Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Vicknair.
Hi Rachel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I created Leopara to address a major frustration that I repeatedly faced as a frequent traveler and self-proclaimed ‘Glamazon’ … bad makeup lighting. As a global beauty educator and world traveler, I’ve stayed in all tiers of hotels … from luxury resorts to quaint boutique B&B’s, and no matter the amenities, makeup-appropriate lighting was never good enough or where it needed to be.
As a former professional dancer/film/TV talent, I’ve had my makeup done by professional artists backstage on for shows, before hitting the court and on numerous film & TV sets. I’ve experienced the best of the best in professional makeup lighting. And the crummy, dim-lighted mirror in the hotel simply does not cut it. We travel for some of life’s biggest moments, and we deserve a “get-ready” experience that parallels that.
I was tired of having to sacrifice the joy of getting ready and deal with less-than-flawless makeup applications when I traveled because of bad lighting. One weekend in Vegas while sitting on the floor applying makeup under terrible, yellow overhead lighting, the idea came to me … a true ‘light bulb’ moment 😉 I just knew I had to create this product.
With Leopara, I’ve combined professional makeup lighting specifications with travel-friendly features to create the most effective travel lighting solution on the market. It’s our mission to change the way the world gets glam and empower makeup-wearers in front of any mirror, anywhere.
I left my corporate beauty career in 2016, filed the patent and began my quest to create the world’s 1st take-anywhere lighting system that checked all the boxes that other lighting solutions did not. After 2 years of working with lighting professionals, engineers, fellow makeup-wearers and testing rounds of prototypes and system configurations, Leopara was launched in 2018 is finally traveling the world and changing the travel makeup game for ‘Glamazons’ everywhere.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth as extra chunky peanut butter. I have yet to meet an inventor with a smooth road to product launch, ESPECIALLY in hardware. Hardware is just that … hard. It’s a ton of experimentation, trial and error. It’s been extra challenging given I’m not an engineer or product manufacturer by trade. The learning curve has been immense. I’ve had struggles with manufacturing delays, wrong components, deviations from approved samples, etc. Some real nightmares that caused me tearful and sleepless nights.
However, you quickly learn that obstacles, mistakes and struggles are an important part of the entrepreneurial journey. There is no instruction manual to creating something that never existed … which can also be quite exhilarating! The key is learning how to address, correct and pivot as quickly and efficiently as possible. No struggle along my journey ever made me doubt what I was creating, and this, in turn, acted as my fuel to keep pushing forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of Leopara. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Life’s biggest moments begin in front of the mirror … job interviews, girls’ nights out, important meetings, romantic getaways. Unfortunately, if the lighting is bad, the mood can quickly go from excitement to stress and frustration. Bad lighting not only leads to bad makeup application but it also very unflattering and can lower our self-esteem before the makeup goes on. Before these big moments, we deserve to feel confident, empowered and happy so that we put our best face forward.
Leopara is dedicated to helping makeup-wearers feel like glamorous powerhouses, every time they’re in front of the mirror.
We are the innovators of the world’s 1st and only patented, portable lighting system that transforms any mirror into a glamour haven. Leopara is compact, wireless and mirror-mountable, so you can live glam and travel ‘light’ without the hassles of cords or bulky equipment. Leopara features face-framing, bright, daylight LEDs we’ve termed GlamPanels. Our beloved GlamPanels mount and re-mount to any mirror using nanosuction technology for endless uses. They remove with ease and leave no residue. The GlamPanels are also rechargeable, and the System includes a 4-in-1 USB charging cord for charging ease and a cute travel case.
Our newest launch, Leopara Studio, not only holds your lights, but holds all your cosmetics, plus a mirror-mountable brush cup to neatly keep your brushes within reach during your glam session.
Leopara is a true game-changer, and you will wonder how you ever got glam without it.
Some of our proudest moments include receiving our patent … which it’s important to note that less than 12% of patent holders are women! Leopara has been featured by FabFitFun, The View, WWD, The Wendy Show and on Bravo TV (Real Housewives, Southern Charm NOLA). Our clientele includes celebrity makeup artists, influencers, entertainers, musicians and everyday makeup-wearers alike. But honestly, every time a customer posts a pic of Leopara or leaves us a glowing review, I feel extremely proud of what we’ve created and it’s a sensation that is incredibly fulfilling.
What were you like growing up?
A dancer since the age of 2, I was definitely a girl who loved ‘the spotlight’ and could always be found making up dance routines with friends and performing in front of any audience I could find. I think the term is “a ham.” I was never really shy and LOVED being in front of the camera … there are many videos from my childhood that involve may dad filming my sisters on Christmas morning and me walking in front of them to get camera time. It’s now a running joke in my family.
My mom was a seamstress for hobby for dance recitals and Mardi Gras events (I’m from a small town outside of New Orleans), and I would help her put sequins and trim on costumes. I was always very crafty and creative and even did a bit of sewing myself. I’ve always loved making things, and this has definitely impacted and benefitted me as an Inventor today.
I was also always looking for ways to make money … a true entrepreneur from the start. I used to make neon loom bracelets (if anyone remembers those?) and hair scrunchies and go door-to-door selling them. I remember once I had my mom make coffee cake for me and my friend for our business meeting … because for some reason, I thought coffee cake meant I was a serious business 😉 I once cleaned up old bikes in my garage and sat outside all day and sold them so I could buy myself a camping tent and Jansport schoolbag.
So basically, I’m not much different today … I still love the glam, still a ham and still finding ways to make a living doing what I love while helping others live glamorously, too.
Pricing:
- Bestseller! Leopara GLOW Makeup Lighting System – $84
- Leopara DUO Makeup Lighting System – $54
- Leopara STUDIO Makeup Lighting & Carryall System – $118
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Leopara.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leoparabeauty/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leoparabeauty/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLryR4uNYHdWcBlVN2ned-g?app=desktop
Image Credits
TOSH MONDAY
