Estée Lauder

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Who

Josephine Esther Mentzer ('Estée Lauder'), daughter of Jewish immigrants, who co-founded the company with her husband Joseph Lauter.

When

1946

Where

Queens, New York, United States

Estée Lauder is a global cosmetics company that grew from a small family venture into one of the largest beauty businesses in the world. It was founded in 1946 by Estée Lauder, born Josephine Esther Mentzer, and her husband. Lauder was the daughter of Jewish immigrants and built the brand largely through her own selling and marketing.

Part of “The Gifts of the Jews” — verified Jewish contributions to the world, with sources.