Simone Xavier

Simone Xavier is the co-founder and co-CEO of Sigma Beauty, a successful beauty brand based in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.12 Here are some key details about her background and career:

Education and Early Career

Simone Xavier has an unconventional background for a beauty industry executive:

• She holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.3
• Originally trained as a veterinarian in Brazil.1
• Worked as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine, leading a lab that developed vaccines and diagnostic tests.1

Founding of Sigma Beauty

In 2009, while still working in academia, Xavier co-founded Sigma Beauty with her husband, Rene Xavier Filho.14 Some notable points about the company's founding:

• They started the company by focusing on makeup brushes.1
• Xavier studied beauty influencers on YouTube to identify market gaps and product needs.1
• The couple bootstrapped the company and have maintained ownership, with no interest in selling.1

Business Growth and Strategy

Under Xavier's leadership, Sigma Beauty has experienced significant growth:

• The company now produces around 300 products, including makeup, brushes, and cleaning items.1
• Sigma Beauty products are sold in 70 countries and major U.S. department stores.1
• The brand has shifted from being entirely direct-to-consumer to having 50% of its business through major retailers.2
• Sigma Beauty has partnered with Disney and is moving towards clean cosmetics.12

Recognition and Future Plans

• Xavier was named one of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's 10 Most Admired CEOs for 2024.5
• She plans to launch a podcast aimed at inspiring young businesswomen in the beauty industry.2

Simone Xavier's unique combination of scientific background and entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in Sigma Beauty's success and innovation in the beauty industry.