LEAP, the new imprint of Bonnier Books UK focusing on inspiring positive personal and collective change, has acquired Raising Brows: My Story of Building a Billion Dollar Beauty Empire by Anastasia Soare.
Madiya Altaf, Senior Editor, acquired UK & Commonwealth rights from Ritsuko Okumura at Penguin Random House US.
Anastasia Soare, an aesthetician and single mother with no connections, risked her life escaping communist Romania to come to America. Raising Brows is a powerful business memoir, telling the remarkable story of how Anastasia built a billion-dollar brand and disrupted the beauty industry by applying her art school training on the ‘golden ratio’ of beauty to eyebrows. She pioneered new makeup products and built a glittering roster of clients like Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Cindy Crawford. In this powerful memoir, she shares her extraordinary journey, ignoring the landlords and bank managers who laughed when she tried to open a salon focusing on eyebrows. Anastasia’s story serves as a powerful reminder that you can do anything you put your mind to so long as you are passionate and determined.
Anastasia Soare said: ‘I believe that our experiences shape us and by sharing these stories we can create a positive impact on others. In Raising Brows, I delve deep into the ups and downs, challenges and triumphs, and the invaluable lessons I have learned along the way. It’s a book about mindset and turning passion into action. Through resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in my vision I transformed an idea into a thriving business. It is my story and every entrepreneur’s journey.’
Madiya Altaf said: ‘Anastasia’s story is truly inspirational. From immigrating to the US without speaking English to identifying market gaps and building a billion-dollar empire, her journey is filled with incredible lessons and is a must-read for anyone aspiring to reach their highest potential.’
Anastasia Soare, the visionary founder and CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH), is a pivotal figure in the beauty industry, renowned for revolutionizing eyebrow aesthetics. Her innovative approach to brow shaping established Anastasia Beverly Hills as a leading brand, earning Soare the moniker ‘Queen of Eyebrows’ and solidifying her status as one of the world’s most successful self-made women. Recognizing the potential of emerging digital platforms, ABH was an early adopter on Instagram, forging a direct connection with consumers. This strategic move propelled the brand to amass over 18 million followers, fostering a vibrant online community. Notably, Soare’s early engagement on the platform extended beyond marketing, as she played a crucial role in mentoring a generation of emerging ‘influencers.’ Many of these individuals have since leveraged her guidance to launch their own successful businesses, demonstrating the profound impact of her mentorship.
Raising Brows: My Story of Building a Billion Dollar Beauty Empire will be published by LEAP in hardback, eBook and audio on 28th October 2025.