There is no industry quite like the beauty industry, especially for women. All around the world females have been breaking barriers within the realm of makeup, hair and skincare. Through this, the beauty industry has emerged as a an empowering space for minorities, and has offered a platform for creators of all shapes and sizes.
It’s no surprise that at the forefront of this change are women. The rise of female-led beauty brands and the growing demand for sustainable and ethical products has ushered in a new era of female empowerment within the beauty industry. This shift has not only led to changes in the efficacy and safety of products and services offered but has also transformed our perception of beauty and its role in society.
In my experience, beauty has shaped me as a young woman. I have admired influential women break stereotypes and pave the way for change since before I can remember. To me beauty is synonymous with confidence and empowerment, it has opened doors to new opportunities, introduced me to inspiring and ambitious individuals, and has given me a sense of fulfillment that is both personal and powerful.
BEAUTYDIRECTORY had the pleasure of speaking with Pippa Hallas, the CEO of the renowned skincare brand Ella Baché. Pippa has over a decade of experience as a woman in the beauty industry and has gained a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to succeed. She shared her valuable insights on how to navigate beauty and business, and the challenges she has faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
If you're interested in business advice from one of the very best, or simply want to be inspired by a woman who refuses to let life hold her back, keep reading to discover Pippa's valuable perspective on the beauty industry and what it takes to succeed as a woman in business.
As CEO of Ella Baché, what does your day-to-day look like?
My day is fast paced. It starts early in the office where I work on overarching business strategy, complex problems, innovation and new product formulations. We have our eyes firmly set on ingredient technologies and skincare trends, so I spend time working on NPD with the team, whilst also working alongside our Digital team, Salon and College Network. I aim to get out into stores and salons twice a month to talk to our customers and keep close to what’s happening in the market especially at the moment when there is so much uncertainty. We also run our own manufacturing, production and distribution facility in Sydney and spending time with the team there is key to ensure we continue to adapt to the continuing changes in the supply chain, and new approaches. To finish the day off, I spend summer afternoons down at a harbour beach in Sydney with my two sons, there is nothing like jumping in the ocean after a busy day!
You’ve spoken openly about Imposter Syndrome in the past. What advice would you give to women who think they don’t deserve the opportunities they’ve worked hard for?
My advice to them is to shift your energy, work hard, push the boundaries and be courageous – you deserve a seat at the table just as much as everyone else in the room. Woman generally are less confident but good preparation can help overcome this. In moments where the feeling of Imposter Syndrome sneaks back in, make sure you are surrounded with the right people – because at the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating the wins and sharing the challenges together. Good daily routines can also help centre yourself back to basics, like a good night’s sleep and exercise. I think covid has also taught us that there is no time for perfection.
What hurdles have you faced since stepping into the position of CEO?
Running a business through the GFC (my first year as a CEO was when this hit) and COVID 19 have been challenging times. They were a time of great disruption, with so many uncertainties. I learnt that when steering a business into the unknown you must stay focused on the principles and values. They became my north stars.
You’re so passionate about championing women. How does Ella Baché support women and their careers?
We predominantly are a female-based company, so when it comes to supporting the Ella Baché network I offer mentoring, flexible work for mothers and hybrid schemes. I have learnt it’s not one size fits all and if you value your people, you will continue to make it work. I also work hard at creating a culture where woman feel capable of achieving anything, in a creative and supportive environment.
How has it been navigating your business after COVID?
There has been so much change, and I say to my team, everything we knew pre- covid throw it out and start again, look at opportunities and challenges through a new lens. We have shifted how we work, think and operate. Supply chains have changed, the rapid rise of digital and tech provide endless opportunities, but we need to keep learning be agile and look to the future.
If you could only use three Ella Baché products, which ones would they be and why?
SPF. It’s the number one go-to product for me and should be for everyone else too, with its ability to protect the skin. My must have is Superfluid 50+, it’s a daily tinted moisturiser and gets your skin glowing no matter how tired you are, it’s nourishing and the ultimate multi tasker. The second would be a high performing serum, I reach for my favourite Ella Baché Hyaluronic Cellular Serum which keeps my skin hydrated and plumped, and a daily hydration mist which offers my skin instant radiance in this sticky summer heat!
As a female CEO, what do you think needs to change in the business world to ensure equal opportunity?
It’s been 87 years since Madame Baché founded this company, and whilst woman have come a long way, real, diverse change has yet to occur. The playing field remains uneven, and we have only just begun to scratch the surface around female empowerment. As women, it is so important that we continue to push the boundaries, and the comforts of what we have become accustomed too, and whilst I understand this can be easier said than done, if we lead with our intuition, back ourselves and stand by our principles, whilst calling out unconscious bias we will create a better future for not only ourselves, but for the many powerhouse woman that are yet to come.