The power of 4

BRIGITTE TAITTINGER, CEO of Annick Goutal Parfums

MANILA, Philippines - Fragrances have many similarities to fine spirits so it’s fitting that Annick Goutal aligned with famed Champagne house Taittinger when Brigitte, granddaughter of founder Pierre Taittinger, became CEO of Annick Goutal Perfumes in 1991.

A history and political science major who’s worked with Baccarat Crystal and HSBC France, Taittinger is married with six children yet still manages to secure Annick Goutal’s position as a premier luxury perfume house. She increased business operations through distribution outlets that remained very selective, especially in the US, where the brand became a runaway success. Under her watch, Goutal also began exporting to Asian and European markets.

Working with house noses Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen, a newer wave of perfumes has strengthened the brand with creations like Petite Cherie, Songes and Ninfeo Mio, and home fragrances like candles and room sprays. With Taittinger at the helm, it’s obvious that Annick Goutal will continue to grow and innovate in the niche perfumery market.

DEBORAH LIPPMANN,founder of Deborah Lippmann

From Vogue, InStyle and Vanity Fair to Versace, Valentino and Donna Karan, Deborah Lippmann is the go-to manicurist for the most fashionable magazines and renowned fashion houses.

An aspiring jazz singer who didn’t want to support herself through waitressing, Lippmann enrolled in cosmetology school instead, where she discovered a hidden talent: nails. She quickly became a favorite in Arizona and later New York.

After working her magic on the hands of an Allure magazine editor, Deborah’s career took off. Among her increasing roster of celebrity clients was Mariah Carey, for whom she mixed a special nail color to complement the singer’s ’98 Oscar dress. They called the color “Satin Doll” for its shimmering beige shade. The Deborah Lippmann Collection was born.

Now an assortment of over 45 longwearing shades, along with specialty treatments for nails, hands and feet, the Deborah Lippmann Collection is frequently featured in top magazines, spotted backstage at fashion shows and painted on the tips of the world’s most notable women like Kate Winslet, Reese Witherspoon, Renee Zellweger and Penelope Cruz.

JUE WONG,CEO of Pür Minerals

JuE Wong attributes her brand value to the current tough economic conditions. “When times are good, boards look for candidates within the industry, they approach their network of contacts. In a recession, they have to venture outside the ‘safe zone’ and look for proven leaders in the business world.”

To achieve growth, she says, you need the right people in the right jobs and be brutally honest.

Losing her husband of more than 20 years to an unexpected massive heart attack just weeks after assuming the CEO role with Pür Minerals’ parent company Astral Brands reshaped Wong’s view of her personal and professional life. Astral recently formed a partnership with The American Heart Association to raise the awareness of preventing and addressing heart diseases. Wong, together with celebs like Star Jones and other business leaders, recently raised over $300,000 for the cause at a Go Red for Women event in Atlanta. “In some small way I hope for an opportunity to spare another person from losing a loved one as unexpectedly as I did.”

ELISA GERA, president of Acca Kappa

Founded in 1869, Acca Kappa’s present-day director, Elisa Gera, is the founder’s great-grand daughter. In 19 years she has expanded and globalized the company while preserving its spirit and individuality.

“Some of our employees come from families who have worked for us for three generations,” Gera says. “I myself have worked in the family business since childhood, and I wanted nothing more than to take over its management one day.”

Acca Kappa’s international efforts started 10 years ago with the launch of Natura, a line of beechwood brushes and combs. The catalog expanded to include brushes featuring new colors and materials, such as bioceta, a high-tech biodegradable cellulose acetate, or expensive Makassar ebony. From hairbrushes, Acca Kappa branched out to toiletries, skin care products, bath accessories and fragrances.

Today Acca Kappa is selected for the suites of the world’s most luxurious hotels and for the courtesy kits provided in first class by top airlines across the globe.