Inspiration is the fuel for creative minds that often happens unexpectedly, opening us up to new possibilities that transcend our ordinary experiences. We created the BeautyMatter Awards to recognize and celebrate our community's thinkers, makers, and doers whose work raises the bar, inspires others, and defines the future.
Meet the individuals unafraid of challenging the status quo, changing the playbook, and making beauty matter in the process—the 2025 NEXT Visionary Finalists.
Entrepreneur of the Year: Entrepreneur who has built a business that matters through inspired innovations, demonstrated vision, leadership, and success.
Cassandra Morales Thurswell, Founder + CEO at Kitsch - At the age of 25 selling handcrafted hair ties door-to-door, she bootstrapped the company without any outside investment or revolving credit lines into a global beauty powerhouse offering a comprehensive suite of products for every moment of the day from shower to sleep. She revived a tired category and redefined haircare from just a routine into a 360-degree holistic and healthy lifestyle. Today, she continues to bring sustainability, attainability, and accessibility to the haircare space in over 27,000 stores worldwide.
Dani Austin, Founder at Divi - She redefined what it means to be an entrepreneur in the digital age, turning her personal journey into a movement that has resonated with millions. Dani's influence extends beyond lifestyle content—she has built a community-driven brand that is reshaping the haircare industry. Divi's success was immediate and unprecedented. With just one SKU, the brand generated $40 million in sales in its first year, proving that Dani's vision and authenticity could turn scalp care into a movement.
Mara Roszak, Founder at RŌZ - The visionary founder has spent the past year revolutionizing clean haircare, proving sustainability and performance can coexist. In 2024, RŌZ launched three innovative products. With endorsements from top stylists, RŌZ is shifting perceptions and demonstrating that clean haircare can deliver exceptional results, both on the red carpet and in everyday life.
Thibaud Crivelli, Founder + CEO at Maison Crivelli - Behind the calm exterior of this young entrepreneur lies a thirst for adventure that characterized his family for more than 150 years, as they ventured off the beaten track at a time when exploration was uncommon. Thibaud uniquely translates lived, multisensory experiences into bold and unexpected fragrances. The outcome is a fragrance collection that surprises with its contrasts, originality, and modernity.
Leslie Ann Hall, Founder + CEO at Iced Media - Ignited with a passion to help brands realize their greatest commercial potential, Iced Media provides clients with the tools, technology, and guidance that ensures meaningful business growth. In an industry with over 50,000 digital advertising agencies in the US, Leslie Ann has driven Iced Media to become one of one. At the intersection of beauty and social media, Iced Media is peerless.
Innovator of the Year: Person who has made meaningful contributions to the business of beauty by pursuing and executing novel thinking, challenging the status quo, and/or using creative problem solving to move the industry forward.
Rachel Wilson and Karin Layton, Co-Founders at BoldHue - A disruptive company at the intersection of beauty and technology, built on a mission of inclusivity, BoldHue scans skin and creates millions of foundation shades in one minute—earning the nickname "the Keurig for Makeup" and solving the endless frustration of shade matching once and for all through an at-home smart device with proprietary technology that provides on-demand, personalized, and precise foundation.
Michelle Nguyen, Founder + CEO at TAD Beauty - An entrepreneur, product innovator, and industry disruptor who has revolutionized the lash industry through cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking formulations, she has introduced the first 3D-printed lashes made in the US, setting a new standard for DIY and professional lash applications. Michelle has multiple pending patents in the lash industry, both for TAD Beauty and her professional lash brand, PLA Beauty, solidifying her as a pioneer in product development and formulation.
Nicolas Travis, Founder + CEO at Allies of Skin - At its core, Allies of Skin is a story of Nicolas' challenges and how he turned them into forces for innovation and positive change. Determined to turn pain into purpose, he founded Allies of Skin—a brand born from resilience, innovation, and a commitment to empower others. Nicolas pioneered a transformative approach to skincare that combines cutting-edge science with inclusivity, resulting in a brand that has new standards for innovation in skincare.
Dr. Dennis Gross, Founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare - Board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, Dennis' innovations have delivered measurable impact across multiple dimensions—from transforming a small dermatology practice into a global skincare powerhouse to fundamentally changing industry standards and consumer behaviors. The Alpha Beta Peel fundamentally changed consumer expectations for at-home skincare results. It created an entirely new category of daily-use chemical exfoliants that deliver professional-grade results without recovery time.
Sahara Lotti, Founder + CEO at Lashify - The entrepreneur/inventor didn't merely iterate on existing beauty products—she created an entirely new product category when she cracked the code on DIY lash extensions and knew she had something revolutionary. She filed her first patent in 2016, a strategic move that laid the foundation for what would become one of the most IP-rich beauty brands in the world. Today, she holds over 750 patents globally.
Changemaker of the Year: Person who has profoundly changed the business of beauty by bringing about positive change linked to equity, health, climate, or sustainability.
