12 Mar Trailblazing Beauty: Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025
The beauty industry has always been a powerful space for self-expression, innovation and empowerment. Behind its growth and evolution are trailblazing women whose stories are nothing short of inspiring. Three women who stand out in the history of beauty are Madam C.J. Walker, Elizabeth Arden and Huda Kattan. So for International Women’s Day 2025, let’s shine a spotlight on women who have transformed the industry in remarkable ways. Their legacies continue to influence and inspire generations of entrepreneurs and women across the globe.
Born 1867, Walker is widely regarded as one of the most successful African American women in history. Her journey to success is particularly inspiring, as she rose from humble beginnings to build an empire in an era where opportunities for Black women were severely limited.
As a young woman, she struggled with hair loss and scalp issues so Walker decided to create her own hair care products. In 1905, she developed a formula for a hair treatment. It wasn’t just the product that made her a success – it was her ability to connect with women, especially African American women and empower them through beauty and self-care.
She went on to establish the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, creating a range of beauty and hair care products. But Walker’s impact was more than just commercial. She developed an innovative sales model that included training and employing a nationwide network of women to sell her products directly to consumers, therefore creating jobs and financial independence for many African American women.
Madam C.J. Walker
Elizabeth Arden was born in 1884 in Canada. She is another iconic woman whose vision revolutionised the beauty industry. Known for her elegance, business acumen and keen sense of branding, Arden was one of the first to elevate beauty into an art form and build a global brand that focused on both cosmetics and skincare.
Arden’s career in the beauty industry began after she trained as a nurse, which sparked an interest in skin care and wellness. Her first beauty salon opened in New York in the early 1900s, but it wasn’t long before she established her own line of products. Arden made a name for herself by introducing new concepts in beauty, including the use of high-quality ingredients and the emphasis on skincare as a vital part of a woman’s daily routine.
What set Elizabeth Arden apart was her pioneering approach to marketing. She was one of the first to recognise the power of celebrity endorsements, partnering with renowned actresses of the time to promote her products.
Elizabeth Arden
Huda Kattan’s success story is a testament to the power of passion, creativity and persistence. The Iraqi-American was born in 1983, In Oklahoma, USA. She moved to Dubai after graduating, where she began her journey in the beauty industry.
Starting as a beauty blogger, she transformed her love for makeup into a global empire with her brand, Huda Beauty. With innovative products, strategic social media presence and a deep understanding of her audience, Huda has become one of the most influential figures in the beauty industry. Her journey from a makeup artist to a beauty mogul is inspiring, proving that a strong vision and authenticity can turn dreams into reality. Today, Huda’s brand is recognised worldwide. With over 50 million Instagram followers, ‘Huda Beauty’ and ‘Huda’s’ success continues to empower countless individuals in the beauty world.
Huda Kattan
All of these women changed the landscape of the beauty industry by breaking barriers, redefining beauty standards and creating paths for future generations of women. They recognised the importance of self-care and empowerment and used their success to uplift others along the way.
Today, the beauty industry continues to be shaped by women who are inspired by such pioneers. Whether they are creating their own brands, advocating for inclusivity or challenging conventional beauty standards. Here at Medica Forte and Renew Medical Aesthetics, we pride ourselves in incorporating some of the key ingredients for success demonstrated by these influential women. We know and understand that success in the beauty industry – like in any industry – is not just about the products you create but about the impact you have on people’s lives. Many women in the beauty and skincare industry continue to inspire the work that we do and we hope that all of the women that we work with continue to dream big, break barriers and change the world through beauty, business and beyond.