For Sophia Kamber, a professional image is everything when it comes to running a successful business. If the young co-founder of BodywoRx had to advertise her business solely through self-promotion, then we think she’d face little trouble.
Perched on the sofa in one of the luxurious waiting rooms at the BodywoRx clinic, Kamber is dressed immaculately; Louboutin shoes, a Louis Vuitton bag and an enviable sized diamond on her finger certainly shout successful, but it’s the flawless skin, slim physique and general well-groomed appearance that works well for Kamber and her business.
However, the businesswoman is quick to put her appearance down to the ‘work’ she’s had done herself at BodywoRx.
“Customers and friends always say to me, ‘you don’t look like you’ve had anything done!’ That’s why I don’t hide the fact I’ve had work done: good plastic surgery doesn’t look obvious. This is what I’m endorsing.”
So what made her want to go under the knife and later head up a business specialising in the industry?
“I wanted to do my nose since I was 11; my mum thought I’d grow out of the idea. I did so many things to my nose to try and make it grow differently, but genetics beat me! I used to watch the American TV series Moonlighting and say to my mum, ‘Oh I wish I had Cybill Shepherd’s nose.’ So when I turned 19 I booked myself in for surgery.
“It was a huge, life changing experience for me,” she adds. “I felt so much better about myself, I was so much more confident. It made me realise that if something bothers you, then you should take action on it.
“When I was in my late teens I didn’t know which career path I wanted to take. But one of the things I determined very, very quickly was that I did not want to work for anybody else. I wanted something that was mine, something that I could control in my own way.
“The idea of having my own business was very appealing, and I started off on that track at the age of 24. I find the medical industry in general very interesting but I love the transformation aspect of plastic surgery so I guess that is why I wanted to open the clinic’’
So what does a typical day hold for the self-confessed work addict? “There’s no typical working day for me, but I love it. I can’t sit still and switch off; if someone gave me a week off I’d be bored!”
8.30am: “I’m a night owl,” she says, “so naturally I don’t like mornings, but I’m trying to get better. My day starts off by checking emails; my iPhone is never off. I have five different email accounts and check them all!”
iPhone to one side, Kamber tries to make time for breakfast. “It’s another thing I’m trying to get better at. I love Lizzie’s Granola for breakfast as it’s got Belgian chocolate in it. It’s so good that sometimes I have it at night too!”
10:30: “I try my best to make sure that I put in time here at BodywoRx as much as I can so I’ll pop by if I can. I think it’s important to show face and have a presence – to show you care. However, a lot of my mornings are dominated by emails and meetings.”
12pm: Kamber makes time for a light lunch, believing in eating little and often, and puts her figure down to an eating lifestyle she’s followed since a child.
“I’m an early 80s baby so when I was growing up in Abu Dhabi I wasn’t exposed to much junk food, so I have an appetite for healthy food’’
1pm: As well as being co-founder of BodywoRx, Kamber is involved in many other business projects.
“I work with a number of other companies, including one in the security sector, so my days are always filled with something to do.
“I’m always surprised by people asking me what BodywoRx has to do with, for example, the security sector and some of the other fields I work in. At the end of the day, it’s all business. The only prerequisite for me is that I have to be interested in the projects I get involved with; I have to believe in the project and have a genuine interest in studying the product. I would be doing a disservice to any company or project if I wasn’t interested in it.”
Being her own boss has some benefits and if Kamber finds herself with a rare free moment, then she’ll put it to good use. “When I want a break, I’ll take one. I think it’s important to step away when it’s not working for you, when the productiveness isn’t flowing.
“If I have time to spare and need a break then I’ll head to one of the malls. I love to shop; if I could make a career out of shopping then that would be perfect!” she smiles.
7.30pm: Back at home, Kamber still finds time to do more work. “My brainstorming and creativity happen at night. The day is really maintenance – meetings, emails and so on. In the evening when everyone is asleep my brain is wide awake.” Thankfully it’s not all about work, and Kamber will try and find time to spend with her dogs and take some time out to do yoga.
“I love to do yoga as it makes me feel balanced and fit. And I like to catch up with my mum in the evening and spend time with my two beautiful rescue dogs. I get a lot of enjoyment in the time I spend at home, either swimming or chilling in the garden with the family.”
1.30am: Kamber’s mind is still focused on work, even when she heads to bed. “I check my emails one more time in bed before switching the lights out, but the phone stays on.
“I’m a light sleeper and will often wake up in the early hours of the morning to jot down any ideas that come to me.”
Final thoughts: “I’m 29 now, but I do feel like there’s more to be done,” she admits.
“I love learning and I don’t need a great deal of downtime. Saying that, I have neglected a social life; there are sacrifices,” she adds.
“But when you know where you want to be going, you should do it when you have the time. My dad died when he was 27 so I’m like ‘wow, I’ve already lived two years longer than him’. That’s frightening: I have so much more to do.’’
Charlie Kennedy
