Join us in our journey to spotlight Inspiring and Influential women within the Frankie Cameron community! Because all women are badass, It’s time we celebrate each other. Congratulations to our November woman of the month, Leslie Osborne! Leslie is an inspiration within the soccer community. She is a role model to look up to when it comes to pursuing your passions. Not to mention a master of getting things done. Thank you Leslie for taking the time out of your busy schedule to work with us.
-Presenting, Leslie Osborne-
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
Hi, I’m Leslie. I’m a proud mama of 3 girls:) I grew up in Wisconsin and proud to be a midwest gal...came out to the Bay Area to play soccer at Santa Clara University and went on to play professionally for 10 years. I was fortunate enough to play for the USWNT for 6 years and play in the 2007 World Cup. I played in Boston, LA, the Bay Area, Chicago, and even in Germany:) Soccer brought so much joy and passion into my life. I have traveled to over 30 countries playing the sport I love with the best friends/teammates in the world.
While playing professionally, I helped co-founded Sweat Cosmetics with my teammates. We created a cosmetic and makeup company for active women. It’s been a crazy 5 years and let’s say, the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
I was fortunate to transition from playing professionally to the TV industry pretty seamlessly. I work part-time for Fox Sports and do studio for all the USWNT games (pre-game, post-game, and half time).
I’m married to an amazing man. We met when we were 17 and reconnected when at 29. Things have escalated quickly, we have been married for 5 years and have 3 young girls:) He is the best! And also played professional soccer.
How did the idea of Sweat Cosmetics come about? What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?
We actually started the company back in 2012 while playing for the Boston Breakers. One of my teammates, Taryn Hemmings, told me about the idea that she had while playing in college. I also had struggled to find products that I could wear that would protect my skin from the sun but also make me feel good while breaking a sweat. Sunscreen was oily and would run into my eyes/burn my eyes, making me break out. While makeup was not a good look, with all the orange stuff on my jerseys. Not to mention terrible for my skin. I always felt like I had to choose between sunscreen or makeup - it was crazy to us there was nothing on the market dedicated to active women.
There are 5 of us - all with soccer backgrounds. We love that we are founded and run by women. It took us 3 years by the time we came up with the idea of actually launching in 2015. The crazy part is we found our chemist through Twitter, raised money, and went through a year and a half of testing. I’m so proud to be part of a company that I am extremely passionate about.
What I love most about being an entrepreneur is hustling, being part of a company that is female-founded and run, having a “team”, and being part of something from the start.
This year has been full of challenges and setbacks. Tell us what you do to improve your mood, and keep yourself motivated.
Workout. I need an hour a day for “me” time. In order for me to be great at all the “hats” I wear throughout the day- I need the endorphins, sweat, and time for just me.
Eating healthy has also helped us maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are so fortunate to live in California that we can explore and be in the sun every day. That has really helped us get through this challenging time. We love hitting up the local farmer markets, apple orchards, beaches, hikes, and Bay Area adventures.
I don’t have a hard time getting or staying motivated. I think it’s in my DNA. I wake up every day wanting to be the best version of myself. Maybe a part of that is having 3 girls that are looking up to me. I want to be the best role model I can be day in and day out.
What are some major lifestyle changes, you made this year (whether you planned for them or not)? How have they improved your life?
A few things…
I miss my community work out classes so much. I was huge on going to my hot yoga, pilates, and cycling classes with friends. It gave me energy and momentum to sweat alongside people and friends that pushed me. Since I’m with toddlers and babies every day, it was my opportunity to give me some adult time. I miss it! I’m addicted to the Peloton now but I miss my community so bad.
Travel/I’m not doing much TV work anymore...this has been the longest I have ever not been on an airplane. It’s so nice in some ways, I haven’t left my babies in 7 months which is pretty amazing. But I miss traveling so much. I had envisioned traveling with my girls this summer/year. Isabella should at least have 3 to 4 trips under her belt right now.
Who has had the biggest impact on the person you have become?
A few people…
My dad has been a huge supporter and mentor of mine since I was a little girl. His hard work, dedication, and determination to his craft (former business owner. He owned school bus and coach bus companies) really had a huge presence on me and my foundation as a person, athlete, and entrepreneur. My mom just worked her ass off and I am forever thankful to be able to grow up with a strong woman like her.
My college coach, Jerry Smith, has had a tremendous impact on my life at such a critical time in my adulthood and career. He believed in me and helped me on and off the field in so many ways.
My husband Ricky. He is the fricken best! He’s my biggest fan. Ricky supports me in every endeavor, encourages me to continue going after my dreams, and is the biggest ray of sunshine in my life. We make a pretty special team:)
Being a mom and businesswoman must keep you working overtime. Do you have any tips when it comes to time management?
Yeah, I am a busy woman but that’s what I know and thrive from. I love the chaos, hustle, and multi-tasking. I always have, even from being an athlete having to juggle so many things. I have wanted to be a mom for so long so I think that’s why I love it so much. I am also thankful for my husband and support system that I get to continue doing other endeavors. My time is limited these days being a stay at home mom with 3 young ones. I do manage to carve out time to help Sweat Cosmetics grow and other endeavors.
What do you look forward to doing in your free time, what do you wish you had more time for?
I don’t really have “free” time unless we are on a kidless vacation. And we have not been on a mommy and daddy vacation during covid. We have had a few family vacations and that’s been awesome but I don’t really get free time. We are heading to Hawaii next month and bringing our sitter so we can have some time. Any time I have these days goes to ensuring I get my work out in every day. I wish I had more time to read and listen to more podcasts. I try and remain present. I know when I look back on this time when the girls are 10, 12, and 13 years old- I will miss these times so much.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Soccer advice... to not let the pressure get to me like it did. Rely even more on my strengths and be more confident. I was constantly worried about not playing “perfect” and that was a disservice.
Business-wise...Wow!
What essentials are in your Frankie Cameron Beach Bag?
Sweat Cosmetics translucent SPF 30 powder for me and the babes!
Baby Bum Sunscreen
GoMacro Bars for mommy and the girls
Sweat Cosmetics Wipes
Abby & Finn diapers/wipes
Ryan and Rose pacifier/teething toys
Healthy Human Water bottles
Comotomo Baby bottle
My mom hat
SunBum Lip Stain
Mints
Leave a comment