Business Echo - Amy Nicole Cohen

Business Echo is an interview series celebrating the incredible individuals shaping the Okanagan business landscape. Through candid conversations, we’ll dive into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, offering inspiration and insights along the way.

With a bold blend of creativity and strategy, Amy Nicole Cohen has carved a unique path through the worlds of beauty, entrepreneurship, and immersive retreats. From launching makeup academies across North America to creating The Chic Experience and Okanagan Corporate Retreats, Amy has built a multi-faceted brand focused on connection, growth, and meaningful experiences.

A dedicated mentor, event curator, and philanthropist, Amy has supported over 20 charitable organizations while creating opportunities for people and businesses to connect and evolve. Whether she’s hosting retreats, leading off-site events, or championing community causes, Amy brings clarity, vision, and heart to everything she does.

In this interview, Amy shares her journey, her love for the Okanagan, and how she’s helping others expand—personally and professionally. Let’s dive in!

OE: Hello! thank you for granting this interview, could you please tell us a little about yourself?

ANC: Amy Nicole Cohen–a powerhouse in the beauty and entrepreneurial world—a visionary who started as a makeup artist, and turned her passion into a multi-million dollar business.  Amy launched thriving makeup academies across North America, proudly graduating over 4,200 rooted in purpose, empowerment, and community.

Amy now spends time creating meaningful events and retreats through The Chic Experience—spaces where ambitious and curious women come together to connect, expand, and thrive. 

Amy believes in giving back and has had the privilege of supporting more than 20 charitable organizations, from Dress for Success in New York City to Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles, Boys and Girls Club Malibu and local initiatives in the Okanagan such as Third Space Charity, the local Food Bank, the Kelowna Women' s Shelter and more.  

Amy’s latest adventure is Okanagan Corporate Retreats—designed to bring incredible companies and business to the Okanagan.  Whether she’s mentoring, curating a retreat, or hosting a corporate off-site event, Amy’s goal is to help others expand and thrive—both personally and professionally.

OE: What were some of the early lessons you learned while building your brand as a makeup artist/educator?

ANC: Some of the earliest lessons I learned while building my brand as a makeup artist and educator were rooted in consistency, and the power of showing up authentically.  In the beginning, I didn’t have a marketing budget or a big following—I had my skill set, word-of-mouth, and a deep commitment to showing up and providing excellence.  It’s not always easy to quiet the noise when distractions creep in, or competition is at your door step, but my greatest success has come from being consistent and authentic. 

Another key lesson: Follow what lights you up. When your work aligns with your passion, it stops feeling like work and starts becoming a source of real joy and purpose.

OE: You founded the Chic Entrepreneur Community, why was it important for you to include non-profit and young entrepreneur spotlights in your connect + collab events?

ANC: Spotlighting nonprofits and young entrepreneurs at Connect + Collab was intentional from the start. I believe community thrives when we lift others up. Giving visibility to causes making a difference and highlighting the next generation of business leaders brings purpose, perspective, and deeper connection to every event. It’s about celebrating impact, inspiring action, and showing that success and generosity go hand in hand.

OE: You also run The Chic Experience, which takes entrepreneurs to places like NYC, Tuscany and Provence. Can you share one unforgettable moment from a past retreat?

ANC: One unforgettable moment was in Provence, during a full day trip into Saint Tropez, we adventured, relaxed and ended the night at a world-class performance dinner spot, L’Opera, it was a showcase of what living your best life feels like. That moment captured the magic of The Chic Experience: elevated experiences meet purpose, and women showing up for themselves.

OE: How do you balance running multiple businesses with other aspects of your life?

ANC: Balance for me isn’t about perfection—it’s about being fully present in whatever I’m doing. I’ve learned to create systems that support my vision, and team, and prioritize what truly matters. Whether I’m leading a retreat, mentoring an entrepreneur, or having dinner with my husband and kids, I show up with intention. I’ve also learned that rest is my greatest asset.

OE: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

ANC: I have so many actually, but a few that come to mind –Opening my first makeup academy in NYC in 2009—it was a global financial crash and people wanted to lean into their passions as a career, building iit from scratch, and enrolling the first class of students within weeks. That moment changed everything.

Another was hosting a sold-out retreat in the Okanagan—selling out three times and welcoming 220 women to a sparkling hilltop overlooking the Okanagan Lake, in March 2023. It hit me: this is the power of creating spaces for others to thrive. It was pure magic and why I love what I do so much. 

OE: Your newest venture, Okanagan Corporate Retreats, brings teams together in a beautiful local setting. What can organizations expect from a retreat experience in the Okanagan with you?

ANC: A retreat in the Okanagan with us is where elevated experience meets intentional impact.

Set against a backdrop of vineyards, lakes, and understated beauty, Okanagan Corporate Retreats are designed for corporate companies, and businesses ready to reconnect their teams, realign business, and simply recharge. From curated culinary experiences and wine country conversations to workshops with stunning views and wellness-infused, every detail is tailored with purpose. It’s more than a retreat—it’s a world-class experience in one of Canada’s most inspiring destinations.

OE: What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their creative passion into a thriving business?

ANC: Start where you are, and trust that it’s enough. 

Building a business takes showing up. Show up for You, Show Up for your team, Show up for the clients you are looking to attract.  You don’t need to have it all figured out—what matters most is taking the first step with intention. Stay connected to your purpose, stay consistent, and keep learning as you grow. 

OE: If you had unlimited funds for one day, what’s the first thing you’d do for your business?

ANC: Oooh this is a fun question, If I had unlimited funds for one day, I’d create an event that’s completely free, a Chic Experience at it’s finest—where attendees would learn, feel seen, supported, and inspired to dream bigger.  Honestly I do a lot of this already, I gift tickets, provide scholarships, I just wish I could do it for everyone!

OE: What’s your favorite Okanagan spot to relax or find inspiration?

ANC: My favorite Okanagan spot to relax is… Sona Wellness, Moxness Massages and AP Hair Spa. Also, the view of the Okanagan Lake with a great latte and a book!

OE: How can people get involved? - whether that’s attending an event, joining your community, or booking a retreat?

ANC: Getting involved is easy—and exciting! You can attend one of our Connect + Collab events, or DM me at https://www.instagram.com/amynicolecohen/ —I’d love to connect.

Website/address/number/social media handles:

https://amynicolecohen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/amynicolecohen/