In the midst of a global quest for gender equality and equity, women are making significant strides in business leadership in the Philippines.
As reported by Esquire Philippines, a recent research study by London-based global accounting group Grant Thornton found that 43% of senior management positions in Philippine companies are occupied by women. This places the country ahead of 28 other nations in terms of female representation in senior management roles.
As the world celebrates Women's Month, it's fitting to shine a spotlight on the Filipina celebrities and social media personalities who are carving out their own paths in the world of business, particularly in the beauty industry.
ANNE CURTIS
Anne Curtis was one of the pioneering celebrities to introduce her own makeup line. She launched BLK Cosmetics in 2017, with her business partners Jacqe Gutierrez, Stephanie Abellada, and Roxanne Farillas.
In an earlier interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Anne mentioned that she had always dreamt of owning her own makeup business. This was even before it became a trend for celebrities, both locally and internationally, to release their own makeup lines.
Read: Anne Curtis launches lipstick line for girls too lazy to glam up
Anne began with lipsticks and has since expanded her brand to offer a diverse range of makeup and skincare products.
Currently, BLK Cosmetics boasts of approximately 120 stores and kiosks across top malls and department stores nationwide.
HEART EVANGELISTA
Beyond her presence on the fashion week front row, Heart Evangelista is also a successful entrepreneur.
On November 24, 2021, Heart and her sister Camille Ongpauco officially launched their own beauty and wellness company named Pure Living Wellness International.
Heart's beauty and wellness company offers three distinct lines catering to various beauty and wellness markets: Luxelle for beauty, Vitasense for Korean-made attachable shower filters, and Ultima for aromatherapy essentials.
Read: Heart Evangelista launches own beauty and wellness brands
KATHRYN BERNARDO
Blockbuster actress and A Very Good Girl star Kathryn Bernardo is also rocking it as a lady boss with KathNails by KCMB, her own nail salon.
She launched her passion project-turned-business in 2017 and has seen steady growth over the years.
Read: Kathryn Bernardo at 22 is boss and owner of fast-growing business
Like many others nationwide and globally, her business was hit by the pandemic but has since bounced back.
According to their Facebook page, there are now eight KathNails by KCMB branches across the country.
GABBI GARCIA
In November 2023, Gabbi Garcia unveiled her cosmetics venture named Five Beauty, and thus joined the ranks of celebrities with their own beauty brands.
Read: Gabbi Garcia dives into beauty business with launch of own brand
The brand tags itself as the first tech-enabled beauty label, and is proud of combining “science-based skin care with high-performance color cosmetics.”
Over the past few years, Gabbi has diversified her business ventures, primarily delving into beauty and lifestyle sectors. Before introducing Five Beauty, the Kapuso actress collaborated with hairstylist Mark Anthony Rosales to establish Marqed Salon in Bonifacio Global City.
Read: Actress Gabbi Garcia and hair expert Mark Anthony Rosales: from friends to business partners
ANDREA BRILLANTES
Owning her own makeup brand was a longstanding dream for ABS-CBN's Gen Z Queen Andrea Brillantes, and it stood as one of her foremost goals before she turned 20 years old.
In an interview with PEP.ph, she explained, "Kasi I wanted to make my own business something that I really love to do!
"I love makeup, I love doing my own makeup, I love colors, I like to watch people doing their makeup, learning more about makeup."
And she accomplished just that.
A few weeks before her 20th birthday on March 12, 2023, Andrea stepped into the beauty industry with the launch of her own makeup brand, Lucky Beauty.
Read: Andrea Brillantes on to building make-up empire with Lucky Beauty
GEORGINA WILSON, BEA SORIANO, MARTINE CAJUCOM, JESS WILSON
"It Girls" Georgina Wilson, Bea Soriano, and Martine Cajucom, along with Bea's now-husband Eric Dee, are the visionary minds behind Sunnies Studios.
Read: Georgina Wilson, Bea Soriano, Martine Cajucom, Eric Dee Jr. host Sunnies Studios first year party
This dynamic team of style stars and socialites established their business in 2013, initially focusing on sunglasses and prescription glasses.
