The words legend, industry icon and world-class are scattered around like confetti these days.
But when it comes to Rae Morris, the best-selling author and one of the most influential makeup artists in the world, all the labels fit the bill.
Her CV says it all. Morris has clinched the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year four times and was the longest-serving Makeup Director for L’Oreal Paris for 10 years from 2003 to 2013.
She has written six best-selling books, including Makeup: The Ultimate Guide, which sold half a million copies worldwide. Morris has also worked with some of the world’s leading photographers and prestige glossies, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.
As true beauty fans know, the Rae Morris Magnetic Brush range, the first magnetic makeup brush range in the world, are the ultimate beauty tools for a perfect finish.
A year ago, Morris partnered with Lempriere Wells, the boutique capital advisory and investment firm, specialising in high-growth skincare, fashion and wellness brands, to expand her business reach.
Founded in 2012, the Rae Morris brand generates the majority of its sales in the US, followed by Australia, Asia and the UK. The company recently received a minority stake investment from a Singapore-based funds management firm. A deal which valued the business at seven times its revenues.
Rae Morris products are sold through Mecca in Australia and Beautylish and Net-A-Porter in the US and the recent investment is just a taste of things to come. Aided by Lempriere Wells, the brand is hoping to raise up to US$10 million in Series A funding later this year.
The capital injection will be used to launch a full colour makeup range, increase distribution and grow the education side of the business. A beauty studio in Sydney is also on the drawing board.
The company has already received interest from undisclosed partners, adds Jim Cornish, managing director and co-founder of Rae Morris.