Sophia Hutchins Gives Advice to Budding Entrepreneurs
Sophia Hutchins, Caitlyn Jenner’s manager and former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, chatted with Showbiz Cheat Sheet about her new sunscreen line, Lumasol. She also gave advice to budding entrepreneurs. Here’s part two of our chat.
Showbiz Cheat Sheet: How did you get your start as an entrepreneur?
Sophia Hutchins: My educational background is in economics. Right after graduating from Pepperdine in 2017, I was approached by Caitlyn Jenner to manage her, and I have served as CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation. Originally, I had planned to move to New York to work in finance, but then I realized I could start my own company with my background.
CS: What was one of your biggest career mistakes and how did you recover?
SH: Fortunately, I have had extraordinarily strong mentors in my life. I think my mistakes are most apparent, and I know I feel them the most, when I don’t chat with my mentors first. I feel like because I am so young, I haven’t had a ‘biggest career mistake’ yet. It is super important to be careful of the messages and signals you send as an employer in the public sphere. One slip up in the press can define you, unfortunately. I work very hard to cross my t’s and dot my i’s.
CS: What has been the highlight of your career so far and why?
SH: Launching Lumasol has been the highlight of my career to date. About a year ago, I went to venture capitalists and pitched the idea for an SPF line which has evolved a lot since then. I was able to raise $3 million quickly and built out a team. I’ve been grateful for the response to the brand thus far even with COVID-19. It’s been an exciting experience from idea to concept and actuality.
CS: What advice would you give someone who wants to be like you and follow your career path?
SH: Don’t let people’s preconceived notions about you stop you from following your dreams. When I was raising funds for Lumasol, several venture capitalists doubted my ability to run a company, build supply chain, etc. I want to show others that you can be sexy and also run a company.
CS: Anything to add?
SH: The opportunity at such a young age to lead is a privilege and is not something I take lightly. I am reminded of my age when I go to events that my investors hold, and I am always the youngest CEO there. That feeling of brewing the youngest excites me for the future! I am humbled by that feeling, but at the same time, I never forget the responsibility I have to my investors, customers, and employees.
Read more: Sophia Hutchins Tells Us About Her New Business
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