For the last few years, I have met so many inspiring people and would love to share a sip of them. Let's have a cocktail with Sophie. 

Hey! Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
My name is Sophie Hennekens, I am 26 years old, Dutch but grew up in Belgium. I have been living in Amsterdam for the last 8 years. I moved to Amsterdam for my studies and fell in love with the city.

I’ve always loved beauty and makeup, I even did a makeup artist degree next to my business studies because I loved it so much. After my bachelor I worked in social media and online marketing for a year. I didn’t like working for somebody else and felt very restricted in my creativity and capacities. So I decided to go for a master degree. During the covid pandemic I had just graduated and didn’t know what to do yet. I for sure knew I wanted to start my own company. My best friend Chiara and I were always looking for new ways to improve our own beauty routine, so when selftan became the topic, everything fell into place. 

How did you come up with the idea for the ROQUEBRUN.? And how did you start?
We met during our bachelor studies in Amsterdam and quickly became friends. During the vacations there was always a difference between us. As one would easily get sun burns with no tan results and would therefore protect her skin with SPF, while sitting in the shadows. The other would use a tanning oil in the sun with the motto today a sunburn is a nice tan tomorrow. However, after some time little sun damages appeared on her skin. A new reality set in, where we both would watch out and protect our skin from the damages of the sun. We noticed that not all our friends are aware of the potential damages and risks that come from the sun. So, we wanted to spread the word and protect them! Over the last years we have been using self-tanning products in order to protect our skin. However, these products would quite often irritate the skin due to lower quality ingredients and in some cases even toxic ingredients that dry out the skin. Furthermore, most self-tanning products contain a guide color, leaving stains on the clothes and bed sheets. It seemed like there was no win-win situation where a nice golden glow was achieved without any damages or irritations to the skin. And that is how ROQUEBRUN. was created. GO SUNLESS! 

What do you love most about what you do?  
I love the fact that I can decide what and when I want to do something. If I have a nice idea I only have to discuss it with Chiara and we can quickly start to roll the plan out. I love the fact that things can go fast and don’t take time because they have to go through management layers. The freedom to decide and choose your own brand is very special! It can be hard but it is so worth it!

How do you stir things up?
I try to let everyday be different! Which is a very special thing to decide what activity you want to do that day. Of course there are always certain deadlines but you can schedule in a smart way! Chiara and I try to reflect every once in a while to see what we have achieved. Sometimes as a business owner you can forget to really appreciate what you have achieved! So it's important to celebrate the big moments.

What is your favorite cocktail?
My favorite cocktail is a basil smash. Its basil leaves shaken with sugar water and vodka. I LOVE IT.

What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to have a full factory and R&D. To be a big name in the beauty industry would be super cool, business women of the year award would also be a nice bonus ;)

What’s the best advice you have ever received? 
The best advice I have every received is don’t wait for success. You have to work for it, if you want something. So just start and go for it!