Explore the Beauty Entrepreneur

Wednesday

SUPER-BRAND FOUR: Bobbi Brown



“Artistic Creativity + Business Acumen = A Successful Enterprise Story”.

This particular story is a very short one, but even more inspiring and captivating. And what makes it doubly-enthralling is that this is one story that’s constantly evolving, it is being re-written even as you read this article because the woman of whom I speak is at this moment creating beauty with her brushes.

The story of this incredibly successful woman is so simple, yet so inspiring that for the last one year (since I googled her up), I always re-read it at least once a week. So, finally I decided it must be shared with you all.

Just what is it about this story that’s so catching? And why does she appear on our Super-Brand Series? Personally, I became enthralled about the Bobbi Brown story for the following reasons: The simplicity of her beauty philosophy, her contagious passion for her work, plus her ability to look at an old problem and create a new solution – one that continues to positively touch the lives of women all around the world.

Read on and find your own reasons, and don’t forget to share your findings with others on our comment section.

Happy Reading!!!



Redefining Beauty:

What is Beauty?

"A strong brow, bedroom eyes, a bump on the nose; Beauty is not about looking perfect. It's about looking and feeling like yourself, only in a prettier and more confident way."


In the Beginning:

As a young girl, Bobbi was enthralled by makeup and its effects on a person’s face. Starting out at a small cosmetics store as a teenager, the wheels were set in motion for this incredibly talented artist. Years later she earned a B.F.A. in theatrical makeup at Boston's Emerson College and upon graduation, she moved to New York City to make it as a professional makeup artist.
From the very start, Bobbi's talent and drive (I like to call it Passion) earned her coveted gigs with International Magazines such as the American Vogue and Self. She worked with ace photographers like Bruce Weber and Arthur Elgort. Soon she became the favorite of all the top models including Naomi Campbell and Tatiana Patitz.


Old Problem – New Solution

Growing up around five big sisters, I noticed their lipsticks had a peculiar smell and feel, similar to my color crayons. So, whenever I felt the ‘urge’ to paint my face and my older sisters were being a kill-joy (they never wanted me to ‘waste their lip colors’), I just used my crayons.

Rewind 20 years into the beauty industry – that’s how ‘bad’ the lipsticks used to be. They were either too dry or too greasy and their smell was nothing to be desired.

Thanks to Bobbi’s ability to see an old problem with a pair of new eyes, the story’s indeed different today. Ten years into her career as a makeup artist, Bobbi began developing a lipstick that "didn't smell, that wasn't dry or greasy, and looked like lips, only in a better way”.

In 1991, her 10 lipsticks debuted at the Bergdorf Goodman under the name “Bobbi Brown Essentials”. She had forecasted sales of 100 pieces in a month; however, she sold the same 100 within the first day.


The Birth of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

As every true-blood successful beauty entrepreneur will tell you, Success always begets Success.
After the successful launch of her lipstick line, Bobbi expanded her collection beyond lipsticks; she created yellow-based foundations, revolutionizing face makeup as we know it today.

This change in the beauty market caught the attention of cosmetics empire Estée Lauder, who bought Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1995, just four years after the company's inception.

Remember, “Artistic Creativity + Business Acumen = A Successful Enterprise Story”.

Today, Bobbi Brown retains creative control of the brand.                                                      


Bobbi Today

Ever a creative artist, Bobbi continues to pursue her craft today by creating the runway looks for New York Fashion Week, working with celebrated designers including Rachel Roy, J. Mendel, Erin Fetherston, Tory Burch and Cynthia Rowley.

Bobbi frequently appears on The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her advice can be found in syndicated columns and magazine features around the world.

Of course, you will always find Bobbi where she began - on the set. Bobbi is still a coveted makeup artist for A-list Personalities and Fashion Magazines the world over.


The Legacy Continues

A New York Times bestselling author, Bobbi has written five beauty and lifestyle books through which she shares her passion and creative leanings with generations of makeup artists and beautiful women around the world.

If you simply want to take control of your own beauty (as a teenager or grown woman) or you are an artist coveting an opportunity to learn from the Master MUA herself, all you need is one (or all) of these books:

Bobbi Brown Beauty

Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty

Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution

Bobbi Brown Living Beauty

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

I personally have my copies of the last two books, what about you?  I await your responses…


Friday

Beauty Industry Analysis 2013 – Cost & Trends


Beauty Industry in 2013 at a Glance 


Comprised of a diverse yet interrelated set of business lines, the beauty industry helps us look and smell our best. Before we leave the house each day, we have likely undergone our personalized beautification ritual. Included in this ritual is the daily shower and shave, the weekly nail trim, and the monthly haircut. And increasingly we are taking a more holistic view of our health, and our beautification ritual may now include a periodic massage and trip to the spa. But our concern with our appearance is hardly anything new; indeed the beauty industry has been expanding and growing for all of recorded history. For the interested entrepreneur this continuing growth and evolution offers a diverse menu of opportunity.
The beauty industry today encompasses far more than cosmetics and skin care products, though they are still a significant portion of the sector. A wide range of services and products are available to help us put our best face forward, and the beauty industry now also encompasses hair styling and hair removal, nail and tanning salons, massage parlors, shower and shaving products, perfumes, colognes and more. Many people now treat their beauty ritual as an escape from the hustle of the information age, whether it’s a few minutes spoiling oneself with a high-end product or a full day at a luxury spa.

