Australian cosmetics entrepreneur who revolutionized the beauty industry with her bold, trendy, and affordable lipstick brand, Poppy Industries, in the 1990s.
At just 19 years old, Poppy King founded her own cosmetics company, Poppy Industries, which would go on to become one of the biggest cosmetic companies in Australia within three years. She is best known for her wide range of opaque lipsticks, which revolutionized the makeup industry in the 1990s.
Poppy Cybele King was born on May 23, 1972, to a Jewish family in Australia. She was educated at Lauriston Girls School in Melbourne and Wesley College, Melbourne. Tragedy struck when her father passed away from cancer when she was just seven years old.
In 1991, King started her own cosmetics company, Poppy Industries, which primarily produced a wide range of opaque lipsticks. The head office was located in Melbourne, and within three years, the company had grown exponentially, with King becoming one of the youngest entrepreneurs to achieve such success.
In 1995, King was awarded the Young Australian of the Year award, and her company made a profit of 6.5 million. The company's success continued, and it expanded into the U.S. market. However, in 1998, the company went into receivership and was sold. Despite this setback, King continued to pursue her passion for cosmetics.
In 2006, King launched a new brand, Lipstick Queen, which is currently stocked globally in department stores including Sephora, Bloomingdales, and Mecca. This brand has solidified King's position as a cosmetics industry leader.
In 2018, Elle Australia listed her Frog Prince lipstick, which changes from green to pink on application, as one of the 10 most iconic lipstick shades of all time. This achievement is a testament to King's innovative approach to cosmetics.
King currently resides in New York City. In addition to her successful cosmetics career, she has also written a book, Lessons of a Lipstick Queen: Finding and Developing the Great Idea That Can Change Your Life, published by Atria Books in 2008.
Poppy King's legacy extends beyond her business success. She has inspired countless young entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their passions and take risks. Her innovative approach to cosmetics has changed the landscape of the industry, and her commitment to quality and excellence has set a high standard for others to follow.
84 Years Old
A pioneering Australian journalist and author, known for her trailblazing work in television and print media, particularly in the women's magazine industry.
