ABBA is not the only successful export to come out of Sweden! FACE Stockholm is the only Swedish cosmetics company that offers makeup and skin care that is true to the Swedish beauty ideal; simple, clean, gorgeous and naturally based with a spectacular and unrivalled range of colours and uses of the highest quality ingredients.

Still owned and operated by founder Gun Nowak and her daughter Martina, the brand is now available at over 100 locations worldwide.

Founder Gun Nowak started with her first shop in 1982 in Stockholm, and, as the business grew, Gun turned to her daughter, Martina Arfwidson for help. Sharing a passion for colour and design as well as a playful sense of humour Gun and Martina have formed a unique partnership, carving an exemplary niche for themselves in the cosmetics business. "I don't think we would enjoy the work as much if it weren't for a deeper purpose," says Gun. "I think makeup is wonderful and fun because it can be like theatre — it allows you to play and to act out whatever you want to be. But the most the important thing that we want to express to our customers is that we are all beautiful, in one way or the other."

From humble beginnings when business was so slow Gun still remembers only having 37 Swedish crowns (less than a fiver!) in her till -through to her proudest moment so far being awarded The Royal Patriotic Society Business Medal by King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden in 2009; an accolade for outstanding entrepreneurship awarded to only 10 people every year (so no mean feat!).

Gun says ' There are so many women with brilliant ideas and if I could inspire any one of them to realise their dream of starting their own company, I would be very happy'.

Tell us about the creation of your brand

In the early 1980s, I owned three fashion boutiques in Sweden. FACE Stockholm grew out of my frustration at not being able to find makeup to match the neon fashions of the time. I didn't set out to do makeup, but I wanted every colour and I couldn't find them anywhere. I saw an opportunity. The first shop opened in 1982 and it was an immediate success.

What is your philosophy and how does your range reflect this?

Our values are reflected in every detail of the FACE Stockholm brand: clean, welcoming boutiques, impeccable service, top-quality product, professional makeup education and top-notch artistry. Putting makeup on a woman is such an intimate experience; it's a beautiful interaction. And I think this interaction is the essence of what FACE Stockholm is all about: making women feel good about themselves. That is the part of our work that we love. The most important thing that we want to express to our customers is that we are all beautiful, in one way or the other.

What is the one essential beauty or skincare product you can't live without?

I love the Swedish Defense skincare line. It moisturizes, peels, and cleans - it's everything I need. And I'm never without a lipstick!

Aside from your business - what are you passionate about?

I have always loved skiing and hiking in the mountains and gardening has become my most recent outdoor passion. Travelling is a must for me. And playing with my grandchildren is the true joy of my life.

What's your favourite place in the World?

The city of Hudson, in upstate New York. FACE Stockholm's headquarters are based there. The landscape is breathtaking, it's right on the river looking over at the Catskill Mountains and I'm close to my family and friends.

The city and surrounding area are very diverse and rich in culture. With the Frank Gehry Opera House, Bard College and many other centres for learning, performance and the arts, there is always something interesting happening.