Perfumer
Mark Constantine
Mark Constantine OBE, born in 1952 in Sutton, overcame significant adversity to become a renowned fragrance entrepreneur and trichologist. After failing his GCEs at Weymouth Grammar School, Constantine found himself homeless at the age of 16, sleeping in a tent in a wooded area. Despite these difficulties, he secured an apprenticeship as a hairdresser, earning just £3 a week. This experience laid the foundations for his future career in the world of cosmetics.
Constantine’s path in the cosmetics industry began in the 1970s when he worked in a cosmetics shop after becoming homeless. Unfortunately, he experienced sexual harassment at the workplace during that time. After several jobs in the London area, Constantine returned to Poole to work in the independent cosmetics industry. He began sending samples of his work, such as shampoo, to Dame Anita Roddick, the founder of The Body Shop. Although Roddick placed some orders, disputes over intellectual property led to Constantine selling her the company in 1991 for a sum of £17 million.
After the sale, Constantine and his wife, Margaret ("Mo"), invested the capital in a mail-order startup called Cosmetics To Go. However, the business struggled due to low-priced products and underestimated expenses, and it ultimately went bankrupt in 1994.
In 1995, Constantine and Mo, together with Rowena Bird, Helen Ambrosen, Liz Bennett and Paul Greeves, founded Lush in Poole. The company rose from the ashes of Cosmetics To Go, with the same team reimagining the business and its approach to cosmetics. By 2007, Lush had expanded to 462 stores in 46 countries, generating combined revenues of $292 million. In 2011, Mark and Mo were appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for their services to the beauty industry.
Constantine’s innovative approach to fragrances has been a driving force behind Lush’s success. He believes in creating fresh, original, and unconventional cosmetic products, pushing the boundaries of the industry. His commitment to ethical practices has led Lush to adopt a strict and pioneering policy against animal testing. The Supplier Specific Boycott Policy, which refuses to buy any ingredient from suppliers who conduct animal testing, is unique in the field and has had a significant impact on the cosmetics industry.
Mark Constantine’s personal experiences and values have shaped Lush’s brand identity. The company, which now is 10% employee-owned, emphasises the importance of its people as the heart and soul of the business. Constantine’s unwavering dedication to ethical practices, innovation, and challenging the status quo has solidified Lush’s position as one of the largest cosmetics firms in the world.
