Pippa Hallas is the CEO of Ella Bache, one of our country’s most respected skin care brands.

It all started with a bold woman, a pot of wax and the decision to stand out in the foyer of David Jones. Now, for the first time, Pippa is opening up about the journey behind the brand, the disruptions, the innovations, the mistakes, the risks – and what it really takes to steer an 80-year-old business through a rapidly changing world.

Eighty years after Madame Baché dared to wax her legs in one of Australia’s most loved stores – in a bid to get her products stocked – a lot has changed at Ella Baché. However a few things remain the same. A commitment to innovation. A commitment to no harm – and a commitment to empowering women to own the skin they are in – by boldly loving what they’ve got.

Three family generations later and Pippa now holds the position of CEO. Since taking on the role her task has been to steer the company through some of the greatest disruptions the industry has ever seen. These include the rise of the empowered consumer, the rapid growth of ‘fast food’ beauty and pivotal changes to the buying behaviour and brand loyalty of new generations.

Under her leadership, Ella Baché has expanded to over 150 franchise locations across the country. Her unrivalled ability to anticipate market trends has also ensured that their growing product range has cut through the beauty industry noise – to win the hearts of consumers and the praise of press including the prestigious ‘prix innovation’ and ACP product of the year. Ella Baché is also changing the face of education through its revolutionary colleges, supporting young women with a desire to educate customers on the best ‘zero harm’ ways to care for their skin, and become business women within their own right.