Hanne Norgaard is a professional makeup artist, entrepreneur, and diversity advocate known for founding Kim Elba Cosmetics and Make Up Your Mind Inc. Born April 5, 1977, she built a successful career working with celebrities while championing inclusive beauty standards across the industry.
Who is the woman who transformed faces for Hollywood’s biggest names while building a beauty empire focused on inclusion? Hanne Norgaard has spent over three decades redefining what beauty means in an industry often criticized for its narrow standards. While many first learned her name through her marriage to actor Idris Elba, her career accomplishments stand entirely on their own merit.
This article explores her multicultural background, professional achievements, business ventures, and continuing influence on beauty standards today.
Early Life and Cultural Heritage
Hanne Norgaard was born on April 5, 1977, growing up between multiple countries that shaped her worldview. Her mother is South Korean, and her father is African-American, giving her what she describes as a “Blasian” identity that profoundly influenced her approach to beauty.
This multicultural upbringing exposed her to different beauty standards across continents. Living in South Korea, England, and the United States taught her that beauty comes in countless forms. These early experiences planted the seeds for her future advocacy work promoting diversity in cosmetics.
Education and Training
Between 2004 and 2006, Norgaard attended the SC Institute in Washington, DC, graduating with a Diploma with the Highest Honours in Makeup Artistry. She also trained at the International Artist Makeup Academy in London, studying makeup, hair, nails, and special effects.
Her formal education provided technical skills, but her diverse background gave her something more valuable: the ability to work with all skin tones and facial features. This would become her signature strength.
Building a Makeup Artistry Career
Hanne Norgaard’s career started quickly, landing a job with BBC within the first week of graduating with honors in 1992. Her early work included television productions, film sets, and fashion shows across London and New York.
Celebrity Clientele
Her talent attracted high-profile clients. Her celebrity clientele includes Robin Williams, Idris Elba, and Shaquille O’Neal. She worked on major projects with Columbia TriStar and collaborated with fashion giants Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein.
What set her apart was not just technical skill but her commitment to making every client feel confident. She approached each face as unique, celebrating individual features rather than forcing a standard template.
From Artist to Entrepreneur
Success as a makeup artist led Norgaard to launch her own businesses. In 2007, she founded Make Up Your Mind Inc., offering makeup services, personal styling, and themed events. The business organized “makeup parties” where Hanne and her team helped women learn about different makeup looks.
Kim Elba Cosmetics
She introduced Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand focused on inclusive beauty products with commitment to cruelty-free and paraben-free formulations. The timing proved strategic. Consumers increasingly demanded products that catered to diverse skin tones, and Norgaard was positioned to deliver.
In 2000, she founded Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY, a venture that showcased her keen eye for beauty trends, successfully running the company for seven years. These ventures demonstrated her business acumen alongside artistic talent.
Additional Business Ventures
Some sources mention she developed Zazi Mineral Cosmetics, focusing on natural ingredients without harmful additives. Her entrepreneurial journey shows adaptability and willingness to meet market demands.
| Business | Year Founded | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY | 2000 | Makeup services |
| Make Up Your Mind Inc. | 2007 | Personal styling, events |
| Kim Elba Cosmetics | 2016 | Inclusive beauty products |
| Zazi Mineral Cosmetics | Later | Natural, clean beauty |
Marriage to Idris Elba
Hanne Norgaard married Idris Elba in 1999 after meeting in London, where their relationship quickly blossomed. At the time, Idris was an aspiring actor building his career, while Hanne was establishing herself in makeup artistry.
During their marriage, they welcomed a daughter named Isan Elba, born in 2002. However, the pressures of Idris’s rising fame created strain. As Idris’s career took off, he became increasingly busy with work, often spending long periods away from home, eventually leading to their separation in 2003.
Co-Parenting Success
Despite their divorce, Hanne and Idris maintained a respectful relationship. They co-parent their daughter effectively, prioritizing her wellbeing above all else. They have been seen celebrating family milestones together, demonstrating mature partnership after marriage.
In 2013, Hanne married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in a beautiful celebration, ending with a yacht cruise. She praised his patience and support, and they continue running a ministry in Georgia together.
Her Daughter Isan Elba
Born on January 5, 2002, Isan is Idris’s only daughter. She has grown into an accomplished young woman in her own right. Isan was named the 2019 Golden Globe Ambassador, a role that raised her profile considerably.
Isan graduated from New York University with a degree in film and television production in 2024, and founded Beauty Access, which promotes inclusivity and sustainability in the beauty industry. She also launched Beauty Forward, a nonprofit providing beauty and hygiene products to people in need.
Isan’s career path shows her mother’s influence, combining entertainment industry knowledge with commitment to inclusive beauty standards.
Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
What sets Hanne aside is her steady advocacy for diversity in beauty, working to ensure products cater to people of all skin tones, challenging industry standards. Her mission extends beyond makeup to promoting confidence, inclusion, and representation for overlooked communities.
Mental Health Awareness
Hanne has been open about her struggles with mental illness, including chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. By sharing her experiences publicly, she helps reduce stigma around mental health issues.
In 2019, Isan let the world in on her mother’s mental illness during the Golden Globe Ambassador Luncheon. This transparency has encouraged others to seek help and speak openly about their own challenges.
My Black Is Beautiful Initiative
Hanne has been associated with the “My Black is Beautiful” event, celebrating black beauty and working to change society’s view. The initiative encourages people to appreciate and understand diversity in skin color.
Her advocacy work represents genuine commitment to changing an industry that historically excluded many groups. She uses her platform and influence to demand better representation.
Financial Success and Net Worth
With an estimated net worth of around $1 million, her career demonstrates significant financial success. This wealth comes from multiple income streams: makeup artistry services, business ownership, brand partnerships, and consulting work.
Financial independence allows her to be selective about projects and focus on work that aligns with her values. She proves that building a purpose-driven business can be financially successful.
Current Work and Legacy
Hanne Norgaard continues working in the beauty industry while expanding her influence. She teaches workshops and mentors aspiring makeup artists, sharing decades of accumulated knowledge.
Her legacy extends beyond individual achievements. She helped push the beauty industry toward greater inclusivity before it became trendy. The diverse shade ranges now standard in makeup lines owe something to pioneers like Norgaard who demanded change.
Social Media Presence
She maintains an active Instagram presence, sharing makeup work, personal moments, and advocacy messages. Her followers appreciate her authentic approach and practical beauty tips that work for various skin tones and types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hanne Norgaard?
She is a professional makeup artist and entrepreneur who founded Kim Elba Cosmetics and advocates for diversity in beauty.
How old is Hanne Norgaard?
Born April 5, 1977, she is currently 48 years old.
What businesses has she founded?
She founded Make Up Your Mind Inc., Kim Elba Cosmetics, and Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY.
Is Hanne Norgaard still married?
Yes, she married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in 2013 after divorcing Idris Elba in 2003.
What is her net worth?
Estimates place her net worth around $900,000 to $1 million from her beauty businesses and makeup work.
Conclusion
Hanne Norgaard built a remarkable career through talent, determination, and genuine commitment to making beauty more inclusive. From her early BBC work to launching multiple successful businesses, she has consistently pushed for change in an industry that needed it.
Her story proves that success comes from staying true to your values while adapting to opportunities. She transformed personal experiences with multicultural identity into professional expertise that serves diverse clients. Today, her influence continues through her businesses, advocacy work, and the example she sets for the next generation, including her accomplished daughter.
The beauty industry is better for having voices like hers demanding representation, celebrating diversity, and proving that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.
