**Carlotta Jacobson Reflects on Her Tenure at CEW and the Future of Women in Beauty**
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Carlotta Jacobson, former President of the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) and current Executive Chair of the Board, is gearing up for a significant milestone in her career. On April 30, 2026, she will be honoured with the prestigious Catalyst Award during the CEW Achiever Awards, an event that recognises the contributions of influential women in the beauty industry.
Throughout her lengthy tenure with CEW, Jacobson has dramatically increased the organisation’s membership, growing it from a modest few hundred to a thriving community of around 9,000 internationally. This impressive expansion highlights her commitment to supporting and uplifting women in a sector that she firmly believes is driven by their contributions.
In a recent interview, Jacobson, who has been instrumental in shaping the direction of CEW since becoming President in 1999, discussed her experiences and the lessons she hopes to impart to others. Central to her philosophy is the importance of community, as she advocates for women to engage with professional organisations like CEW. She stated, “You have to be part of the community. If you’re not connected, you’re doing it alone. Within that community, there are resources and opportunities that you won’t find within your company.”
In view of the uncertain climate in the beauty industry today, Jacobson emphasised the value of networking. “Knowledge is what will advance us all. We share it freely, and that benefits everyone,” she added, underscoring the spirit of collaboration that lies behind CEW’s mission.
Reflecting on her time with CEW, Jacobson recalled some of her proudest moments, particularly the establishment of the Achiever Awards themselves. She noted that prior to their inception, there was a lack of recognition for women within the beauty industry. “When I proposed the idea of honouring women, there were concerns about whether there were enough deserving candidates. We started with one award, and now we celebrate up to eight women each year, highlighting their invaluable contributions,” she revealed.
Jacobson has not only focused on membership expansion; she has also been a champion for addressing critical issues within the industry. One of her notable achievements is the initiation of the Cancer and Careers programme, designed to assist professionals undergoing cancer treatment. “Many board members faced cancer diagnoses and were unsure how to navigate their professional lives during treatment. I wanted to provide guidance and support for them to manage these challenges,” she explained.
Jacobs reflected on the qualities that define a game-changer or disruptor within the beauty sector, suggesting that it requires vision and the courage to innovate. “Disruptors see potential and are willing to take risks; they don’t settle for the status quo,” she remarked, acknowledging the women who embody these traits and drive the industry forward.
As she transitions to her role as Vice Chair of the CEW Board, Jacobson expressed hopes for future generations of women in beauty. She encourages them to engage with organisations like CEW, viewing membership as an investment in themselves rather than solely relying on corporate support. “The price of admission is not hard, but the rewards are immense. Being part of a community helps you to advance,” she advised.
With her tenure as President now coming to a close, Jacobson looks ahead to the future with enthusiasm. She remains committed to the ongoing mission of CEW and the collective empowerment of women in the industry. “Beauty is evolving, and while daily management is crucial, it’s essential to periodically assess where we are heading,” she noted, indicating her intention to focus on strategic growth.
As she prepares to receive her Catalyst Award, Jacobson is not only contemplating her past contributions but also pondering her next steps. “CEW has been my life’s work. I continue to seek opportunities to advance others’ lives and careers,” she concluded, leaving no doubt that her passion for fostering growth and support in the beauty community will endure.
Her journey with CEW exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated leaders can have in driving progress and elevating the visibility of women in the beauty industry. As the Achiever Awards approach, attendees can expect to celebrate not only past achievements but also the inspiring future that Jacobson and her colleagues envision for the industry.