32 Inspiring Beauty Entrepreneurs Success Stories
The beauty industry is growing at a rapid pace - valued at $511B in 2021, with an annual compounded growth rate of 4.75% worldwide. The beauty industry is predicted to exceed $716B by 2025.
If you are thinking of starting your own beauty business, there are many opportunities in this space to succeed. The most profitable branches in this industry include makeup, skincare, and hair products.
Following, you can find the most brilliant examples of successful beauty entrepreneurs' success stories to get inspired from
1. Pete & Pedro ($7.2M/year)
Aaron Marino (from Marietta, GA, USA) started Pete & Pedro almost 11 years ago.
Hi - I'm Aaron Marino, the founder of Pete & Pedro - a premium men's grooming brand. I have one of the biggest men's lifestyle channels on YouTube with 6M+ fans and also have a few other businesses as well including Tiege Hanley, Enemy, Menfluential Advertising Agency.
I've actually been on Shark Tank two times... one of the few! Pete & Pedro is focused on the men's grooming market and our core products are our hairstyling/haircare/fragrance products led by Putty, Salt, and REBEL.
2. Evolue Skincare ($2.4M/year)
Jean Seo, the creator of Evolue x Lue Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after one of her clients expressed interest in natural anti-aging alternatives. As a pioneer in the clean, multifunctional, and non-binary skincare market, Jean used her knowledge of skincare ingredients and formulations to create her hero product, the Super Oil Face Serum, which has sold over 300k units. With a focus on quality, transparency, and exceptional customer service, Evolue has retained a loyal client base and attracted endorsements from A-list celebrities.
How much they make: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 10
Evolue x Lue Skincare generated $2.4 million revenue last year, selling 300k units of spot treatment and winning 3 Instyle Beauty awards, while pursuing transparency in ingredients, excellent customer service, and non-binary branding.
So... can you actually make money with a beauty business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
3. Doppeltree ($840K/year)
Tony and Faye started Doppeltree as a side hustle, inspired by Tony's brother's success in the DTC business. Tony wanted to find a way to pay for his expensive lunches and saw the demand for cold brew coffee. Faye, on the other hand, wanted to create natural self-care products. They launched their website and started selling on Amazon, focusing on product innovation and improving upon customer pain points.
How much they make: $840K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 0
Doppeltree, a natural self-care product company in San Francisco, started in 2017 with an $800 investment and now averages $40,000 in revenue per month with 40-50% net profit, offering eye and face masks, a Vitamin C Facial Serum with Real 24K Gold Essence, and an Organic Cotton Cold Brew Filter Bag.
4. Blue Nectar Ayurved Products ($360K/year)
Blue Nectar attracted and retained customers through a focus on superior quality products made with carefully chosen herbs. Their online marketing strategy, similar to that used for their spa services, has proven successful, with their customer base primarily coming from online promotions. They have grown from a few products to a global presence, with high repeat rates of 50-60% for some of their products.
How much they make: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
Current team size: 30
Blue Nectar is a successful Contemporary Ayurved Beauty and Wellness brand that generates $150K/month with high repeat rates, offering world-class Ayurvedic products that balance traditional effectiveness with modern sensibilities.
So... can you actually make money with a beauty business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
5. FBI Cosmetics Inc. ($102K/year)
Alexis Evans, aka Da Mademoiselle, started FBI Cosmetics amidst the pandemic after struggling to find employment due to her felony record. Her passion for flawless makeup and skincare routines led her to create her own cosmetic and skincare company, grossing over $62,000 in sales and partnering with Walmart marketplace in just a few months. Despite initial setbacks, Evans has learned the importance of consistent posting and thorough research, and she continues to strive for success in the beauty industry.
How much they make: $102K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
Current team size: 2
A former felon's passion for makeup and skincare led her to launch FBI Cosmetics, which has grossed over $62,000 in sales since July 2020, through social media marketing, brand partnerships, and online sales at Walmart.com.
6. keauty ($18K/year)
Kellie Yavalar, the founder of keauty, came up with the idea for her DIY face mask kits during a sales meeting when a colleague suggested thinking about food packaging as inspiration for beauty. After months of considering the concept and being inspired by a trip to Turkey, Kellie was determined to bring the experience of a warm, natural face mask with fresh ingredients brewed from a kitchen appliance into people's homes. She spent nights and weekends researching and developing the brand, teaching herself how to use the Shopify platform, and overcoming production challenges to bring keauty to fruition.
