Bobbi Brown, the renowned cosmetics mogul, has made a name for herself by launching two groundbreaking cosmetics companies and writing nine bestselling books on beauty. Despite her success, she is not a fan of traditional makeup and prefers a natural look that enhances a person’s appearance. Her current company, Jones Road Beauty, is a leader in the clean beauty market and does not offer certain products like contouring kits. Brown’s no-nonsense approach to beauty has broad appeal and is inspired by her New York lifestyle.
After decades of living in Manhattan, Brown now resides in Montclair, New Jersey, but remains a consummate New Yorker. In addition to running Jones Road Beauty, she also launched her own Substack newsletter and operates a boutique hotel with her husband. Brown’s busy schedule does not allow for an elaborate beauty routine, so many of her products are multipurpose, blurring the lines between skincare and makeup. Her story exemplifies the heights one can reach with ambition and talent in the Big Apple.
Brown’s journey to success began when she moved to NYC from Chicago in her early 20s and cold-called modeling agencies to hire her for makeup jobs. Tired of the bright, garish makeup trends of the 1980s, she launched Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in 1991 with the aim of enhancing natural beauty. The brand was acquired by Estée Lauder in 1995, and Brown stayed on as Chief Creative Officer, helping to grow the brand to over $1 billion in sales. After leaving the company in 2016, she launched Jones Road Beauty in 2020, and has seen tremendous success with the brand.
Jones Road Beauty now employs 115 people, operates six stores, and expects to make $140 million in revenue this year. The brand’s products, like the viral Miracle Balm, have gained immense popularity and solidified its position in the clean beauty market. Brown’s attention to detail and hands-on approach to the business have been crucial to the brand’s success. With no outside investors to answer to, she has complete creative freedom and plans to keep Jones Road Beauty independent. Her irreverent product names and simple packaging reflect her commitment to doing things her way.
Despite her achievements, Brown remains humble and focused on her work. She is deeply involved in every aspect of Jones Road Beauty, from choosing models for shoots to editing photos. Her dedication to perfection and attention to detail have been instrumental in the success of her brand. Brown’s unwavering commitment to her vision and refusal to conform to industry norms have set her apart in the competitive beauty industry. As a pioneer in the clean beauty movement, she continues to lead the way in innovative, natural beauty products.
