Daily Inspiration: Meet Sophie Stanley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Stanley.

Hi Sophie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing prom makeup out of my bedroom when I was 15. I loved creating looks that complemented each dress — when everything came together, it felt like magic. As I built relationships with local photographers, makeup artists, and hairstylists, I gradually stepped into the wedding industry. My weekends quickly filled with early mornings, travel, homework, and lots of brush washing.

After high school, I moved to Savannah, GA to pursue a BFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design. While there, I discovered a deep love for working on photo and fashion sets. Collaborating with other creatives to bring a vision to life was thrilling, and it sparked my passion for art direction. I started exploring other disciplines — taking courses in sound design, photography, acting, and fashion — to better understand the roles on set and communicate my ideas more clearly.

Now, I’m preparing to graduate in June with a major in Business of Beauty and Fragrance and a minor in Fashion Marketing and Management. Makeup and beauty will always be the heart of what I do, but I’m excited to step further into the world of art direction — especially for brand campaigns where storytelling and visuals meet.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges in my makeup career has been living with Essential Tremor. I’ve always had shaky hands and just assumed it was normal — it wasn’t until last year that I was officially diagnosed and started pharmaceutical treatment. Having answers made a huge difference. Understanding why my body does what it does helped me manage the symptoms more effectively, both physically and mentally.

My tremor can make certain parts of my job really difficult — like opening products, speaking clearly, or applying fine details like individual lashes or gems. But instead of stepping away from beauty, I leaned in. My senior capstone project, Frei Beauty, is my dream-child of a solution. It’s a brand focused on creating accessible beauty tools for people with hand tremors and mobility challenges. I’d love to see the industry move in that direction — making beauty truly for everyone.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My passion lies in crafting a clear, cohesive creative vision — and bringing together a community to bring it to life. Whether it’s a brand film or an editorial photoshoot, I’m most proud of the work I’ve directed. I love storytelling that leans into the unexpected, the weird, and the wildly expressive.

One of my favorite recent projects was a spec ad I created for a fashion film class. We cranked the absurdity all the way up — rented a glittering butterfly costume, sourced a pink guitar, filmed in an abandoned amphitheater, smashed the guitar on camera, and smeared makeup across the model’s face. It was chaotic, expressive, and visually unforgettable — and it really captured the kind of work I love to do.

What sets me apart is my resourcefulness and constant creative motion. I’m always exploring new ideas and finding ways to make them come to life, even with limited resources. I love turning unconventional concepts into something meaningful and beautiful.

Any big plans?
After graduation, my goal is to move to San Francisco and work in art direction. I’m excited to step into a space where I can collaborate with others to tell meaningful, visually compelling stories. Whether it’s in tech, fashion, or beauty, I’m open — I just want to be in a creative environment where ideas come to life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sophilooks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophilooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophilooks/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-stanley-3b315a192/