Leslie Blodgett

Leslie Blodgett is a beauty industry pioneer and the creator of bareMinerals, as well as the former Executive Chairman of Bare Escentuals.12 She transformed the beauty industry by launching bareMinerals in 1995, introducing mineral makeup with skin-improving benefits to the masses.3

During her 22-year tenure at Bare Escentuals, Blodgett turned a small West Coast bath and body retailer into a global beauty brand.2 In 2006, she took the company public in one of the largest cosmetic IPOs of the decade. Four years later, Shiseido acquired Bare Escentuals for $1.8 billion, marking one of the largest cosmetic mergers in history.25

Blodgett is known for her innovative approach to marketing and direct selling. She built strong relationships with customers, often appearing on QVC and touring the country to meet them in person.5 This community-focused approach was considered unconventional at the time but proved highly successful.5

Among her many accolades, Blodgett was named:

• The first female recipient of the "Visionary of the Year Award" by Women's Wear Daily Beauty Inc.
• One of the "Top Entrepreneurs of the Decade: 2000-2009" by Inc. Magazine
• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)2

Currently, Blodgett serves on the board of directors for companies like Stella & Dot and is involved in philanthropic efforts. She is also an angel investor and advisor.2 In 2020, she published her debut book, "Pretty Good Advice: For People Who Dream Big and Work Harder".4