In 2018, they expanded the business and ventured into the makeup and skincare industry by introducing Sunnies Face, with the addition of Georgina's sister Jess Wilson to the team.
As of March 2024, their makeup and skincare line now has 25 stores and kioks in Metro Manila, 3 in the Visayas region, and 1 in Mindanao.
KRIS BERNAL
In 2018, Kris Bernal fulfilled a dream on her bucket list: launching her own makeup business.
The actress-entrepreneur took the solo route with the introduction of her makeup brand, SHE Cosmetics.
Read: Kris Bernal finally launches makeup brand after 10 months of countless formulations
Kris was deeply involved in every aspect of the venture, opting not to have a business partner for her debut makeup line. She began with matte lipsticks and later introduced the versatile Crystal Skin Cushion.
Presently, Kris is taking a hiatus from her makeup business as she recently welcomed her baby. However, fans can still purchase her products on various e-commerce platforms.
DRA. VICKI BELO AND CRISTALLE BELO
Dra. Vicki Belo is a big name on this list, and it's no surprise. She's well-known in dermatology and cosmetic surgery in the Philippines as the founder of Belo Medical Group.
Since starting in 1990, Belo Medical Group has become a leader in medical aesthetics all over the country. They have around 60 expert doctors and 15 clinics spread out strategically, providing a range of effective services.
Read: Dra. Vicki Belo, ginawang motivation ang panlalait sa kanya na "fat, ugly, adopted"
Dra. Vicki also ventured into the skincare business through Belo Essentials, now with her daughter Cristalle Belo at the helm.
Presently, Dra. Vicki oversees Belo Medical Group alongside her husband and fellow beauty doctor, Hayden Kho.
DRA. AIVEE TEO
Dr. Aivee Aguilar Teo is the driving force behind Aivee Group, a venture she co-founded with her husband, Dr. Z'Shen Teo.
The journey commenced in 2009 when the couple inaugurated Aivee Clinic in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The clinic specializes in aesthetics, dermatology, and wellness.
Over the course of fifteen years, the company has evolved into a conglomerate encompassing various entities, including the A Institute, Aivee Skin, Aivee Cafe, Dr. Food, A-Star Laboratories, Keli Devices, and Luxuri Pets.
Read: 11 famous ninangs at grand weddings in Philippine showbiz
IVANA ALAWI
In February 2022, Ivana Alawi joined the ranks of celebrities venturing into the beauty industry with the launch of her skincare line, Ivana Skin.
Before its launch, Ivana dedicated two years to developing her brand, which specializes in skincare products and bath essentials.
In a YouTube vlog she posted on February 11, 2022, Ivana said she wasn't big on skin care when she was younger. But as she got older, she naturally became more interested in it.
This passion led her to start her own brand.
She said, “Noong bata ako, sobrang hilig ko talaga sa skin care. And noong bata ako, hiyang-hiya ako sa skin ko. Hindi ako makapag-sleeveless tapos nahihiya talaga ako.
"Wala akong confidence sa sarili ko and natuto akong alagaan yung sarili ko, ang aking skin. Doon lumabas ang confidence ko."
She continued, “So it’s a love from within. Ever since, mahal ko talaga ang skin care. It’s my dream and I’m very, very happy na mashe-share ko na siya sa inyo.”
Read: Ivana Alawi stuns in unreleased make-up look for 'Partners In Crime'
SOFIA ANDRES
In 2021, Sofia Andres introduced Zoe Essentials, initially centered around alcohol with fragrances inspired by high-end perfumes.
Over time, her business has grown to include body care, offering a range of body washes with scents reminiscent of luxury brands.
Starting from e-commerce platforms, Sofia successfully expanded her business to include kiosks located at Franke General Store in Rockwell, Makati City; SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig; and Molito in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
SMALL LAUDE
Socialite and vlogger Small Laude stepped into the skincare industry with the launch of her own brand, Small Steps Skin, in December 2023.
In a YouTube video released the same month, Small revealed that her friends often asked about her beauty secrets for glowing skin, which motivated her to create her skincare line.
