Kylie Jenner's Rise to Beauty Mogul: A Family Affair

Kylie Jenner, now 28, launched her beauty brand, Kylie Cosmetics, in November 2015, a venture that began when she was just 17 years old. During a recent episode of the "SmartLess" podcast, her mother, Kris Jenner, recounted the pivotal moment when Kylie approached her with a clear vision for her future in the beauty industry. "She goes, 'Mom, I know what I want to do for the rest of my life, and it’s beauty. And I want to, you know, do this Lip Kit,'" Kris recalled. This conversation marked the beginning of a significant business journey that would eventually lead Kylie to billionaire status by 2019.

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Kris Jenner played a crucial role in developing Kylie's brand, emphasizing the importance of marketing strategies. She recalled asking Kylie about their advertising plans, suggesting placements in major publications like People Magazine and billboards. Despite her mother's concerns, Kylie assured her that she was prepared to handle the business. "Are we okay, mom? Like, I know what I'm doing. Just relax," Kylie reportedly responded.

The launch of Kylie Cosmetics was a groundbreaking event in the beauty industry. Kris described the moment Kylie pressed "send" to release the Lip Kits, which sold out in under a minute. "I think it was four seconds, and we thought the site crashed because we had to launch, and it was just sold out in seconds," Kris said, highlighting the overwhelming demand for the product. The initial release included 15,000 Lip Kits priced at $29 each, and the brand quickly generated over $300 million in revenue during its first year.

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Kylie utilized her substantial social media presence to promote her brand, which contributed significantly to its rapid growth. By 2018, Kylie Cosmetics was valued at approximately $900 million. In 2020, Kylie sold a 51 percent majority stake in the company to Coty Inc. for $600 million, while remaining involved in its creative and marketing strategies.

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In October 2022, Kylie celebrated the 10th anniversary of her brand with the release of a limited edition King Kylie Lip Kit collection, reflecting on her journey from a teenager to a prominent figure in the beauty industry. Kris expressed pride in Kylie's accomplishments, noting, "She was the first one to do that," referring to Kylie's innovative approach that disrupted traditional beauty business models.

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Kris Jenner has consistently praised Kylie's entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen. She emphasized the importance of Kylie's vision and determination in establishing Kylie Cosmetics as a major player in the beauty market. Kylie herself has acknowledged the pressures that came with her initial success, stating, "I couldn’t handle it because I really wanted to just make everyone happy."

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Despite the success, Kylie's rapid rise has not been without criticism. Some industry observers have questioned the sustainability of her brand and the implications of celebrity-driven businesses on the beauty industry. However, Kylie's ability to leverage her social media influence has been a significant factor in her brand's success.

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• “She goes, ‘Mom, I know what I want to do for the rest of my life, and it’s beauty. And I want to, you know, do this Lip Kit,'” — Kris Jenner, Momager

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• “'I think it was four seconds, and we thought the site crashed because we had to launch, and it was just sold out in seconds.” — Kris Jenner, Momager

• “Are we okay, mom? Like, I know what I'm doing. Just relax.” — Kylie Jenner, Beauty Mogul

• “'I couldn’t handle it because I really wanted to just make everyone happy.” — Kylie Jenner, Beauty Mogul

Kylie Jenner's journey from a reality TV star to a billionaire beauty mogul exemplifies the intersection of celebrity culture and entrepreneurship, marking a significant evolution in the beauty industry.