Facts about the Elizabeth Arden empire

Born in 1884 to William and Susan Graham who migrated from Cornwall, United Kingdom to Woodbridge, Ontario Canada (Florence) was a defiant young woman who dropped out of nursing school to pursue a different direction. Joining her brother in New York City she had a different outlook on her life. Beginning her career in 1912, 'Elizabeth' borrowed $6,000 from her brother to open the first store on 5th Avenue. Determined to success she worked endlessly to create her empire. At one time Florence 'Elizabeth' was known to be the wealthiest Canadian woman in the world. She was the Oprah Winfrey of her time. When she passed away, not only did she leave a legacy; but she also left interesting facts about her life for us to enjoy.

So who is the infamous Elizabeth Arden?

Elizabeth Arden was born Florence Nightingale Graham in 1884. An avid reader of poetry Florence coined the name ‘Elizabeth Arden’ in 1909 creating the last name from ‘Tennyson’s’ poem ‘Enoch Arden’ and long-time friend Elizabeth Hubbard.

Elizabeth Arden perfume was first introduced in 1912 when she collaborated with A. Fabian Swanson to create the first facial cream.

Elizabeth Arden was the first woman to create commercials that were shown in the movie theaters.

She was the creator of the first red lipstick that was used by the women in the Armed Forces; Montezuma red actually matched their uniforms.

She introduced and pioneered music for yoga exercises. She believed that implementing music into exercise would aide women with understanding the relaxation techniques that were implemented into yoga.

In 1943 Elizabeth took another direction with her Empire by creating a fashion house with Oscar De La Renta and Charles James.

She was the first woman to race thoroughbred horses in the United States in the 1930’s.

She was the sole owner of 39 salons, domestically and internationally with the exception of one which she gave to her sister Gladys which was located in Paris.

Elizabeth Arden was known as one of the most upscale cosmetic brands in the industry and she became a household name. There were many famous people who flocked to Elizabeth Arden for all of their cosmetic needs. Marilyn Monroe, Joan Crawford, Jacqueline Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth the II, and the one and only Mamie Eisenhower among others.

Elizabeth Arden was also innovative with advance technology and ahead of her time. The company was the first to introduce capsule packaging, eight hour skin cream, skin illuminating complex and facial peels.

The company also has a no-animal testing policy on all of their products that are sold today.

Elizabeth Arden perfume and cosmetics have come a long way from 1912; but the original product ‘Blue Grass’ is still sold online and in department stores 88 years later. When (Florence) passed away her business was not completely in order and her Estate was heavily taxed. Her family members took on the $10 million dollar deficit selling properties and belongings in order for the company to survive. Today Elizabeth Arden Inc. continues to have record breaking sales and is a part of History in the fashion and cosmetic industry.