How much they make: $18K/year
How much did it cost to start: $45K
Current team size: 2
Keauty is a beauty brand offering DIY single-serve face mask kits featuring coffee or tea pods and specialized powder mix, with $1,500 monthly revenue in its early launch phase.
So... can you actually make money with a beauty business?
Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.
But how?
- Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
- Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
- Take action, because now you have the roadmap.
Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:
7. Private Label Extensions ($7.8M/year)
Mikey Moran, one of the owners of Private Label Extensions, came up with the idea for the hair distribution and technology company when he learned about the high prices women were paying for hair extensions. With a background in e-commerce and a commitment to providing the best quality products at the lowest cost, Moran and his team have seen significant growth, with over $650,000 in monthly sales and a ranking on Inc Magazine's list of the fastest-growing companies. Despite initial challenges and mistakes, Moran's dedication to listening to customers and investing back into the business has been key to its success.
How much they make: $7.8M/year
How much did it cost to start: $14K
Current team size: 20
Private Label Extensions is a hair distribution and technology company that builds hair brands from A to Z for entrepreneurs, achieving over $650,000 in monthly sales and ranked #278 of the fastest-growing companies by Inc Magazine for 2018.
8. Soak Society ($216K/year)
Natalie founded Soak Society after realizing there was no niche bath products brand in Australia. With limited funds, she started with a basic website and one product, gradually expanding her range as she gained more capital. Now stocked in luxury department stores in Tokyo, Soak Society is on track to turn over $200,000 this year.
How much they make: $216K/year
Current team size: 2
Soak Society, a bath products brand founded in Australia, has tripled its profits from last year and is on track to turn over $200,000 this financial year, largely due to their wholesale partnership with Japanese department stores.
9. Ugly Duckling ($720K/year)
Ishan Dutta, founder of Ugly Duckling Los Angeles, started the hair products company five years ago after noticing the growing trend of women seeking fashionable and bold hair colors. Recognizing the potential of the online beauty market, Ishan decided to provide high-quality hair color and hair care products specifically catered to stylists and colorists. With a conversion rate between 1%-2% and an average cart value of $60, Ugly Duckling Los Angeles receives 600 to 900 orders per month.
How much they make: $720K/year
How much did it cost to start: $250K
Current team size: 2
Ugly Duckling Los Angeles, a professional haircare products business founded by Ishan Dutta, takes in anywhere between 600 and 900 orders a month, totaling around $50,000 per month in sales, with almost 60% of business coming from repeat orders; their objectives for 2020 include increasing profitability, growing digital traffic, expanding to trade shows and events, and releasing more innovative products.
10. POP COSMETICS LLC ($48K/year)
Kristie Chee, the founder of Olakino skincare products, was inspired to start her business after experiencing the loss of her baby due to toxic liver. Realizing that many skincare and makeup products marketed as "non-toxic" still contained harmful ingredients, she decided to create her own line of 100% non-toxic products. Through research, formulation trials, and feedback from family and friends, she developed high-quality, non-toxic skincare and makeup products that are healthy for the body.
How much they make: $48K/year
How much did it cost to start: $35K
Current team size: 1
Learn how Kristie Chee started a $4k/month, 100% non-toxic skincare and makeup brand, Olakino, after suffering from toxic liver and being disappointed with the quality of natural skincare products available in the market.
11. FATCO ($480K/year)
Cassy Burnvoth, the Founder & CEO of FATCO, came up with the idea for her business after discovering the dangers of conventional skincare products and the benefits of using healthy fats for the skin. With a background in engineering and a passion for Paleo lifestyle, she started making her own natural and organic personal care products using tallow from grass-fed cows. She rebranded the company as FATCO in 2015 and launched a full line of products, including their flagship Stank Stop Natural Deodorant.
How much they make: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 2
This case study follows the story of Cassy Burnvoth, founder & CEO of FATCO, a natural and organic personal care brand that uses tallow (rendered beef fat) in their products, which garnered $200,000 in revenue in its first 9 months and launched in Target stores in January 2018.
12. The Laughing Tree Organics ($64.8K/year)
Bonnie Giangrande, creator and founder of The Laughing Tree Organics, started her business after learning about the dangers of chemicals in personal care products. Motivated by the desire to provide healthier alternatives, Bonnie formulated a line of organic and all-natural skincare products that are good for both people and the planet. Her commitment to sustainability and educating consumers has helped attract and retain customers over the years.
