Bobbi Brown built two major beauty brands across a career spanning more than four decades. Her second act, Jones Road Beauty, proves that starting over later in life can lead to even greater success.
Bobbi Brown’s Early Career
Bobbi Brown developed her love of makeup as a child in Chicago. She watched her mother apply cosmetics and grew fascinated by beauty from an early age. She later studied at Emerson College before pursuing a career as a makeup artist.
In 1991, she launched Bobbi Brown Cosmetics with just ten lipsticks. Bergdorf Goodman sold them all within a single day. Estée Lauder acquired the company in 1995, and Brown remained Chief Creative Officer until 2016. By then, the brand had grown into a billion-dollar global company.
Waiting to Launch Jones Road Beauty
A 25-year non-compete clause prevented Bobbi Brown from launching a competing line. So, she waited nearly five years after leaving her namesake brand. She even wore a charm necklace engraved with the clause’s exact expiration date. Finally, in October 2020, she launched Jones Road Beauty on that very day.
Building a Self-Funded Beauty Brand
Bobbi Brown built Jones Road differently this time. She used her own money and her family’s investment instead of outside funding. No venture capital, no board, and no external investors were involved. As a result, the brand stayed entirely under family control from day one.
The company grew remarkably fast under this model. Jones Road surpassed $100 million in revenue within just three years. Additionally, it remained profitable from its very first year of operation.
Recognition and Social Media Success
Bobbi Brown became a TikTok sensation in her 60s through relatable, unpolished videos. Time magazine later named her one of the 100 Most Influential People. Furthermore, she published her memoir, “Still Bobbi,” in 2025. Today, she continues running Jones Road from Montclair, New Jersey, alongside her husband and son.