Keeping it simple, she introduced seven core products tailored for daytime and nighttime skincare routines, incorporating popular ingredients like Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, and Vitamin C.
In her vlog, she explained, "Siyempre, ayaw naman natin ng complicated. Dapat self-explanatory lang."
Read: Small Laude cautions netizens against "DIY veneers" trend
JINKEE PACQUIAO
Jinkee Pacquiao, wife of boxing champion and former Senator Manny Pacquiao, introduced Jinkee Cosmetics and Jinkee Skin with the goal of empowering women and enhancing their beauty.
She debuted Jinkee Cosmetics in 2020, followed by her skincare line, Jinkee Skin, in 2021.
During the launch of her skincare brand in November 2021, Jinkee emphasized in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph how hands-on she is with all the products she releases.
Jinkee's priority was ensuring the effectiveness and safety of her products, ensuring they wouldn't cause any side effects for consumers.
She explained, "Ayoko kasi yung baka may sasabihin yung ibang tao. So talagang shinu-sure ko na yung products is hindi magkakaroon ng irritation sa skin ng gagamit.
"Kasi dun ako takot. Kailangan mabusisi yung proseso para at least ano, walang magrereklamo.
"Siyempre yun yung ina-avoid ko, yung may magreklamo. Kasi siyempre, kailangan yung produkto de kalibre, saka happy yung bibili, at saka mura pa."
Read: Jinkee Pacquiao launches skin-care line after using the products for 2 years
RUFFA GUTIERREZ
Ruffa Gutierrez wears another hat as the CEO of her lifestyle brand. In October 2022, she unveiled Gutz and Glow, which spotlights body care. Ruffa shared in earlier interviews that she meticulously curated the products for her debut collection.
The initial lineup featured a range of offerings, including Butt and Body Scrub, Disinfectant Hand Soap, Feminine Lightening Spray Mist, Luminous Hand Cream, Lustrous Hand Sanitizer, Blazing Hand Sanitizer, Makeup Remover Wipes, and Intimate Feminine Wipes.
ELISSE JOSON
Following the jewelry collection Felizia Jewelry she launched with McCoy De Leon back in 2021, Elisse Joson took another leap into business ventures by opening up her beauty business, Lunch Break Beauty.
Lunch Break Beauty offers at-home pampering services including mani-pedis, eyebrow grooming, and eyelash extensions.
In September 2023, she opened their first physical store at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati to cater to those who are constantly on the go but still want to look gorgeous.
Read: Elisse Joson takes full advantage of discounts for savings
MAX COLLINS AND MICHELLE DEE
Celebrity friends Max Collins and Michelle Dee took their friendship to the next level when they launched their own beauty and wellness brand, Drip Therapy.
Established in August 2022, Drip Therapy has since grown into a 24/7 home service that provides premium vitamin cocktails to people around the metro.
NERI MIRANDA
In April 2022, Neri Naig Miranda ventured into the beauty industry by purchasing a salon that was on the brink of closure when its original owner relocated overseas.
The salon was revamped and christened as ExtraordiNeri Salon, and now provides affordable beauty services in its Tagaytay and Cebu branches.
Read: Neri Miranda opens salon business in Tagaytay
VIY CORTEZ
Starting with just PHP10,000 in capital, content creator turned entrepreneur Viy Cortez successfully developed her business, now recognized as ViyLine Group of Companies.
In 2019, Viy launched her first product line, ViyLine Cosmetics, starting with lip tints.
Since then, she has diversified her business portfolio to include skin care, milk tea shops, fragrances, clothing lines, and various other ventures.
Read: YouTuber Viy Cortez, 24, now owns multiple businesses
AYN BERNOS
Author and creator Ayn Bernos has always been loud and proud about her advocacies for women empowerment. To support these advocacies, she launched clothing brand Morena the Label back in 2018, a product of her thesis on colorism.
Read: Ayn Bernos remains positive about shirt business hit by pandemic
She also launched KAYU Beauty in 2022, alongside professional makeup artist Rica Salomon.
KAYU Beauty’s name comes from the word ‘kayumanggi’ and references the word ‘kayo,’ implying that their products are for everyone, and that includes all morenas.
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