Jamie Kern Lima’s journey from a small-town girl to a beauty mogul and self-made billionaire is a story of resilience, belief, and disruption. Known as co-founder of IT Cosmetics, Jamie redefined beauty standards and empowered millions worldwide. Beyond her immense business success, her life is a testament to perseverance and authenticity. Let’s dive deep into her inspiring life, accomplishments, family, and what she’s up to in 2025.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Jamie Kern Lima was born on July 16, 1977, in San Rafael, California, and raised in Des Moines, Washington. Growing up in a modest household, she developed a strong work ethic and an unwavering drive to succeed. In 1999, Jamie earned a degree in Business Administration from Washington State University, marking beginning of her diverse career journey.
Before entering beauty industry, Jamie worked as a local news anchor in Portland, Oregon. However, her career in journalism exposed her to a personal struggle: dealing with rosacea. Her skin condition caused redness and irritation, which became challenging under harsh studio lights. frustration of finding makeup that provided adequate coverage without irritating her skin ultimately inspired her to create IT Cosmetics.
Birth of IT Cosmetics
In 2008, Jamie co-founded IT Cosmetics with her husband, Paulo Lima, with a vision of addressing real skin concerns for real people. With their life savings of just $1,000, they started brand from their living room. IT Cosmetics’ first product was a concealer designed to provide full coverage without feeling heavy or exacerbating sensitive skin.
However, journey was not without challenges. Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth began with countless rejections from beauty retailers and investors, who doubted need for a new brand in a crowded market. Despite setbacks, Jamie remained committed to her mission.
A turning point came in 2010 when Jamie secured a live demonstration slot on QVC. Her willingness to remove her makeup on air, showcasing her rosacea and demonstrating product’s effectiveness, resonated deeply with viewers. product sold out in minutes, marking beginning of IT Cosmetics’ meteoric rise.
Rapid Growth and Success
Under Jamie’s leadership, IT Cosmetics evolved into a powerhouse brand. company focused on creating problem-solving, innovative products that combined skincare and makeup. Some of its best-selling products, like Bye Bye Under Eye concealer, gained cult status.
Jamie also disrupted traditional beauty marketing by showcasing real women with diverse skin tones, ages, and conditions in campaigns. This inclusive approach struck a chord with consumers and set IT Cosmetics apart in a market saturated with unattainable beauty standards.
$1.2 Billion Milestone
In 2016, Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth soared when she sold IT Cosmetics to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion, making her first female CEO of a L’Oréal-owned brand in history. acquisition was monumental, not only because of financial windfall but also because it cemented Jamie’s status as a beauty industry icon.
Life After IT Cosmetics
After stepping down as CEO in 2019, Jamie shifted her focus to empowering others. In 2021, she released her memoir, “Believe IT: How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable,” which quickly became a New York Times bestseller. book detailed her journey of overcoming rejection, self-doubt, and societal expectations to achieve extraordinary success.
Jamie also launched Kern Lima Ventures, a venture capital firm that supports female-founded businesses. Through this platform, she mentors women entrepreneurs, providing them with resources to overcome barriers and scale their businesses.
As of 2025, Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth is estimated at $660 million, derived from L’Oréal acquisition, investments, and ongoing projects.
Family Life and Values
Jamie credits much of her success to her supportive husband, Paulo Lima. Together, they have two children and prioritize creating a strong family foundation. Jamie often emphasizes importance of balancing family and career, sharing that her greatest joy is spending quality time with her loved ones.
Jamie’s values—resilience, authenticity, and kindness—extend to her parenting. She hopes to instill these principles in her children, ensuring they understand importance of hard work and compassion.
Major Achievements of Jamie Kern Lima
Milestone | Details |
Birth | July 16, 1977, San Rafael, California |
Education | Business Administration, Washington State University |
Career Start | News Anchor in Portland, Oregon |
Founded IT Cosmetics | 2008, with $1,000 in savings |
Breakthrough Moment | QVC debut in 2010; products sold out in minutes |
L’Oréal Acquisition | Sold IT Cosmetics for $1.2 billion in 2016 |
First Female CEO | Became first female CEO of a L’Oréal-owned brand |
Memoir | Published “Believe IT” in 2021, a New York Times bestseller |
Philanthropy | Founded Kern Lima Ventures to support female entrepreneurs |
Net Worth (2025) | $660 million |
Current Ventures and Impact
Jamie Kern Lima continues to be a force for change. She frequently speaks at global conferences and events, inspiring audiences to overcome obstacles and embrace authenticity. Through her investments and mentorship, she’s committed to elevating voices of underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Her influence also extends to philanthropy, with a focus on education, gender equality, and self-esteem. Jamie’s contributions are shaping a legacy of empowerment, inspiring millions to dream big and pursue their goals fearlessly.
Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth: A Symbol of Perseverance
As of 2025, Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth remains an emblem of her extraordinary journey. From co-founding IT Cosmetics in her apartment to selling it for $1.2 billion, her story highlights rewards of grit, determination, and innovation. Her financial success is intertwined with her mission to uplift others, making her a true role model in beauty industry and beyond.
Jamie’s story proves that no matter how many rejections you face, belief in yourself and perseverance can lead to unimaginable success.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details about Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth and other aspects of her life are based on publicly available information and may vary.