Maureen Kelly

Founder & CEO Tarte Cosmetics

Maureen Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Tarte Cosmetics, a prominent makeup brand known for its commitment to cruelty-free and high-performance natural ingredients. Established over two decades ago, Tarte has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise, distributing its products in over 60 countries worldwide.1 2

Early Life and Education

Maureen Kelly initially pursued a PhD in clinical psychology before shifting her focus to the beauty industry. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Binghamton University and a master's degree in psychology from The New School for Social Research.1

Career Journey

Kelly's entrepreneurial journey began in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City, where she faced significant challenges, including substantial debt and lack of industry experience. Her breakthrough came after persistent efforts led to her products being featured at Henry Bendel, which catalyzed Tarte's rise in the cosmetics market.2 Notably, she has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to the industry, including Entrepreneur magazine’s Woman of the Year and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year.1

Leadership and Impact

As CEO, Kelly emphasizes female empowerment and entrepreneurship. She leads an all-female executive team and actively supports initiatives aimed at mentoring young women through programs like "Shape Your Future" small business awards and "Tartelette U" mentorship.1 2 Additionally, she founded Heart to Tarte, a nonprofit organization that supports various charitable causes.1

Personal Philosophy

Kelly's vision for Tarte is rooted in creating products that are not only effective but also ethical. She aims to provide alternatives to conventional cosmetics that often rely on harmful ingredients or animal testing. Her dedication to social responsibility is reflected in Tarte's community engagement and charitable efforts.2 3

Maureen Kelly continues to inspire many with her story of resilience and innovation in the beauty industry, advocating for a more inclusive and responsible approach to cosmetics.