Beauty tycoon Maria Hatzistefanis, a London-based entrepreneur and bestselling author, is the mastermind behind Rodial, a $125 million skincare brand that celebrities don't seem to be able to live without. With a background in beauty journalism, Maria identified a need in the market for skincare solutions that offer immediate results and long-term benefits, leading her to establish Rodial in 1999.
Born in Lesbos, Greece, Maria's fascination with fashion magazines ignited her dream of venturing beyond the confines of her homeland.
When Maria first applied for a job at Seventeen magazine in Athens, she wanted to be placed in the fashion department. Instead, they placed her in beauty, where she tested products and interviewed hair stylists, facialists, and makeup artists.
After pursuing studies in English Literature in Athens, Maria ventured to the United States for an MBA, eventually settling in London. Despite early setbacks, including a stint in investment banking that left her unfulfilled, Maria's entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred and she realised the impact of her time spent working in beauty.
“I love fashion, but beauty was always more of a home for me,” she has said.
With $20,000 in savings and a vision to revolutionise the beauty industry, Maria founded Rodial in 1999. Inspired by the lack of targeted skincare solutions delivering instant and long-lasting benefits, Maria sought to fill this void with innovative products.
Rodial quickly gained attention with its unconventional product names and formulations. The brand's hero products such as Snake Serum, Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel, VIT C Brightening Pads and Banana Lowlighter, each aim to provide a natural alternative to invasive cosmetic procedures.
“We started with body care,” says Maria. “But it wasn’t until we released Snake Serum that we really created a splash.
The 96% vegan company launched paraben free products 10 years ago and renews all of the product formulas every year.
Rodial's global reach spans 35 countries, with its products available in over 2,000 luxury department stores worldwide such as Selfridges, Harrods and Neiman Marcus
Celebrity Endorsements and Global Recognition
Rodial's rise to prominence was accelerated by endorsements from its celebrity following, including icons like Angelina Jolie, Lady Gaga, and Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Moss and Kylie Jenner.
Lady Gaga, renowned for her avant-garde style, has sworn by Rodial's Dragon's Blood Sculpting Gel as a staple in her daily beauty regimen, earning it the moniker in the beauty industry of a 'liquid facelift' for its transformative effects . This innovative product, enriched with Collagen and other potent ingredients, is said to enhance skin firmness and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Kylie Jenner was an early adoptee whose organic endorsement of Rodial's offerings on social media generated substantial buzz, catapulting the brand into the spotlight ad solidifying Rodial’s status as a global beauty powerhouse.
“She posted about us organically on Instagram which gave us loads of buzz, so we contacted [her mother] Kris Jenner, not thinking she would even read the email, but she got back to us right away. Kylie was 16 at the time and we kind of got her on the crest of a wave,” Maria has said.
“When we worked with her she had very thin lips, and then by the time we did the campaign, they were much bigger. So everyone was talking about her.”
Even royalty indulges in Rodial's luxury skincare offerings, with Princess Catherine reportedly favouring the Bee Venom and Placenta 24 Carat Gold Ultimate Crème. Infused with 24-carat gold, bee venom and placenta, the cream is said to brighten and smooth skin, leaving users looking "10 years younger" and it promises to plump and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. This opulent cream, cherished for its rejuvenating properties, promises to leave the skin looking youthful and radiant.
“The whole royal family are into using Rodial, I believe,” says Maria. “Even Camilla — and that’s been the case since very early on.”
Maria's Entrepreneurial Spirit Beyond Beauty
Maria's entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond the realm of beauty. In addition to founding Rodial, she launched Nip + Fab in 2010, catering to a younger demographic with affordable skincare offerings.
Beyond her role as a beauty mogul, Maria is an influential speaker and mentor, inspiring individuals to pursue their dreams with determination and passion. Her bestselling book, "How To Be An Overnight Success," tells the story of her entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into how she went from being fired to building a multi-million global beauty empire.
Maria has since published two more titles, How To Make It Happen and How To Live Your Best Life, which explore how to motivate yourself in your life and career.
"Don’t think outside the box.
Think like there is no box."Maria Hatzistefanis
In 2022, Maria joined the cast of Dragons’ Den Greece on Greece TV, which supports and invests in budding entrepreneurs. she is now investing capital as well as her business experience in ideas for the second round of Dragons' Den. “I pick some good ideas. And although many people would think that by going to Dragons', I would invest in beauty, that's all I don't do. I've been living it for 25 years. For me it is more refreshing to be involved in another area, where I can also learn, while transferring my own knowledge. I really like everything that has to do with healthy food, with nutrition, with things related to nutrition".
In addition to her literary and television ventures, Maria is actively involved in the fashion and beauty industries. She sits on the advisory board of the British Fashion Council, working to support emerging designers. She is also a key figure in the British Beauty Council, advocating for innovation and inclusivity in the beauty sector.
Rodial Launches in Greece
After years of anticipation, Rodial has finally launched in Greece this year, marking a significant milestone for Maria and her brand.
Collaborating with Relia Trading to bring its iconic products to Cypriot consumers, Rodial's expansion into Cyprus signifies a homecoming for Maria, who is proud to introduce her products to her homeland and to fellow Greeks.
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