As a beauty entrepreneur myself, I could not wait to attend the CEW Female Founder Awards last week.

The Female Founder Awards were created to recognize leading beauty pathfinders who have served as industry inspiration, while successfully growing their beauty brands. The honorees of the inaugural awards were (along with their company goals):

• Amy Errett, CEO & Founder, Madison Reed

Amy’s goal is to continue to break the rules and disrupt the hair color category.

• Lauren Gores Ireland and Marianna Hewitt, Co-Founders, Summer Fridays

Lauren and Marianna’s goal is to continue to give consumers products with instant-gratification.

• Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO, Beautycounter

Gregg’s goal is to change the world and create safer products for consumers.

• Vicky Tsai, Founder, Tatcha Inc.

Vicky’s goal is to make her brand a venerable brand like Shiseido.

• Nancy Twine, Founder and CEO, Briogeo Hair Care

Nancy’s goal is to become a top clean hair care brand in the world.

“For 65 years, CEW has helped women in beauty achieve, advance, and inspire. This new award program continues that mission,” says CEW President, Carlotta Jacobson. “We are honored to recognize these six visionary women for their business accomplishments and industry disruption.”

-Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist, entrepreneur, founder of BeautyStat Cosmetics