How much they make: $64.8K/year
Current team size: 1
Founder Bonnie Giangrande shares her journey of creating The Laughing Tree Organics, an organic and plant-based skincare company that brought in $5.4k a month, to offer healthier and sustainable skincare options.
13. Tree To Tub ($6M/year)
Tree To Tub founder, Michael Koh, came up with the idea for his natural skincare company after experiencing the benefits of Soapberries for his sensitive skin. Immigrating to the U.S. and realizing the lack of options for people with sensitive skin, Koh saw an opportunity to create a product that could help many people feel good. Through crowdfunding and a focus on product market fit, Tree To Tub has achieved significant success, reaching $3 million in revenue on its third year.
How much they make: $6M/year
Current team size: 23
Tree To Tub, a natural skincare company, solves the painful problem of people with delicate skin, resulting in $3M revenue on their third year; their signature products include shampoo, body wash, and facial cleanser made from the gentle Soapberry, and they have since grown to $4M and plan to reach $10M in 2020.
14. AlmondClear ($180K/year)
Leslie had been suffering from red bumps on her body for 20 years. She visited several dermatologists but the problem persisted. One day, she decided to visit an aesthetician who recommended mandelic acid. Within three weeks of using it, her problem was gone, bringing her immense relief. This experience motivated her to start her own business so that she could share her discovery with others.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $500
Current team size: 0
Almond Clear, a line of skincare products formulated with mandelic acid, saw a revenue increase of about 20% each month for the first nine months after launching on Amazon in December 2017, finishing the first year of sales averaging around $15,000 per month in revenue.
15. Tribe Skincare ($1.56M/year)
Kayla, the founder of Tribe Skincare, came up with the idea for her business after running a skin clinic specializing in microdermabrasion. She noticed that half of her customers were experiencing adverse reactions to "active" skincare products, which inspired her to create a gentle skincare range specifically for sensitive skin. With a niche target market and a return customer rate of 75%, Tribe Skincare has become a multi-million dollar company in just 2 years.
How much they make: $1.56M/year
How much did it cost to start: $20K
Current team size: 3
A skincare brand founder identified a gap in the market for sensitive skin and formed an all-natural, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free range around it, scaling into a multi-million dollar company with 75% return customer rate in just two years.
16. Natural Skin Science ($90K/year)
Leon Eugene and Shawn Bo, founders of L. Eugene Natural Skin Science, came up with the idea for their business out of necessity when Leon struggled with embarrassing acne and skin issues. Unable to find products that worked for his skin type, they began researching and testing raw ingredients, ultimately creating a spa-quality skincare collection. Today, L. Eugene Natural Skin Science is a premier choice for effective natural skincare, with a loyal customer base and plans for future expansion.
How much they make: $90K/year
Current team size: 0
L. Eugene Natural Skin Science is a premier choice for effective natural skincare products, made with ingredients you can pronounce, and has generated $7.5k in monthly revenue, with a thriving, growing business built through gaining that personal trust from customers.
17. AMPERNA ($600K/year)
of mouth and repeat customers. Our revenue has steadily increased quarter on quarter and we are gaining traction not only in Australia but also internationally, with strong sales in New Zealand and the USA. We have recently launched a Holistic Skin Coaching Service and are excited about the future growth and expansion of AMPERNA®.
How much they make: $600K/year
Current team size: 2
Australian skincare brand AMPERNA® saw doubled revenue quarter on quarter since its 2018 launch, with the US its third-highest sales region, followed by New Zealand, according to founder Kiri Yanchenko. AMPERNA offers active probiotic skincare products free from sulphates, parabens and synthetic fragrances to help people with sensitive and acne-prone skin, and has just launched a Holistic Skin Coaching Service. The firm is self-funded and relies on boosted brand awareness via online marketing and word of mouth to find new customers.
18. Flowerdale Valley ($60K/year)
Mel, the founder of Flowerdale Valley, came up with the idea for her skincare business when she realized that the beeswax and honey from her farm could be used to create a hydrating and anti-aging cream. She started selling her first product, Bee Balm, along with honey, and gradually expanded her product range over the years. Now, her business brings in approximately $7,500 in sales per month and provides her income for her and her children.
How much they make: $60K/year
Current team size: 0
A mother-of-two started a $5k/month skincare business after experimenting with beeswax and honey to create luxurious all-natural products, growing her business to attain over $7,500 in sales per month via multiple sales streams, including $4,000 per month at markets.
