Ep. 32 | Paris to NYC: Violette_FR Founder & Creative Director of Makeup for Guerlain, Violette Serrat
violette"IF IT DOESN’T WORK OUT, IT’S OKAY. I’LL TRY SOMETHING ELSE."
Violette Serat is an innovative beauty expert and visionary creative whose vibrant approach to makeup and skincare inspires confidence and individuality. You’ll hear us talk about cultivating creativity, embracing personal style and the power of vulnerability in crafting a meaningful career in the beauty industry.
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In this episode, we journey with Violette, a seasoned makeup artist, CEO of VIOLETTE_FR, and Global Creative Director of Makeup at Guerlain. Beyond the impressive titles, Violette shares how makeup in France is more than just skin deep, it’s a fashion statement and a form of self-expression.
We explore how she balances leading her own brand while steering creativity at Guerlain. Violette reveals her secrets to building a dream team, her bold move from France to New York, and why stepping out of your comfort zone is essential. She also opens up about maintaining calm strength, navigating married life and motherhood, and launching VIOLETTE_FR, a brand that beautifully bridges minimalism and glamour.
Join us for an intimate and inspiring conversation that redefines beauty through creativity, imperfection, and individuality.
Show Topics:
The cultural significance of makeup in France
Balancing roles as CEO and Global Creative Director
Building a dream team and embracing change
Life transitions: moving countries, marriage, and motherhood
The story behind launching VIOLETTE_FR
Favorite product creations and creative inspirations
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
03:02 Violette's Journey and Philosophy
03:46 The Evolution of Violette's Social Media Presence
05:55 French Beauty Aesthetics and Philosophy
11:03 Balancing Multiple Roles: Brand and Creative Director
17:02 Early Artistic Influences and Makeup Beginnings
23:47 Building a Career in New York
32:49 Balancing Marriage and Work
33:26 The Challenges and Joys of Motherhood
35:50 Curating an Artistic Instagram Presence
39:30 Launching a Beauty Brand: Initial Steps
43:06 Fundraising Journey and Investor Relations
56:09 Building a Team and Managing Finances
01:03:49 Maintaining Privacy in a Public Life
01:05:05 The Value of Privacy in the Digital Age
01:05:40 Authenticity in Conversations
01:06:08 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
01:06:46 Exploring the Potential and Risks of AI
01:08:44 The Power of Meditation
01:13:31 Building a Brand from Scratch
01:27:27 Challenges and Triumphs in Business
01:35:23 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
ABOUT VIOLETTE SERRAT
Violette is an award-winning makeup artist, the Global Creative Director of Makeup at Guerlain, and Founder/CEO of VIOLETTE_FR. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has created a unique space where beauty and art evoke emotion. Violette’s work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W Magazine, and she has built a vibrant community on social media where her beauty tutorials are beloved by consumers and professionals alike.
Launched in 2021, VIOLETTE_FR is a multi-category beauty brand that offers vegan, cruelty-free products made with safe ingredients. The brand celebrates French-inspired beauty culture, bridging minimalism with beauty obsession, and champions imperfection and individuality through creativity and self-care.
Follow Violette on all social media platforms
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Website
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