CEW Celebrates Female Innovators at the Annual Visionary Awards Event

On May 14, 2025, Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) held its second-annual Visionary Awards cocktail party, a prestigious event dedicated to honoring remarkable female leadership and advancing women in the beauty industry. This year's gathering took place at the breathtaking Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, California, where eleven exceptional female beauty founders were celebrated for their innovative contributions and leadership.

The Visionary Awards aim to recognize women who not only demonstrate excellence in their businesses but also inspire others by sharing their unique journeys within a historically challenging industry. During the event, each honoree had the opportunity to address attendees, shedding light on their personal paths, the hurdles they overcame, and the insights they've gathered along the way. This exchange of experiences is crucial in motivating the next generation of female leaders in beauty.

Awardees included notable figures such as Tina Chen Craig, the founder of U Beauty; Laney Crowell, CEO of Saie; and Alisa Metzger, co-founder of INNBEAUTY PROJECT, among others. Each woman's story highlights the commitment to innovation, creativity, and purpose, all essential qualities that CEW aims to promote.

Carlotta Jacobson, CEW President, stated, “We are deeply honored to recognize these extraordinary women. The 2025 Visionary Awards shine a light on the trailblazers shaping the future of beauty, leaders who are redefining success through innovation, passion, and purpose.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of CEW's mission, which is to empower women through support, education, and recognition.

In addition to the award ceremony, the night also featured a Spirit of Giving Award, which was presented to Carly Guerra, founder and CEO of Savoir, for her exceptional contributions to uplifting other women in the industry. The event was made possible thanks to the support of various sponsors, including Ulta Beauty, Amazon Beauty, and Nordstrom, showcasing a united front of businesses dedicated to fostering female empowerment.

CEW's commitment to creating an inclusive community allows women in every aspect of the beauty industry—from marketing and sales to formulation and product development—to share resources and mentorship opportunities. With a membership of 8,300 individuals, CEW serves as a powerful network dedicated to breaking barriers and advancing women's roles throughout the industry.

This year’s Visionary Awards event not only celebrated individual achievements but also emphasized the collective movement toward greater representation and leadership of women in beauty. The inspiring stories shared are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and strategic acuity that define today’s female entrepreneurs.

As the evening concluded, attendees left feeling inspired and hopeful about the future of the beauty industry. CEW’s commitment to recognizing and supporting women in beauty not only enriches individual careers but also fosters a diverse and innovative future. By spotlighting these trailblazers, CEW continues to ignite a passion for change and progress within the beauty sector, encouraging women everywhere to pursue their dreams with tenacity and confidence.

The success of the Visionary Awards sets a precedent for future gatherings aimed at celebrating the invaluable contributions of women in all fields, reinforcing the belief that empowering female leadership is essential for building a vibrant and inclusive business landscape. The community collectively looks forward to seeing how these visionary leaders continue to shape the future, inspiring those who follow in their footsteps.