19. Alitura Naturals ($1.8M/year)
Andy Hnilo, the founder of Alitura Naturals, never intended to start a business. However, a life-changing accident that left him with multiple injuries and scars led him to create his flagship product, The Alitura Clay Mask, during his healing period. With a mission to provide the highest quality skincare, Alitura Naturals now offers a full line of products and has garnered over 1000 reviews with an average rating of 4.9/5.0.
How much they make: $1.8M/year
Current team size: 6
Andy Hnilo, founder of Alitura Naturals, shares how his life-changing accident led to the creation of a successful all-natural skincare line with over 1000 reviews at an average 4.9/5.0 rating, sold in 76 countries and counting.
20. Nykaa ($486M/year)
How much they make: $486M/year
Current team size: 1311
Get inspired by the story of Nykaa - India's leading beauty and personal care marketplace with an impressive yearly revenue of $482 million, expanding into fashion and manufacturing its own line of products.
21. Sheila Bella ($4.8M/year)
How much they make: $4.8M/year
Current team size:
Celebrity brow artist and multi-figure company founder Sheila Bella shares her mission to inspire and empower the beauty industry to passively scale their businesses online, as well as being the host of the iTunes Beauty Entrepreneurship podcast PRETTY RICH PODCAST and in charge of the American Academy of Micropigmentation.
22. Made by Ari J. LLC ($102K/year)
How much they make: $102K/year
Current team size:
This case study follows MadeByAri J. Cosmetics, a beauty industry start-up that offers a wide range of products, all at reasonable prices, and is owned by 23-year-old Arielle Joseph, a passionate young entrepreneur based in Atlanta, Georgia.
23. Bodify ($4.2M/year)
are factors in our success. We had to work incredibly hard to build our business, but we also recognize that luck played a role in the opportunities and support we received along the way. We are grateful for all of it.
How much they make: $4.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500K
Current team size: 5
Sisters launch successful fat-freezing empire, Bodify, raising $400k from investors and family, achieving $440k in profit four years later through effective marketing, authentic branding, and providing standout customer experiences.
24. Zoella YouTube Channel ($4.57M/year)
How much they make: $4.57M/year
Current team size: 6
Case study: How Zoella earned over $5 million through YouTube, with almost a billion views and over 10.8 million subscribers, and leveraged her popularity to secure lucrative advertising and television opportunities.
25. Mented Cosmetics ($5.88M/year)
How much they make: $5.88M/year
Current team size: 20
Mented Cosmetics, co-founded by Amanda Johnson and KJ Miller, is a multi-million dollar beauty brand that became one of the most in-demand all-expanding beauty lines for Black and Brown women, securing $1 million in venture capital with a best-selling nude lipsticks range and inclusive shade range.
26. Birchbox ($200M/year)
How much they make: $200M/year
Current team size:
Case study: How Birchbox disrupted the beauty industry to attract hundreds of thousands of subscribers, despite receiving negative feedback when it launched in 2010.
27. Urban Betty ($6.6M/year)
Chelle Neff, founder of Urban Betty, started her business by opening her own brick and mortar salon after five years of being in her own salon suite. She gradually expanded her team and transitioned from contractors to all commission-based employees. Eight years later, Urban Betty has two locations and over 50 employees, generating $3.3 million in revenue.
How much they make: $6.6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $69.9K
Current team size: 64
This case study follows the founder of Urban Betty, who started her salon business with only one contractor, and now has two locations with over 50 employees, growing from 1.5 million to 3.4 million in revenue from 2014-2018, and investing around 2% of its gross income every year in Yelp, Google, and Facebook Ads.
28. SKNMUSE ($180K/year)
Ezinne Iroanya-Adeoye, the founder of SKNMUSE, came up with the idea for her beauty brand after experiencing the inconvenience of traveling with products that didn't meet her needs as a black woman. With a background in the beauty industry, she recognized the lack of representation and decided to create a brand that authentically catered to black women. Since launching with a pop-up event, the brand has seen significant growth, achieving a 169% increase in revenue and on track to hit its first 6 figure year.
How much they make: $180K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1K
Current team size: 3
SKNMUSE, a premium beauty brand dedicated to elevating the beauty experience for Black Women, has a 40% customer retention rate, achieved a 169% increase in revenue, and made $30,000 in Q1 alone.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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