Éva Goicochea, Founder + Creative Director + CEO at Maude - Since founding maude in 2018, Éva has redefined the sexual wellness industry by fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and design-forward innovation in a category historically marked by stigma and exclusivity. Her leadership has not only propelled maude to significant cultural and business milestones but has also shifted the broader conversation around intimacy, wellness, and self-care.
Marc Elrick, Founder + CEO at Byoma - Marc has dedicated his career to solving the unsolved needs of the consumer and revolutionizing the world of beauty and wellness through innovation with soulful intention. Every brand is a pioneer, a champion of its cause, and seeks to change the world in its own way.
Martha Graeff, Co-Founder at Happy Aging - Inspired by her own personal transformation and driven by a desire to integrate her passion for wellness with her entrepreneurial spirit, Martha and the Happy Aging team are pioneering a transformation in how women approach health and vitality as they embark on their aging journey.
Dr. Lamees Hamdan, Founder at Timebeam - Lamees is reshaping the beauty narrative by rejecting outdated, youth-obsessed ideals and prioritizing age inclusivity and wellness-driven longevity. With Timebeam, she challenges the societal pressure to "reverse aging" and instead promotes the concept of beaming at every age, working to empower consumers to embrace their skin and health as evolving.
Begoña Sanjuán, Co-Founder + CEO at Ayuna - Begoña is not just a leader in the beauty industry but a trailblazer who is reshaping our understanding of beauty and wellness, integrating scientific rigor with a profound commitment to holistic well-being. She has transformed Ayuna into a paragon of sustainable luxury and safety in the beauty industry, effectively leveraging her leadership to enhance the brand's market standing and environmental impact
CEO of the Year: Recognizes a CEO who has demonstrated visionary leadership, driving the success and growth of their company while fostering a strong culture and strategic direction.
Heela Yang, Co-Founder + CEO at Sol de Janeiro - Since launching Sol de Janeiro in the summer of 2015 with just three products, Heela has led the brand to become a global bodycare phenomenon. In 2024, Sol de Janeiro was recognized as the #1 brand in the fragrance category. The brand's iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream sells one unit every six seconds.
Danessa Myricks, Founder and CEO of Danessa Myricks Beauty - The leader of over 100 employees, Danessa started the brand from humble beginnings in her basement on Long Island, New York, as a single mother. As it enters its tenth year, Danessa has taken the brand to top placement at Sephora with all-door distribution and a clear vision for creating a legacy brand of the future.
Chelsea Riggs, CEO at Amika - Throughout her 15-year tenure, Chelsea has transformed Amika from a scrappy start-up into a powerhouse, now ranked as the #5 Premium Haircare Brand in the US (Circana FY 2024) and the #4 Professional Haircare Brand (Kline 2024), with growing influence in global markets.
Sandy Saputo, CEO at True Botanicals - For over five years, Sandy has served as CEO of True Botanicals, driving the company's exceptional growth through a strategic direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, an expanded footprint into retail, and an unrivaled commitment to pioneering skincare innovations rooted in green science.
Piyush Jain, CEO at Maesa - He joined Maesa in 2022 and is leading the company through transformative growth by nurturing a strong portfolio of beauty brands, launching new brands, and investing in top talent. Under his leadership, the company has seen consistent high double-digit growth year over year, while significantly enhancing profitability.
Marketer of the Year: Recognizes a marketing professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, strategic vision, and impact in driving brand growth and engagement.
Tamera Ferro, Chief Marketing Officer at Sol de Janeiro - A marketing visionary, Tamera assumed the role of Vice President of Global Marketing at Sol de Janeiro in 2019. With a keen understanding of consumer preferences and a penchant for innovation, Tamera quickly made a significant impact on the brand. The company experienced unprecedented growth, with net sales skyrocketing from $39 million to a staggering $1 billion in global retail sales. Driven by a bold strategic mindset and a mastery of data-driven marketing, Tamara propelled the brand to new heights. In 2023, in recognition of her remarkable achievements, Tamera was promoted to Chief Marketing Officer.
Sara Mitzner, Vice President of Brand Marketing at AS Beauty Group - Since 2019, Sara has spearheaded efforts to generate engagement and awareness for all the brands in the group's portfolio, which includes Laura Geller Beauty, Bliss, CoverFX, Mally Beauty, and Julep Beauty. Sara has played a pivotal role in elevating brand awareness across all AS Beauty Group brands, achieving remarkable growth through innovative campaigns and strategic marketing initiatives—specifically, bolstering Laura Geller Beauty’s position as a leader in the beauty industry while championing inclusivity and empowerment for mature women.
Ashley Banks, Partner and Chief Client Officer at Iced Media - Ashley is a passionate beauty executive with over 15 years of experience leveraging social media to drive tangible business impact. She is a dedicated team leader and an analytical and persuasive storyteller who oversees client services and the execution of paid social advertising and social commerce campaigns, driving unmatched business growth in a crowded and competitive industry. Her passion for turnaround with speed and agility for the brands she represents fuels the agency’s ambitious approach to benchmark-breaking performance.
