From IT Leader to Beauty Innovator: Jen Sugermeyer’s Journey of Confidence, Transformation, and Empowerment
In the latest episode of the Badass Women in Business Podcast, hosts Aggie and Cristy welcome Jen Sugermeyer, the dynamic Founder and CEO of ATA Cosmetics. Jen’s journey from IT leadership to beauty industry innovator is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, she shares the pivotal moments that led her to create her company, patent a groundbreaking skincare tool, and write three personal development books along the way. More importantly, she talks about how her own experiences with sobriety, confidence, and personal growth have fueled her mission to help others transform their lives.
From IT to Beauty: Jen's Path to Entrepreneurship
Jen Sugermeyer’s professional journey started in a space far removed from the beauty industry—IT leadership. Having built a successful career in the male-dominated world of tech, she rose to leadership roles that required her to manage complex projects for government organizations, including work in Afghanistan and other high-profile, high-stakes environments. But something inside Jen always told her there was more. She knew her true calling involved building something unique, something that would help others live their best lives.
"I knew corporate wasn't going to be big enough for me," Jen shares. That burning passion, combined with her own personal development journey, led her to step out of her comfort zone and take on a new challenge. With the same resilience that saw her thrive in IT, she entered the beauty industry and founded ATA Cosmetics, a company built on innovation and empowerment.
ATA Cosmetics: Redefining Beauty and Skincare
Jen didn’t set out to create a cosmetics line—like many entrepreneurs, her path to this new venture was one of discovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen found herself rethinking how she could pivot her career. An unexpected Instagram Live session featuring someone using a spoon to apply makeup caught her attention. This sparked an idea, and she began experimenting with the concept, ultimately leading her to invent the Jade Applicator, a patented skincare and makeup tool.
The Jade Applicator combines the benefits of a gua sha and jade roller with the functionality of a makeup tool. Jen’s innovation replaces brushes, sponges, and fingers while promoting collagen production, improving circulation, and providing a more hygienic way to apply skincare products. With her attention to detail and her commitment to offering sustainable, natural, and reusable tools, Jen is revolutionizing how people think about skincare.
ATA Cosmetics doesn’t just stop at tools. The company is rolling out a line of medical-grade skincare products designed to transform skin health with active ingredients. "We can do something about the changes happening to our skin, and change doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when you take action," Jen says.
Confidence is Queen: The Power of Personal Development
Jen’s business success didn’t come out of nowhere—it was born from her own journey of self-discovery and personal development. She is six years sober, and her path to sobriety taught her many life lessons about resilience, boundaries, and the importance of self-love. These lessons have been so impactful that Jen wrote three personal development books to share her experiences with others, including her first book, RESET: Hitting the Reset Button on Your Life.
RESET outlines a simple yet powerful framework for personal transformation: Recognize, Eliminate, Structure, Elevate, and Transform. These five steps have helped countless readers change the course of their lives by giving them tangible tools to tackle challenges head-on. Jen’s focus on personal growth and the power of the mind is central to her work, both in her books and her business.
In addition to RESET, Jen’s second book focuses on boundaries—a topic she passionately advocates. "Boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and staying in control of your life," she says. Her third book, Confidence is Queen, underscores the importance of confidence in life and business. As Jen says, "The queen is the most powerful player in chess, and with confidence, so are you."
Embracing Uniqueness and Overcoming Obstacles
Standing 6’1” and proud of it, Jen embodies her message of embracing what makes you unique. "I wear heels, and I own it. You’ve got to stand in what makes you different. That’s your edge." She believes that everyone has something special that sets them apart, and tapping into that uniqueness is key to success, both personally and professionally.
For Jen, one of the most important lessons she’s learned on her entrepreneurial journey is staying true to the vision you’ve been given. "Not everyone is going to see your vision, and that’s okay," she says. "But it’s your responsibility to follow through on the vision you’ve been given. You’ll hear 'no' along the way—don’t let it stop you."
This mindset has been crucial in helping her build ATA Cosmetics into the company it is today. Jen encourages others to overcome obstacles by focusing on the things they can control—attitude, thoughts, and actions (the inspiration behind the ATA name). "When you focus on what you can control, you take the driver's seat in your life."
Advice for Entrepreneurs and Those Starting Out
Jen’s journey is filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, especially those feeling stuck or unsure about their next step. "Think about yourself at 80 years old," she advises. "How will you feel if you never acted on your idea? Will you regret not pursuing your dream?" This perspective shift, she says, is often the motivation needed to push forward.
She also stresses the importance of believing in yourself, even when others don’t. "You were given a vision for a reason. Trust that vision and don’t let outside voices deter you from pursuing it."
Lastly, Jen encourages business owners to take small, manageable steps toward their goals. "You can’t do it all at once, and that’s okay. Focus on what matters most, and keep going—even if it’s one step at a time."
A Vision for the Future
As ATA Cosmetics continues to grow, Jen remains focused on her larger mission: empowering others to live their best lives, both through her products and her message of personal growth. With new skincare products in the works and plans to expand her brand globally, Jen is just getting started.
Her journey is a reminder that no matter where you start, with the right mindset and a commitment to growth, you can create something transformative. Whether it’s in beauty, business, or life, the key is to trust yourself, take action, and embrace the unique gifts you bring to the table.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Embrace your uniqueness and stand in what sets you apart.
Confidence is an inside job—know who you are, and the rest will follow.
Personal development is the foundation of long-term success.
The vision you have is a gift; stay true to it, even if others can’t see it.
Focus on what you can control—attitude, thoughts, and actions.
Small steps lead to big changes. Start where you are and keep moving forward.
