Posted: 8 years ago
Category: Career Insider

Founder of the £100 million beauty brand investors spurned

London based Maria Hatzistefanis, 45, is the founder of beauty brand Rodial. Her success has been a tremendous climb to the top of the beauty industry since first creating the brand back in 1999. Spotting a developing trend towards non-surgical beauty products to tackle problems usually only alleviated by cosmetic surgery she set about creating her own treatments.

Despite initially being rejected by investors the company is now worth £100 million with a loyal, global customer base, not to mention being in the handbags of celebreties in the know.

You started your career as a Beauty Journalist. What inspired you to establish and develop your own luxury skincare range?

I was working as a Beauty Writer for Seventeen Magazine, plastic surgery was on the rise and I realised there was a gap in the market for a beauty product that could offer targeted solutions to everyday beauty concerns. I started researching ingredients that would give amazing results without the surgery and Rodial was born!

What does Rodial represent to you - what is your company ethos?

Rodial represents women of beauty, style and elegance. Our company ethos is to create products that are technologically advanced with great results while still being kind and gentle to skin.

Why do you think your brand has enjoyed so much success?

Our products really do work! I think we're so different to anything else on the market and we really listen to our customers and aim to create products that will make a difference.

What is your favourite Rodial creation?

At the moment I am obsessed with the Rodial Make-Up range, a permanent fixture in my handbag! I use BB Venom Skin Tint in Hamptons, BB Eye Concealer in Aspen & Glamstick Lip butter in Thrill. I also love Glamolash, our lash lengthening serum.

Rodial has a growing celebrity following, from Kylie Jenner to Elle MacPherson, how does this feel?

It's fabulous! It's such a nice feeling to know that my products are being appreciated by celebrities and customers all over the world. It inspires me to create more amazing products to help women look and feel amazing.

What advice would you give to other young female entrepreneurs looking to launch their own business in the beauty industry?

I would say be prepared to put the man hours in yourself, when I first started I was doing everything from packing orders to pitching new products. It's also so important to surround yourself with people who share your goal, that's the key to lasting success!