Our story
A history of championing women
Our founder David H. McConnell was a progressive pioneer, an impressive visionary, a courageous game-changer, and above all, a champion of women.
But he didn’t set out to create a beauty company. He was a travelling book salesperson who offered beauty products as a gift. He soon realised customers were more interested in the free perfume samples than the books.
From a small New York City office, McConnell mixed our first fragrances himself, and recruited a team of women to be sales Representatives.
It was a radical business model in 1886, but McConnell believed in the power of community, and was passionate about giving women economic freedom.
years before the Women’s March on Washington, and widespread demonstrations surrounding women’s rights.
years before Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister in the UK.
years before Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space.
years before the UN Declaration of Human Rights asserted the equal rights of men and women.
years before Amelia Earhart flew solo across the Atlantic.
years before the first women in the UK had the right to vote.
years before Marie Curie became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize.
Continuing the legacy of our founder
In the 135 years since we were founded, there has been considerable progress in addressing the inequalities that women face. Nonetheless, inequality, discrimination and limiting stereotypes remain widespread. Gender inequality – in health, in education, in political representation, and in economic participation – persists.
We believe in a better world for women, which is a better world for all.
