Founder of the natural cosmetics company Soi-Bio, Sophie Lefebvre is keen to create a beauty range that meets the needs of today’s women, as well as promoting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Bubbly, lively and inspiring, she answered our #Girlboss questionnaire!
Are you a early bird or a night owl?
Morning. It’s not by choice, but because of my two little ones. I like to get up with them and be there when they leave for school. It’s a good start to my day! So it depends, but for me, being up at 6 am is being a early bird!
What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
Definitely my Louboutin’s! It’s great since I can wear these shoes with anything. Very chic with a dress or casual with jeans.
Who is your female role model?
My friend, Isabelle. I wonder how she can be so organized and succeed in managing everything perfectly. She even finds time to organize the people around her! That’s one of her strengths. To me, she’s a superwoman with real powers. Always beautiful and cheerful. Her children have good manners, and her house (in fact, all of her houses!) are impeccable. She excels at the office, as well as in her modeling career. She inspires me immensely.
Flats or heels?
Flats in the daytime and heels in the evening. I make exceptions if the people I am with are less than 5 feet. I try to adjust as much as possible to their size since I am tall enough. On the other hand, if I go out with good friends, I wear my highest heels. My boyfriend and I are almost the same size, and I love our Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise look, so I wear high heels when we go out together.
What makes you smile?
Life! I thank life for all that it offers me. I savour every little moment of happiness that comes my way.
In your opinion, what is the hardest thing women have to face in 2018?
I am glad to see that things are changing slowly. There is always the stereotype of the woman who has to do the dishes, the housekeeping, etc. while the man works and brings the money back home. We are more and more free to make our own life choices. We are the Girlbosses of our destiny.
Pay equity is also a challenge for women. A man who’s going to negotiate a raise with his boss is going to pursue it aggressively, whereas women tend to be afraid. They will bet lower to be sure that they get it. It’s a pity, because we work as hard as men do.
There is another subject that saddens me immensely, which is violence against women. It’s totally unacceptable. The thing that breaks my heart is genital mutilation. In 2016, more than 200 million women were excised worldwide; 44 million were girls under the age of 15. However, mutilation is illegal in most countries of the world. Many organizations are advocating for its global abolition. It’s a sad reality.
Where would you like to go on your next trip?
I don’t like traveling around the world too much. I get homesick. I prefer to have a stable second home in a destination that I like so that I can go often and for as long as possible (during school breaks of course). I’m heading to the Bahamas to stay in my new condo. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful island destinations.
Do you have a life motto?
Yes, I created Soi-Bio aromacosmetic to offer people the opportunity to use the most natural, cruelty free and eco-responsible cosmetics possible. My motto is to encourage local entrepreneurs as much as I can to promote the Quebec market.
What’s the one product that’s always in your purse?
My Soi-Bio-Mint Antibacterial Gel. I spray it everywhere! Since I travel a lot on planes, I always bring five or six of them and apply it on my hands, my tablet, my backrest, the arms of the seat, etc. At this point, the flight attendant usually says’ Oh! It smells like the spa! What is it?’ So then I have enough to distribute around me and it makes everyone very happy. It also allows me to get to know new people!
What is a fact about you that would surprise others?
I am so transparent, it is sometimes difficult. Ha and yes, I do get to relax sometimes, you know!
What changes concerning women would you like to see in 2018?
I would like women to trust natural cosmetology more and more. We absorb so many chemicals, whether it is through the skin, in the air, in the food, etc. The quality of Quebec products are beautiful. I would like women to try more of them.
What advice would you give to women today?
Go ahead, girls! Live your dreams. Surround yourself with people who motivate you and trust yourself.
What would you like to do more often?
I would like to spend more time with my family and friends. These people are very important to me. I would also like to exercise more to take care of myself to be able to live to be old and healthy!
