03-28-10 | Posted by Dorene Kaplan

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Meet la femme d’affaire de la beaute

Brains and beauty don’t always go hand in hand, but the Beauty in the Bag Ladies enjoy celebrating this killer combination wherever we can. As CEO of the venerable French pharmacy brand founded by her parents Leonor and Jean Marie, Caroline Greyl represents both. A graduate of Columbia Business School, she is at the helm of a brand sold by over 800 hair salons, 60 department stores, 60 Sephoras in France and in more than 20 countries. “For 35 years, Leonor Greyl has committed to launching products only after they have met the precise requirements demanded by the customer,” she says. “We will never launch a product before it is perfect!” That’s a brand promise we can get behind.

www.leonorgreyl.com

Why do you think Leonor Greyl is #1 in French haircare?

Because the trend right now is to use natural products with high quality and good results.

How have you carried on your family’s tradition while bringing the brand into the modern cosmetic marketplace?

I have been lucky to meet different people that have helped me keep Leonor Greyl modern and follow our tradition; it was really based on encountering people such as PRs, hairdressers and VIPs.

What are the most important lessons you derived from your formal business training and put to use at Leonor Greyl?

To never take anything for granted and always ask yourself the right questions to be able to continue developing your brand with a modern touch. I also follow my parents’ lessons, which taught me and help me in every decision I make.

What do you enjoy most about working on the Leonor Greyl brand?

I love everything about my job. It is different every day, but I love everything that touches on marketing and creativity, such as developing new brochures or pictures and also opening new markets. It is very interesting, especially that last one: you learn a lot about different cultures, and for Leonor Greyl you build and create customized strategy. I love the stages where you define and create your policy.

What inspires you personally and professionally?

People and hair of course.

Are you a mom?

Yes I have a 6 year-old son named Gabriel.

What’s in your bag?
Chanel mascara: it does not leak and stays on for hours. By Terry Baume de la rose lip gloss or Carmex, Nars Bronzer in Casino and also the makeup base from Bobbi Brown. Finally, my skin care brand without question: Joelle Ciocco. I love all of her products. When I take a plane—which happens very often—I apply Abriciol and my skin looks good upon arrival. For the sun I use Sisley; they are very good. Both my son and my husband have clear skin and never get sunburns when they use this brand.

What’s your favourite bag?

My Mombasa bag from YSL. I bought it 8 years ago and still love it.