Janet Gurwitch is an operating partner with Castanea, a Boston-based private equity firm, focusing on dynamic consumer brands.
Gurwitch is the founder and former CEO of Laura Mercier Cosmetics and Skincare, a global brand of high-end niche cosmetics. Gurwitch managed and oversaw Laura Mercier’s day-to-day business operations, as well as strategy development and retail negotiations.
Gurwitch joined forces with famed makeup-artist Laura Mercier in 1996, after realizing the imminent paradigm shift in the beauty industry, propelling niche lines to the forefront of the cosmetics business. Prior to founding Laura Mercier, Janet Gurwitch was the Executive Vice President of Neiman Marcus, where she set the merchandising strategy from 1992-1995.
Ms. Gurwitch is an investor and on the boards of Drybar and First Aid Beauty Skincare., and on the Board of Advisors for Memebox.com. She formerly served on the boards of DollarShaveClub.com, La-Z-Boy and Urban Decay.
Janet is also an investor and on the Board of the Houston Astros Baseball Team.
Q&A with Janet
1. How did you get into beauty?
From my vantage point as EVP of Neiman Marcus, I could see an inflection point in the cosmetics industry for an indie brand having a serious success.
1. How did you get into beauty?
From my vantage point as EVP of Neiman Marcus, I could see an inflection point in the cosmetics industry for an indie brand having a serious success.
2. Why do you love indie beauty?
Having female founders create a brand that is authentic, true to the founder in concept and how they express that concept.
3. How can you help indie brands?
By helping them build a 2-year strategy focusing on the most important priorities first – and helping identify those priorities; also using my “little black book” for great labs and consultants.
4. If you could give indie brands one piece of advice, what would it be?
Define your point of difference. What is your “white space”?
5. Favorite motto or inspirational quote?
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
6. Must-read email, blog, publication?
WWD and CEW Beauty Insider daily.
