Female Founders - 3 Beauty Brands I've learnt from

Over the past four months, I’ve been deep in learning mode as part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Programme at Oxford University. The experience has been transformational — not just for the strategy and insight, but for the brilliant people I met along the way.

You know I love championing other small businesses, and among the 69 founders on the course, I was inspired by three women building remarkable beauty brands. Each of them is carving a unique path in an industry that’s ever-evolving — and they’re doing it with purpose, creativity, and serious business acumen.

1. Only Curls – founded by Lizzie

Lizzie is the founder of Only Curls, a joyful brand built specifically for curly hair. What started as a niche, community-driven business has grown into a powerhouse, with a loyal customer base and stockists like Boots. Lizzie has created more than a product range — she’s created a movement that celebrates natural curls with confidence and care.

See the Only Curls Website
Only Curls Instagram

2. Evolve Organic Beauty – founded by Laura

Laura is a pioneer in natural skincare. She founded Evolve long before ‘clean beauty’ became a buzzword — creating organic, sustainable products that are now loved around the world. Her calm, considered approach to leadership stood out on the course, and so did her commitment to doing business the right way: thoughtful growth, high standards, and deep care for people and planet.
She also gave me this face cream to try - which I am hooked on!

See the Evolve Organic Beauty Website. 
Evolve Instagram

3. Bloom and Blossom – co-founded by Julia

Julia is one of the duo behind Bloom and Blossom, a brand that’s grown from a kitchen-table idea to a global name. Her products are all about real-life self-care from pregnancy to  menopause, or somewhere in between. What I loved about Julia is how grounded and incredibly lovely she is. She even skipped off to China during it all, as they love her stuff over there! She gave me this hand cream, which is dreamy.

 Her ambition is big, but it’s grounded in honesty and heart. A true inspiration.

See the Bloom and Blossom website
Bloom and Blossom Instagram

These three women are each building businesses on their own terms — brands that blend creativity with commercial success, and that make space for people to feel good in their skin. I feel so lucky to have learned alongside them.

If you're not already following them, go take a look — you’ll find great products, but even better stories behind them.