Lori Singer, President at Parlux Ltd. - Lori as been a transformative force at Parlux Ltd. since assuming the role of President in 2019. A visionary leader with a unique ability to merge cultural influence with prestige fragrance, she has redefined how brands engage with modern consumers while preserving their luxury heritage. Under her leadership, Parlux has embraced a digital-first strategy, launching worldwide DTC businesses for brands such as Billie Eilish and Paris Hilton Fragrances. She has also forged exclusive partnerships that have redefined the industry’s retail landscape.
Namrat Klair, Global Marketing Manager at Fable & Mane - Currently leading global marketing at Fable & Mane in London, Namrat specializes in strategic brand positioning, digital innovation, and global-to-local brand integration. She thrives at the intersection of culture, community, and influence, creating impactful brand experiences that go beyond aesthetics to foster real human-to-human connections. Whether introducing heritage brands to a global stage or localizing international luxury brands for new markets, her work is rooted in authenticity and purpose.
Product Developer of the Year:
Isabel Ramos Co-Founder at Ayuna - An expert with 28+ years of experience in Green Technology and the development of cleanical cosmetics, at the core of her work is a deep commitment to understanding the science behind skin health and biochemical and biophysical mechanisms, as well as the art of product textures. Continuing to push boundaries in cosmetic research, Isabel leads innovation through Ayuna, while her leadership and vision have positioned her as a trailblazer in the industry.
Jessica Abrams, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Danessa Myricks Beauty - Over the course of her 20-year career, Jessica has navigated indie brands and global corporations to success through the ever-changing landscape of the beauty industry. Danessa Myricks Beauty tapped her notable skills in building and scaling indie brands, along with her depth of success garnering trust with founders. She is working to build out the product, packaging, quality, and regulatory teams; formalize processes; and enhance the innovation strategy to support global expansion.
Krupa Koestline, Founder of KKT Innovation Labs - Krupa is a pioneering force in the clean beauty industry known for her game-changing formulations and breakthrough technology. A true innovator, Krupa has redefined the boundaries of beauty with her expertise in biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, blending modern science with her lifelong practice of Ayurveda to create products that disrupt the status quo. KKT Labs, the company she built from the ground up, is at the cutting edge of product development, offering visionary solutions that span from skincare masks with radical preservation systems to moisturizers with groundbreaking penetration.
Dana Steinfeld, Head of Blue Sky, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Maesa - Dana is a beauty executive with over 25 years of experience creating products for global beauty companies. Since joining Maesa over 14 years ago, Dana has created brands that not only reimagined Maesa’s portfolio but also revolutionized the fragrance category at mass. Among brands that were incubated under Dana’s leadership are BeautyMatter FUTURE50 alumni Being Frenshe and Fine’ry, as well as Mix:Bar, Koze Place, and others. In her current role, Dana leads product innovation for all Maesa brands, as well as the company's Blue Sky team, which focuses on new brand incubation and developing brands and products across all beauty and wellness categories.
Danielle Lessing, Senior Vice President of Global Product Development at SharkNinja - Danielle joined the SharkNinja team in 2012 as an Associate Product Manager. Over the past 13 years, Lessing has grown her role at SharkNinja, expanding into additional categories, including floorcare, frozen treats, and beauty. With a sharp focus, Lessing works to grow these businesses’ profitability with launches that delight consumers, delivering 5-star products at an outrageously extraordinary value. The brand has made an indelible mark on the beauty category starting with the brand’s first hair dryer (HyperAIR) in 2021 to what is now an expansive dryer and multistyler portfolio in four short years—all created to disrupt the space with innovation and value.
Investor of the Year: Recognizes an investor who has demonstrated visionary leadership through investments made and their contribution to the industry.
True Beauty Ventures (TBV) - A specialized investment firm dedicated to emerging beauty and wellness brands recognizing the challenges founders face when seeking strategic investors for sub-$5 million raises, TBV was founded in 2020 to fill a critical gap in the investment landscape: providing early-stage brands with institutional capital and deep industry expertise. TBV raised its first $42 million fund in 2021 and successfully deployed it into 13 companies. TBV closed its second fund in 2024 at nearly double the size—$75 million—to continue its strategy of investing in and supporting the next wave of high-growth beauty and wellness brands.
Odile Roujol, Fab Ventures - Founding Partner Odile Roujol is an early-stage investor choosing changemakers and science and data-driven businesses that know their customers and audience and support them with the collective skills of the fund and its LPs. It invests in conscious beauty, well-being, and longevity. For the firm, diverse opinions matter, but it doesn't claim to be inclusive. Instead, it focuses on performance. However, 90% of its founders are female and first- or second-generation immigrants. Fund II is actively investing.
Sarah Woelfel, Cult Capital - In 2014, she co-founded Cult Capital with her partner, John Kenney, to back disruptive consumer companies. Sarah has spent the last decade helping emerging beauty brands scale and succeed. She has played a pivotal role in the growth of several notable companies, including Supergoop!, Lawless Beauty, Act+Acre, and Subtl Beauty. She has a keen eye for identifying rising beauty brands, particularly those led by founders with a strong vision and mission to impact the beauty industry positively.
