#20 - Millie Kendall MBE - Beauty Industry Rockstar! CEO & CoFounder of the British Beauty Council, Co Founder of BeautyMart and Co Founder of Ruby & Millie... but it doesn't end there...

Pocket Mentors Podcast

In 2007, Millie was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for her contribution to the cosmetics industry. Fast forward to 2020 and Millie's voice couldn't be any louder and has used her status to great affect. Millie's been one of the most influential voices throughout the COVID-19 Pandeminc lockdown, fighting tirelessly to ensure that a £28.4 billion industry is heard and supported. For that alone, and I know I speak on behalf of thousands of others, I'm extremely grateful for.

This is a fascinating insight into a hugely influential figure in the Beauty Industry. The story begins in London in 70's, but quickly switches to LA where Millie's father had his own Salon, before Millie headed back to London as a teenager and began work at Toni & Guy in Mayfair. Millie admits hairdressing was not her calling and was much more mathematical than artistic.

It was product that lit Millie up and it's this passion that has shaped her story so far.

Millie introduced Shu Uemura to the European market, launched Aveda in 1997.

While at Shu Uemura she worked very closely with Mr Shu Uemura himself and she describes him as her "greatest mentor". Mr Shu Uemura encouraged Millie's radical and maverick style and provided her with a safe and supported environment to flourish.

Alongside make-up artist Ruby Hammer, Millie launched Ruby & Millie in 1998 in Harvey Nichols then Selfridges and retailing in Boots.

On Millie's return to London, she reconnected with Anna-Marie Solowij, the former Beauty Editor of British Vogue. Millie and Anna-Marie partnered to launch the first beauty boutique in store and online, BeautyMART.

The story doesn't end there... as a devoted mum of two, Millie still finds the time to carve and shape the industry and help support and mentor many other brands. Millie has a clear, yet adaptable vision of what she still wants to achieve and I for what am very excited to be part of this amazing industry.