Trailblazer — Dominique Sensabaugh

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”-Walt Disney

Linda Hope is a woman on a mission. She is determined to change the world and impact the lives of those she cares about in a powerful and inspiring way. A proud Dominicana from Miami, Florida with an entrepreneurial spirit that has allowed her to combine her passion for business, beauty, travel, and wellness in her current role as Managing Director at Beautycounter. This supermom is a natural problem solver who has found the formula on how to balance life as a loving mom, driven entrepreneur and serve as a caring wife with intentionality and strategy. Because of these innate qualities, it is no surprise that after only three years of joining Beautycounter and advocating for their mission of getting safer products into the hands of everyone, she has thrived in the company. As Managing Director, she serves as a national trainer, brand ambassador and supports independent consultants in North America and Canada as a business coach to their own growing empires.

A graduate of Florida A&M University, Linda has a passion for empowering her community and advocating on behalf of meaningful initiatives. Her newly founded organization, Motherless Queens focuses on supporting young women who have experienced the loss of their mothers.

As one of my longtime friends, I could not help but express gratitude for how far we both have come as women. We share a passion for serving people and most importantly, seeing women rise to their potential for greatness. During the beginning years of our friendship, we worked hard to grow our individual interests. Myself, with my annual Happy Birthday Dominique community service project and Dominique Sensabaugh Lifestyle Brand and Linda as she built her Beautycounter empire.

One thing I love about Linda is her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to embrace successful business opportunities. During my time in Nashville, as we sat down for brunch, we shared laughter over delicious sweet potato pancakes at the historic landmark, Woolworth on 5th. She and I were able to catch up on her current endeavors, one of which is her family’s most recent investment in this Nashville gem.

In 1925, Woolworth opened as a lunch counter, however, in the South, the Jim Crow laws of the 1890s prohibited African Americans from eating at these public lunch counters. Generations of African Americans grew up without being able to enjoy the this popular American ritual. On February 27, 1960, that was about to change. Over 100 African American college students sought to challenge this unjust practice of segregation at restaurants and lunch counters. Political rights leaders like Congressman John Lewis spearheaded the student- led movement that drew hundreds of student protesters leading to multiple arrests and national media attention.

Almost 125 years later after Woolworth opened its doors, Linda and her husband, businessman, entrepreneur and former All- Pro NFL Cornerback, Chris Hope, joined the investment team to renovate and reopen the doors of Woolworth. I could not help but chuckle at how 60 years ago two women like ourselves would have been banned from this historic lunch counter. Today, we are not only seated in the dining room but, one of us has secured ownership and THAT is the definition of greatness.

As we laughed and reminisced over the delicious Southern Cuisine, I quickly learned what fuels and sustains Linda’s unwavering drive and discipline.

DS: What was your “ah ha moment?” How does it feel to be a leader for a company like Beautycounter? How does it feel to know you are motivating the masses to take action towards achieving their dreams?

LH: It is EXCITING! I’ve always considered myself a trailblazer and trendsetter, so leading is first nature for me. When I learned about the company’s mission and what they were setting out to do, I knew I had to be a part of the movement for better beauty. Plus, I’m a beauty “snob!” Lending my voice to this clean beauty movement was the best way to contribute to an industry I fell in love with at a very young age.

When I joined Beautycounter, I had no idea that God would use this opportunity as a way for me to motivate others to pursue their dreams. I learned that my family and friends were at risk every time they used products that were not good for their health and I wanted to empower them with information to help them choose safer alternatives. Not only do I want to protect my family, I want the absolute best for them.

DS: At what moment did you realize that you could make a living pursuing your passion and purpose?

LH: It was 8 months into launching my Beautycounter business, they announced an incentive to take the top Consultants in each state to Washington, DC to lobby for the Personal Care Products Safety Act. The mission is why I choose Beautycounter and this was my opportunity to speak on behalf of my community. I was determined to win. I knew the uphill climb would be challenging as I was attempting to lead in one of the top performing states on the books. I made the decision to relentlessly go for it and I went to work. I came in #1 in the state of Tennessee. Through lots of prayers, positive thinking, and the support of my incredible community, WE WON. Not only did I gain an experience of a lifetime by participating in our democracy, but it was the most professionally fulfilled that I’ve ever felt in my life. The icing on the cake was I earned my first 10K check since retiring from Real Estate. I was proud and my tithing check that month was strong! That next month, I withdrew from Interior Design School and decided to pursue my business with Beautycounter wholeheartedly. Aside from marrying my husband, embarking on my career with Beautycounter has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

DS: Your advice to young women aspiring to achieve similar career goals? Those that want to break barriers and achieve things that others could never fathom?

LH: Connect with your passion. Your passion will force you to step outside of your comfort zone. Your passion is that thing you want so bad that you’re willing to become uncomfortable for.

Second, consider how your talents, strengths, and gifts can contribute to the pursuit of your passion and how your weaknesses may hinder you. What comes naturally to you? What do you love to do? I love helping women feel really good about themselves. I enjoy being a part of a team and watching those around me succeed.

Third, find an opportunity that aligns with your gifts and is the solution to your passion. Beautycounter was a perfect fit for me because I was looking for something fun, financially rewarding, fulfilling and flexible. Find something that checks off all your boxes. Always settle for more.

Lastly, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. You are the only person that can make it happen or not. Only you can usher yourself to your dreams or stop yourself from achieving your goals. Get out of your head. Do not allow yourself to talk YOU out of everything you deserve. I wasn’t always as loving to myself. There were things I’d say to myself that are too embarrassing repeat. To replace my negative thoughts, I had to remind myself of who God said I was and practiced lots of positive affirmations.

To follow this amazing entrepreneur and her journey as she disrupts the beauty industry visit her via social @LINDADHOPE and watch her in action via the DSLb youtube channel below.

Edited by Joy Davis

Phenomenal Video Created by @thevisuallyricist

Boss Up

Jack of all Tastes

Driven

A Powerful Voice

Winning