“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…
