Anastasia Soare, founder and CEO of the global beauty brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, shared her personal journey of pursuing the American Dream as part of a series presented by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. The project features U.S. citizens reflecting on what the American Dream means to them during the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Soare, who spent half of her life in Romania before immigrating to the United States, described the challenges she faced upon arrival. In the first six months, she struggled with loneliness, language barriers, and adapting to a new environment. She recalls a striking memory early on when she and her husband avoided buying grapes at a supermarket in Sherman Oaks, California, because the cost was prohibitive—a stark contrast to having fresh fruit available in Romania.

Despite the difficulties, Soare identified a unique business opportunity within the beauty industry. While working at a salon and still learning English, she noticed a lack of attention to eyebrow grooming. Determined to fill this gap, she launched her own business in 1994, attracting a strong celebrity clientele and growing rapidly. Her appearance on the “Oprah” show further boosted her profile, leading to months of high demand.

By 2007, Soare’s brand expanded into major retail chains such as Sephora and Ulta, before extending to around 2,500 stores including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s nationwide. The company’s international presence grew subsequently, and by 2018, Anastasia Beverly Hills was valued at $3 billion.

Soare emphasized that while success in the U.S. is not without its challenges, the country offers unique opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere. “It’s not easy. It’s a lot of work, a lot of determination,” she said. “But this is the only place where you could achieve the American Dream.”

The Milken Center’s American Dream Video Project highlights real-life stories that showcase the diverse pathways through which individuals seize opportunities in the U.S. As part of the ongoing celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the series aims to inspire and inform by sharing personal experiences of growth and achievement.