While most startups are celebrating raising money, Maria Hatzistefanis, CEO and Founder of luxury beauty brand Rodial is celebrating 25 successful years of building her self-funded multimillion-dollar beauty empire while remaining in total control.

Maria had no idea what her luxury beauty business would become when she started it in 1999. After getting fired from her banking job, Maria rediscovered her dream of starting a beauty brand focusing on targeted ingredients with unusual ingredients. Despite Maria's banking background, she did not receive funding from investors when she tried to raise capital. Determined to achieve her dream, Maria began small and self-funded, learning every aspect of the business herself. Investors have approached her over the years, but it was never the right time or fit. To stay fresh and relevant after 25 years, Maria continues to focus on the needs of her customers and innovate new products.

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