Jamie Kern Lima Net Worth 2025: Jamie Kern Lima is an American entrepreneur, author, and former CEO of IT Cosmetics with a net worth of $650 million in 2024, who gained prominence after selling her company to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion in 2016, making her the first female CEO in L’Oréal’s history and earning an estimated annual income of $20 million through various business ventures, investments, and speaking engagements.
Key Facts
- Jamie Kern Lima’s net worth is $650 million as of 2024.
- She sold IT Cosmetics to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion in 2016.
- She ranks #54 on Forbes’ America’s Self-Made Women list.
- She is the first female CEO in L’Oréal’s 100+ year history.
Net Worth and Business Success
Jamie Kern Lima’s current net worth of $650 million stems primarily from the sale of IT Cosmetics to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion in 2016. The transaction netted her approximately $410 million in cash. Her wealth continues to grow through strategic investments in over 15 companies, including Dutch Bros Coffee and Duckhorn Portfolio.
Early Life and Education
Jamie Kern Lima grew up in a suburb outside Seattle, Washington, marking her early years with determination and hard work. She became the first person in her family to attend college, working multiple jobs to fund her education. Her employment included positions at Denny’s as a waitress and Safeway as a grocery bagger. She graduated as valedictorian from Washington State University and later earned her MBA from Columbia Business School in 2004.
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Career Development
Lima’s professional journey began in broadcast journalism at KNDU in Tri-Cities, Washington, where she worked as a morning news anchor. Her experience with rosacea, a hereditary skin condition causing facial redness, led to the creation of IT Cosmetics in 2008. The company struggled initially, facing numerous rejections from beauty retailers.
The turning point came during a QVC appearance where Lima demonstrated her product’s effectiveness by removing her makeup on air, revealing her natural skin. This authentic approach resonated with viewers, resulting in a complete sellout within minutes. The success led to over 1,000 subsequent QVC appearances and established IT Cosmetics as the network’s largest beauty brand.
Personal Life and Family
Lima resides in Los Angeles, California, with her husband Paulo Lima, whom she met during a statistics class at Columbia Business School. Paulo served as a co-founder of IT Cosmetics, contributing to the company’s success. The couple has two children. Lima discovered in her 20s that she was adopted, adding another layer to her personal story.
Business Achievements
- Transformed IT Cosmetics from a startup to a company with $182 million in net sales by 2015.
- Secured the largest acquisition in L’Oréal’s beauty category.
- Maintained position as CEO post-acquisition until 2019.
- Developed a product line addressing specific skin concerns.
Properties and Investments
Lima maintains a significant real estate portfolio, including a luxury property previously owned by Ellen DeGeneres, currently listed for $41.95 million. Her investment strategy focuses on diversification across various industries, demonstrating her business acumen beyond the beauty sector.
Latest Developments
Lima recently joined ABC’s Shark Tank as a guest investor in 2025, bringing her expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs. She released her second book “Worthy— How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life” in February 2024, following the success of her first book “Believe IT— How to Go from Underestimated to Unstoppable.”
Her current focus includes mentoring entrepreneurs, public speaking engagements, and strategic investments in promising businesses. She maintains an active presence in the business community while advocating for women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship.
