Many people may know Kylie Verzosa as Miss International 2016 and recognize her more for her work as an actress and host. But more recently, the beauty queen-actress has dipped her toes in a new venture with her own shapewear brand SOLÁ that launched in February 2024. During the media launch of their newest product line ora on November 20, we got to catch up with the entrepreneur herself.
Kylie Verzosa in her new role as a business owner
It's not uncommon for celebrities to start their own businesses after working in the showbiz industry. But for Kylie, it seems like she was really meant to create her own brand. She took Business Management in Ateneo and also has a family background in business. "It's always been a dream of mine to have my own business," she shared.
Kylie admitted that being in showbiz helped her a lot with this project, as she's able to use the experience and momentum she's built and gained in the entertainment industry and translating it into her brand. "I'm doing it together with showbiz. I'm applying everything I know from showbiz into the business that I have. It's just a want, a passion, I enjoy it. [And I'm] learning so much." she divulged.
Being as multifaceted as Kylie, of course, we asked her for tips she has for aspiring business owners in the future. "I feel like you need to get a good team. If you have a vision, write down the steps, make sure your vision aligns with your team," she says. Kylie herself has been applying a tip she's learned from a mentor, which is "the importance of handling people and delegating tasks. Knowing that you can't do everything yourself."
Kylie also emphasized the value of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you. "You need better people around you to help you and become better. I think that was one of the most important [things] for me the past year. So when I see someone more successful, I just get inspired by them and I ask them, like, 'How do you do it? What else can I do? This is our business now, how can we improve it?'" She voiced.
How Kylie manages her time between showbiz and SOLA
As someone who is always booked and busy, Kylie said she keeps up with her schedule by trying to allot time. "Let's say with SOLÁ, there are scheduled meetings or general meetings with all team leads. So, let's say we have a Thursday or we allot time on a Wednesday, but I'm always in touch with my partners and the team on a daily basis."
Kylie also highlighted the importance of finding the joy in what you do. "I think it matters that I enjoy what I do, I enjoy working with the team. Parang, all my life I have been working for brands, and helping them, I don't know, get better. It's so nice to work for something of your own. Something you can have direction in. So, super happy."
Kylie Verzosa's relationship with money and how she handles finances
In this day and age of budol culture and double digit megasales, it's very difficult to stay in tune with yourself and control the urge to buy immediately. While it's completely okay to spend your hard-earned money on purchases that help make you happy, Kylie has a different mindset. "I save a lot, I budget. When I want something, pinag-iisipan ko muna siya. I'm not an instant buyer. I'll think about it and then, I always need to make sure na I have something saved. Just for whatever occassion."
But of course, saving isn't always easy. Kylie's tip is to think of saving in a positive light. "I always try to think its for a good cause. Like it's not for a rainy day. I always think it's gonna be for like, a vacation or something. I always don't want to think so negative about it."
Like they say, you attract more blessings and manifest better when you have a brighter disposition, so it is important to apply that mindset with money as well. Something Kylie does, too. "My approach to money is very positive. I think having money is very important. 'Cause it gives you [the] freedom to do anything you want." Adding, "My relationship with money is very good and very healthy. [I'm] very kuripot in some things, but when it comes to basic needs and gifts to my family, friends, loved ones, I would splurge. But for me, occassionally."
When asked how she decides whether something is a 'save or a splurge,' Kylie says, "If I think about it, then I could splurge for it." she giggled. "But also if it's a classic piece, that I can wear again and again. Or sometimes I splurge and I just girl math it." She says it's important to make the distinction if a piece is truly timeless or if it's just a trend.
Her life hack? She splurged more when she's traveling abroad because it's cheaper. "Here in the Philippines I don't [splurge] because of the tax. But, when I travel, I allot money and sometimes, it's not enough." She chirped.
As someone who thinks before she splurges, a luxury Kylie considers herself to have right now is not material. It is being able to do anything she wants. "Especially after having a business, I have my own time. I'm not worried what brands are gonna get me or people are gonna get me. 'Cause it's already self-sufficient and I know how it is inside and out. So happy."