What it takes to be unstoppable

From struggling as a 'C' grade student to launching her own cosmetics brand, Sunny Leone recounts how she's come a long way.

In the world I inhabit today, people often perceive me as a savvy businesswoman, a captivating actor, and a striking model. Yet, reality is far more intriguing than this glossy facade. In my formative years, I was far from the epitome of brilliance...I found myself struggling as a ‘C’ grade student, grappling with the challenges of reading, and feeling like that somewhat out-of-place child with a unique complexion in my classroom.

However, amidst this seemingly unremarkable beginning, there was an incredible talent waiting to bloom—I possessed an innate ability to transform a mere quarter into a full-fledged dollar using my street smarts. This journey began with a humble lemonade stand. At that point, my venture was primarily underwritten by the ‘bank of mom and dad’; they supplied the lemons and sugar. So, selling just one glass of lemonade could swiftly tip the balance in my favour.

From this pivotal moment, I became an unstoppable selling force. I ventured into various undertakings—from shovelling snow to fundraising for my school basketball team, embarking on a newspaper route, tending to lawns, and babysitting, there was hardly a task I hadn’t dabbled in. You might wonder what motivated such a relentless childhood. Well, it was twofold: first, to acquire the sweet indulgence of candy and any other whimsical desires that caught my fancy, and second, to cultivate my own sense of independence.