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International Women's Day Special: Mentorship and Empowerment in Entrepreneurship

International Women's Day Special: Mentorship and Empowerment in Entrepreneurship featuring Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder of OPI and Iram Shelton, OPI brand ambassador.

Discover wisdom from Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, 1st Lady of Nails, and Iram Shelton, OPI Global Ambassador. Explore insights on passion, mentorship, and intuition in entrepreneurship. Celebrate impactful journeys this International Women's Day with OPI's finest.

OPI: What is your best advice for those entrepreneurs or those who are looking to start a business?

Suzi: Always be Passionate and believe in what you want to do and go for it! I'd recommend trying to find a mentor. They have great experience and advice within the industry and are a great resource to speak with for help and support. Always listen to your own instincts because most of the time you're right. And remember, that there will be many bumpy roads along the way so ensure you learn from them! Remember to own up to your mistakes, take accountability and move forward even stronger than before. If you're selling a product for example, take on the feedback and make changes and improvements to refine them. The important thing is to always keep going!

OPI: If your were stranded on an island, which shade would you bring with you?

Suzi: “I’m Not Really A Waitress” is the one for me. It gives me hope that I would get off an island. This colour represents to me that I can be anything I want to be, and that I can enjoy or do in life whether it's a waitress or more!

OPI: This IWD’s theme is #InspireInclusion. What does Inclusion mean to you?

Iram: The feeling of belonging and being heard regardless of your background, values or differences.

OPI: Do you feel any stigmas about the nail industry exist that we should be debunking?

Iram: That the job of a nail artist isn’t considered as important as hair & makeup and were often overlooked as artists when in reality we provide a specialist service which takes a lot of skill to perfect. It shouldn’t be an afterthought when it comes to glam. It should be listed as a priority like hair & makeup.

OPI: Who are the women who inspire you in your life?

My mother in law. She’s always told me to take every opportunity that comes my way and has taught me that you’ll never be too old &/or it’s never too late to start over or to learn something new.

OPI: What OPI shade to you feels empowering/uplifting?

Iram: "Got the Blues for Red" is definitely a shade that makes me feel empowered. I know it’s not a typical colour you’d associate with uplifting your mood as it’s quite dark but there’s just something about it that makes me feel happy. I think it’s the overall feeling it gives me when I wear it. I just feel confident and sexy!

OPI: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring nail techs or influencers to become the best version of themselves?

Iram: Be true to who you are and pave the way for others. You don’t need to necessarily fit in with everyone else or be like anyone else to be the best version of yourself.

Be sure to follow Suzi Weiss-Fischmann @1stladyofcolors and Iram Shelton @iramshelton on Instagram!