Breaking Barriers with Blush: Harper Sohal’s Journey from Corporate Life to Creative Queen

From the vibrant heart of Surrey, BC to the dazzling stages of international beauty and fashion, Harper Sohal’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. The founder of Pink Orchid Studio, Harper Sohal sat down with Tinds for an exclusive and heartwarming interview, sharing her story of passion, resilience, and vision.

In this exclusive feature, we dive into 15 revealing questions that uncover Harper Sohal’s journey, insights, and aspirations:

TINDS: Can you tell us about your childhood and where you grew up?

Harp: I was born and raised in Surrey, BC in an immigrant household filled with love, chaos, and strong female figures. Growing up in a joint family with grandparents, cousins, and siblings taught me the values of hard work, family, and unconditional love.

TINDS: What was your academic journey like?

Harp: I was never academically inclined, but my parents believed in education. I studied at Kwantlen University College while working at BCAA to pay off my tuition. That job led me into the insurance world where I thrived in sales and corporate roles, but deep down, I felt unfulfilled.

TINDS: What inspired the creation of Pink Orchid Studio?

Harp: Pink Orchid was born from pure passion. I started doing makeup on the side while working full-time. Though it wasn’t a popular career path in the South Asian community, I knew I could change the narrative and glamorize it. And that’s exactly what we did.

TINDS: What role did your family play in your entrepreneurial journey?

Harp: My family, especially my husband and in-laws, were instrumental. Their belief in me allowed me to pursue my passion wholeheartedly. They knew I’d give it my all, and their support has been the backbone of everything I’ve built.

TINDS: What’s the story behind Harper Living?

Harp: As I matured and had children, I grew into new passions—home décor, cooking, and fashion. My followers kept asking about my lifestyle, so I created Harper Living as a blog and brand where they could find a piece of me.

TINDS: How do you incorporate cultural traditions with modern beauty trends?

Harp: For South Asian brides, mornings are all about tradition—modest looks, head coverings, and jewelry. The receptions, though, are our creative playground, allowing us to mix Western glam with cultural roots.

TINDS: What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

Harp: Teaching. Pink Orchid Studio Academy has over 7,000 alumni, many of whom have gone on to thrive. Knowing I’ve passed on my craft and inspired others is the most fulfilling part of my journey.

TINDS: What challenges did you face building a brand?

Harp: Wearing multiple hats was the toughest part—artist, marketer, photographer, manager. Learning to delegate, hire, and build systems was a game-changer for scaling the business.

TINDS: Tell us about your Amazon storefront. How did that begin?

Harp: It started with my love for fashion. I began sharing affordable dupes and trendy finds. Eventually, it became too much to manage through DMs, so I created a storefront—and people loved it!

TINDS: What advice would you give to aspiring beauty or fashion entrepreneurs?

Harp: Just start. Find your niche. Don’t quit your day job until your passion project becomes sustainable. Love what you do so much that you’d do it for free. That’s the secret.

TINDS: How do you balance being a mother, entrepreneur, and beauty expert?

Harp: With a strong support system and strict scheduling. I organize my calendar down to the hour—from family responsibilities to work. Without structure and help from my husband and family, none of this would be possible.

TINDS: What three makeup products should every woman own?

Harp: Mascara, a beautiful pink blush like “Old Money” from our line, and a hydrating lip balm. These three give you an instant polished look.

TINDS: How has social media influenced your career?

Harp: Social media made my career. Facebook launched when I started Pink Orchid, and I used it to show behind-the-scenes and client work. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok helped me reach a global audience. It was the ultimate equalizer.

TINDS: What’s next for Pink Orchid?

Harp: We’ve launched cosmetic vending machines in malls, expanding nationally. The academy is going online and going on tour across North America. Harper Living will continue growing through collaborations, recipes, and lifestyle choices content.

TINDS: What’s your ultimate piece of advice to young entrepreneurs?

Harp: Never give up on your worst days. Entrepreneurship is not easy—you will want to quit. But if you hold on, the highs will be worth it. Treat your passion like your baby, nurture it, and keep going.

Harper Sohal’s journey from a corporate professional to a trailblazing beauty entrepreneur is a testament to passion, grit, and the power of community. Through Pink Orchid Studio and Harper Living, she has not only built brands but also inspired a movement—where women honor their roots, pursue their passions unapologetically, and redefine what it means to do it all—with grace, grit, and soul.

Stay tuned to Tinds.com for more inspiring stories like Harp’s that reflect the beauty of resilience and reinvention.

Find Harper Sohal online:

• Instagram: @harpersohal
• Tiktok: Pink Orchid Studio