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August 19, 2025 73 mins

Today’s guest on Rise to More completely blew my mind. Dr. Simone Xavier isn't just another entrepreneur—she is one of the most remarkable minds behind one of the world’s biggest makeup brands, Sigma Beauty.

When I first heard her story—a veterinarian, infectious disease researcher, and professor who pivoted into beauty—I was fascinated. How does someone go from vaccines and bacterial diagnostics to building a global cosmetic brand?

As Simone revealed to me, it began very simply: with curiosity, intuition, and solving a problem. Simone and her engineer husband René had zero experience in beauty, yet found themselves bringing makeup brushes from the US to their friends and family in Brazil. René, noticing he could make better brushes himself, said, “I can do this better, cheaper.” And that’s how Sigma Beauty was born.

Seventeen years later, Sigma Beauty is everywhere—from Nordstrom to Neiman Marcus, from boutiques to Sephora shelves. But Simone didn't start by setting out to build a multi-million-dollar brand. She started by wanting better tools for herself. The first set of Sigma brushes—which Simone meticulously researched from YouTube makeup tutorials—sold out immediately, catapulting the brand overnight.

What moved me deeply during our conversation was Simone’s gentle yet powerful wisdom. She said simply, yet profoundly:

“I don't try to beat anyone. I want to inspire myself, inspire others. Everything I do is service, solving problems, bringing beauty and simplicity.”

We talked openly about her transition from a respected academic career to entrepreneurship. Simone admits the pivot felt natural, not fearful—she followed excitement, trust, and flow. Her research background empowered her to innovate in beauty, resulting in over 60 patents. From waterproof brushes to specialized cleaning tools, every Sigma product is deeply intentional—crafted with science, innovation, and love.

But what truly sets Simone apart isn’t just her trailblazing business savvy or her 60+ patents in the beauty space.

It’s her soul.

There was something deeper we discussed, too—Simone’s spiritual awakening. Her voice softened as she confessed, “I've never talked publicly about this.” She revealed that 2020 marked a profound shift, deepening her understanding of connectedness, quantum physics, and the power of visualization. She shared something I've always felt in my bones:

“I believe everyone is a mirror of myself. My energy matters. What I visualize manifests. I truly believe we create our reality.”

When I asked what “Rise to More” meant to her, Simone smiled gently:

“It means showing up authentically, consciously. Inspiring others, but staying humble, present, and true.”

Our conversation went beyond makeup and patents. We touched upon what it means to truly live authentically, consciously, and intentionally in a rapidly changing world.

Simone reminds us all that great success isn't about recognition or money—it's about fulfillment, genuine service, and staying deeply connected to our truth. Her brilliance, creativity, and heart are evident in everything she creates.

I hope Simone’s story lights something within you today—the possibility to pivot, innovate, and trust in your innate genius. We don’t have to chase success blindly; instead, let’s create joyfully, solve meaningful problems, and live consciously, intentionally connected.

Because when we rise consciously, the world rises with us. Simone, that was a moment I will never forget. That day in the studio, I met a new friend. Thank you for your heart.

Check out Sigma Beauty: https://sigmabeauty.com

Follow Dr Xavier on LinkedIn HERE



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jasnaburza.substack.com
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