most exciting things I've ever done was swimming with wild Manta Rays in the Indian Ocean - it was an adrenaline rush like no other!

Tell us about your professional and personal dreams.
My professional dreams include continuing to grow and expand my brands, as well as exploring new ventures in the fashion and beauty industries. I just started a few new ventures, with one being a very exciting partnership with an innovative beauty product called Mysture. On a personal level, I hope to travel more and experience new cultures. And of course, I hope to inspire and empower as many people as possible along the way.

Model: LISA OPIE @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lisa_opie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lisa_opie</a>
Photography: THE CODE CREATIVES @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecodecreatives/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thecodecreatives</a>
Videography: KONA CAM @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/konacamofficial/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">konacamofficial</a>
Production: KHRISTIAN MATEOS @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/khristianmateos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">khristianmateos</a>
Styling: JOEY ROLON @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/joeyrolon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joeyrolon</a>
Makeup: BEAUTY BY LADYCODE @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/beautybyladycode/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">beautybyladycode</a>
Hair color: JOSE CHAVEZ @JC__hair
Hair styling: SABINA KARAC @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sabinakbeauty/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sabinakbeauty</a>
Nails: ARACELLYS ESPINAL @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/altar_beauty_byaracellys" target="_blank" rel="noopener">altar_beauty_byaracellys</a>
Art Director: KAMITHA SLOAN
PR: SAY__MEDIA @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/say__media/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">say__media</a>

Lisa Opie: « I want to empower other women to chase their dreams»

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