Lotions, Treatments and Baths: Oh my!
Beauty industry opportunities can be broadly separated between products and services, though many providers offer both. Within both products and services, however, exist a wide range of business models based on target market, production processes and location.
From exfoliating soaps and volumizing shampoos to anti-wrinkle creams, the beauty industry provides us with choices galore to keep us looking younger and healthier. Cosmetics exist for every style and taste, as well as every skin tone, texture and even allergy. Rows of toothpaste stretch off into the distance at the local retail outlet, and it is no longer a choice only of brand, but between whitening, tartar protection, flavor, packaging styles and more! And a similar story is told in the aisles for perfume, deodorant and hair coloring. Certain businesses also distinguish themselves through manufacturing processes such as using all natural ingredients or a refusal to use animal testing on products.
While the diversity among service providers is not quite as extensive, there is considerable differentiation between offerings based on price, location and target markets. Some businesses target the inexpensive, fast hair cut market while others focus on providing a luxury spa experience. Franchise opportunities exist for hair salons, skin treatments, nail care, and tanning. Niche providers offer products and services focused on children, weddings, and fashion, among others.

Different Beauty Franchise Opportunities

Hair Care
Stylists, salons, shampoos/conditioners, coloring product, styling product (gels, sprays, etc)
Cosmetics & Skin care
Make-up, moisturizing lotions, tanning salons, sun care products
Fragrance
Perfumes, body sprays, cologne, deodorants
Miscellaneous
Nail polish, shaving products, massage parlors, hair removal services


Beauty Industry Trends

Such diversity and innovation exists because we demand it. The beauty industry continues to expand globally, with some projections claiming 8.5% growth by 2014; revenue growth in 2010 was estimated at 3.3%. Several trends support this expansion and promise continued profitability into the future.
Globally, rising per capita incomes and greater access to international markets are increasing spending on discretionary items such as perfumes and cosmetics. Though the recent economic turmoil had decreased spending on some discretionary products in the United States, purchasing of beauty products has remained strong. Consumers did tend to be more price-conscious however, with over 70% of survey respondents claiming to give mass market products more consideration over high-end products during the downturn.
Perhaps not as surprising as it once was, one of the fastest growing segments of the beauty industry is products and services aimed at men. Traditionally focused on female consumers, men today are gaining increasing attention from the beauty industry. Of course most of us have been using deodorant and toothpaste for several decades already, but increasingly men are being targeted for body sprays, specialty hair products, lotions and even nail care. Salons offer a menu of pampering services for men, including cuts and shaves, facials, massages and manicures.
Consumers of beauty industry products tend to be brand loyal, and share what works for them with their friends. 58% of those surveyed claimed that personal recommendations weigh more heavily than celebrity marketing, and only 44% bought a particular product for its claim of specific product attributes. Like many things, beauty products gain a level of familiarity and comfort for the consumer, and switching to a new product often takes some extra incentive. Popular and successful marketing campaigns in the beauty industry often include a free sample and discounts for referrals to lure new customers in, and loyalty programs to keep them.

Beauty Industry Franchise Opportunities
From product innovation, organic industry growth and continued growth into the male half of the population, the beauty industry continues to offer a diverse set of profitable franchising opportunities. Beauty franchises exist across the space with dozens of strategies reaching all types of consumer.
Retail opportunities include brick-and-mortar store locations as well as home-based businesses, and span across cosmetics, skin care, hair care, tanning and more. Frequently producers of beauty industry products will have a franchising distribution system, or even have training locations for service providers. Cosmetic and skin care entrepreneurs offer specialized services such as nail care and tanning, a complete menu designed for the full day experience and everything in between. Some salons offer an exclusive membership experience and others specialize on walk-in business.
Hair care opportunities exist for barbers and stylists alike, with a range of different franchises available based on cost, location, and gender. Many male-focused franchises offering everything from the basic barbershop to “the ultimate relaxed grooming experience” have been springing up to complement the traditionally female-focused salon offerings. Franchise chains devoted to children offer a more entertaining environment for kids. There are also businesses focused on hair removal and coloring. Eco-friendly salons such as the Splish franchise offer hair care in an environmentally conscious environment.
As we can see, the beauty industry encompasses a wide range of products and services, and franchising plays a major part in bringing them to the consumer. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, profitable opportunities will abound…the hard part is choosing which one!


Matt Sena is a former portfolio manager, research analyst and trader. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and earned his MBA in Finance from Kellstadt Graduate School of Business while working at Goldman, Sachs & Co.


http://www.franchisehelp.com/industry-reports/beauty-industry-report