Meeting a gap in the beauty industry’s awards circuit, CEW’s newest event, Beauty’s Top Talent, commenced Wednesday morning at Hearst Tower honoring four future leaders who are making their mark on the beauty industry. Selected by CEW Board Members, the Honorees were recognized for their outstanding performance, leadership potential and the impact they’re making on their companies and the industry.

The Honorees included Bal Adat, Account Manager Perfumery, Firmenich;

Jen Daly, Senior Brand Manager, TRESemmé,

Unilever; Jennifer Harbin, Senior Regional Sales Director Northeast/Mid-Atlantic, Christian Dior Perfumes LLC; and Colleen Scanlon, Executive Director of North America Advertising, Estée Lauder, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The event kicked off with a keynote by Katia Beauchamp, co-founder of sample and discovery beauty/grooming company, Birchbox, who talked about her start in beauty and her continuous journey within it.

“I fell hard into this industry and it took a little while for the beauty industry to warm up to me. We are far from being a fixture…but I love the journey and just like you there’s nothing I like doing more than driving my career and earning my place here.”

Bal Adat was introduced by Joy Atkinson, President, Body and Home Care, North America, Firmenich, who said when the opportunity arose to nominate someone within her group she thought of and wrote the recommendation for Bal “in less than five minutes,” as she knew Bal would be the perfect candidate. Bal accepted her award and offered her contemporaries advice: “Never be afraid of going after what you want.”

Jen Daly accepted her award from Gina Boswell, Executive Vice President, Unilever Personal Care. Gina credited Jen with taking TRESemmé’s sponsorship of Fashion Week “into a full fledged consumer activation.” Jen accepted her award and thanked Gina for “entrusting me with your baby” and to the TRESemmé team.

Pamela Baxter, President and CEO, LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics, President, Christian Dior, described Jennifer Harbin as a “superstar,” while Jennifer thanked Pamela and her direct report, Terry Darland, for teaching her about the meaning of important relationships “and staying true your beliefs…push beyond your comfort zone.”

Thia Breen, Group President of North America of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., welcomed Colleen Scanlon, who accepted her award noting how she cherishes the access she has to the company’s amazing leadership, whether it’s at one of Lauder’s Town Hall meetings, or simply in an elevator where there’s the opportunity to run into [Leonard] Lauder. She also offered three pieces of advice: care about what you do, stay grounded and have accountability. “If you’re not making mistakes you’re not taking enough risks.”