Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, transformed the beauty industry with her emphasis on natural makeup. She discusses her early days as a makeup artist battling the flashy 1980s aesthetic, leading to the creation of her revolutionary nude makeup line. Bobbi shares insights on her journey from startup to the acquisition by Estée Lauder, revealing the challenges of maintaining her brand identity within a corporate structure. She also reflects on the emotional complexities of leaving a brand she built, exploring themes of personal fulfillment and creative control.
Bobbi Brown revolutionized the makeup industry by introducing a natural and subtle "nude makeup" look in the 1980s.
Bobbi Brown's success can be attributed to her hard work, emotional intelligence, and ability to seize opportunities.
Deep dives
The Journey of Bobby Brown Cosmetics
Bobby Brown, a makeup artist, had a vision to create a natural, barely there makeup look in the 1980s. While others doubted this concept, Bobby Brown cosmetics was born, offering lipsticks that matched natural lip colors and other subtle makeup products. Despite initial skepticism, the brand gained traction and found success, with features in Vogue and collaborations with Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. Bobby's expertise also landed her a regular spot on the Today Show, establishing her as a beauty expert. With continued growth, Bobby Brown ultimately sold her company to Estee Lauder. However, as the brand expanded and changed under new ownership, Bobby Brown felt increasingly disconnected and yearned to be in control again. She eventually left Estee Lauder and has recently launched a new line of makeup called Jones Road.
The Decision to Sell
After successfully establishing Bobby Brown cosmetics, Bobby Brown received offers from various cosmetic companies, including Shiseido and a Dallas-based firm. However, it was Estee Lauder that ultimately purchased the brand in 1995. This decision allowed Bobby to focus on her creative strengths while Estee Lauder handled the business aspects. Initially, she enjoyed the partnership, but as the company grew and changed, she began to experience frustrations with the direction it was taking and decided it was time to part ways.
Transitioning Away from Estee Lauder
The final years working at Bobby Brown Cosmetics under Estee Lauder were challenging for Bobby Brown. There was a loss of control and a disconnection from the brand she had built. Gradually, she realized that it was time to move on and regain her autonomy. After officially leaving the company, Bobby experienced a sense of relief and no longer follows the developments of the brand. She is proud of her contributions, but has no desire to put her name on another product and prefers to explore new ventures like her recent makeup line, Jones Road.
Bobby Brown's Entrepreneurial Journey
Bobby Brown's success can be attributed to a mix of hard work, emotional intelligence, and seizing opportunities. Hiring talented individuals who excel in areas where she lacks expertise has also been crucial to her achievements. Despite setbacks and failures, Bobby Brown's resilient spirit and ability to keep going have played a significant role in her journey. She acknowledges the element of luck in her success but believes that her emotional intelligence and determination have been essential factors in her continued growth as an entrepreneur.
Bobbi Brown started out as a makeup artist in New York City, but hated the gaudy color palette of the 1980s. She eventually shook up the industry by introducing "nude makeup" with neutral colors and a natural tone. In 1995, Estée Lauder acquired Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Bobbi remained there for 22 years, until she realized the brand was no longer the one she had built.
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