Early Life of Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder was born Josephine Esther Mentzer on July 1, 1908, in Queens, New York, to Hungarian immigrant parents. Growing up, she had an early interest in beauty and skincare, thanks in part to her mother, who was a homemaker and an avid believer in the power of beauty treatments. Her mother, originally named Rose, was the one who introduced Estée to the world of cosmetics, instilling in her a love for creating beauty potions. At just 19, Estée began experimenting with homemade skincare products, which she would sell to local beauty salons. Her early entrepreneurial instincts quickly emerged, and she began refining her craft to offer high-quality products for discerning customers.
The Birth of Estée Lauder Company
In the early 1930s, Estée Lauder partnered with her husband, Joseph Lauder, to create a small business selling her homemade beauty products. With the support of her husband, Estée began to develop her first products, which included skincare creams and lotions. Initially, Estée struggled to break into the market, but her persistence and drive led her to establish a loyal customer base.
In 1946, after years of trial and error, Estée officially founded the Estée Lauder Company with the help of her husband. The first products included a skincare range that offered luxurious, effective treatments for women’s beauty needs. Estée’s big break came when she convinced beauty salon owners to stock her products, a feat that required both persuasion and innovation. She became known for her personal selling approach, visiting salons and demonstrating her products in person, which set her apart from many competitors. shutdown123