The latest in our interview series in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, CEW talks to Saie President Lucia Ruehlemann today about her career story — her first corporate job was in the sales division at Elizabeth Arden — and the experiences that have made her who she is today. “I’ve been in my current role at Saie for about two and a half years. It’s a small indie brand but so impressive,” Ruehlemann, a first-generation Latina, told CEW reporter Belisa Silva. “I just want to quietly learn from the team, and then work with them to see how we can unlock potential, honoring the brand DNA, and finding opportunities to scale. It’s about really listening to each other, and reverse mentoring is a big thing here.”

New data from NielsenIQ reveals that Hispanic consumers are more engaged, make up 14.4% of beauty households in the U.S., and account for an impressive 16.6% of total beauty dollars spent annually. “Hispanic consumers represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds, appearances, and experiences that influence their beauty choices in unique ways,” writes CEW reporter Melissa Hago. “Truly engaging with this consumer base requires a deeper understanding of their diversity, cultural influences, and personal values.”

Also at CEW, we report on the winners and finalists of the 2024 Maesa Magic Incubator Program. “The initiative continues to focus on bridging the entrepreneurial access gap by amplifying promising early-stage beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, including those identifying as women and/or BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently abled, low-income and seniors above 65,” reports CEW’s Andrea Nagel, who profiles the winners and finalists in our special report.

In executive news, Revlon has tapped former CVS executive Michelle Peluso as its new CEO. Peluso will lead the company’s “next phase of growth,” as well as joining its board of directors. And in other Revlon news, actress and musician Keke Palmer has been named its first Chief Brand Officer, for the hair care brand Creme of Nature.

The cult British nail care brand Nails Inc. has been acquired by Pacific World Corporation, the American private equity group. The brand, which was founded by Thea Callen MBE, also has a sister brand, Holler & Glow, and both will refocus on the North American market. In other news, sustainable beauty company LOLI Beauty has announced that it is shuttering, and Bobbi Brown has collaborated with bridal designer Ines Di Santo to create a limited-edition bridal makeup bag.

Catch up on these and other stories at the links below.

Saie’s Lucia Ruehlemann’s Inspirational Story. The first-generation Latina talks to CEW, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. (CEW)

The Buying Power Of The Hispanic Beauty Shopper. NielsenIQ’s latest data shows that Hispanic consumers are more engaged, make up 14.4% of beauty households in the U.S., and account for an impressive 16.6% of total beauty dollars spent annually. (CEW)

The 2024 Maesa Magic Incubator Program Winners Revealed. We share the winners and finalist of this year’s program. (CEW)

Revlon Taps Michelle Peluso As CEO. Peluso is a former CVS executive. (FASHION UNITED)

Keke Palmer Revlon’s First Brand Chief Brand Officer. The actress and musician is the company’s first CBO, for Creme of Nature. (WWD)

Nails Inc Bought By Private Equity Firm. The British nail care icon has been acquired by American private equity group Pacific World Corporation. (BUSINESS OF FASHION)

LOLI Beauty Shutters. The pioneering sustainable beauty company is closing. (BEAUTY INDEPENDENT)

Bobbi Catches The Bouquet. Bobbi Brown has partnered with bridal designer Ines Di Santo to create a limited-edition makeup bag of beauty must-haves. (HAPPI)

Fenwick Reopens New Look Beauty Hall In Newcastle. The UK department store has revealed its new, revamped beauty hall spanning 26,000 square feet and with two new, enlarged atriums. (RETAIL GAZETTE)