Kecia Steelman has certainly not rested on her laurels since stepping into the top job at Ulta Beauty in January 2025. The retail executive launched Ulta Beauty internationally for the first time in both Mexico and the Middle East, acquired British retailer Space NK and launched a marketplace. She’s rounded out those initiatives with exclusive brand launches, from Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s Cécred to Shakira’s Isima and more.
With a past year like that, it’s only natural she’s receiving the CEW Retail Leadership Award as part of the organization’s annual Achiever Awards. Here, Steelman outlines her superpowers, her trajectory and her inspirations.
What’s one word you would use to describe your career path? How would you describe your journey?
Grit. I always say it is my power word, because having grit was the main ingredient in allowing me to get where I am today. Looking back, I now reflect on what a beautiful career journey I’ve been fortunate to experience. However, starting on the frontlines and working my way up from there meant I needed to show up with a lot of grit and hard work to prove I had what it takes to be a successful business leader every step of the way.
What female historical figure inspires you the most and why?
Estée Lauder is an absolute icon in this industry, and for good reason. I have always been inspired thinking about how she started one of the most well-known cosmetics and skin care brands in the world by mixing up products in her kitchen. That sort of success doesn’t happen by accident. It was her determination and brilliant business acumen that took her to these heights and set the foundation for the Estée Lauder Companies as we know it today, which encompasses many beloved Ulta Beauty partners. I also deeply admire Estée’s commitment to philanthropy and giving back across so many sectors. That legacy has held strong for generations.
How are you cultivating the next generation of leadership in your company?
I’m so proud to lead a company of so many talented associates. At Ulta Beauty, 91 percent of them are female. I feel deeply responsible for supporting the tens of thousands of women on our team who want more for themselves. I am committed to setting an example of advocacy, ensuring there is space to build meaningful careers, and working every day to ensure our associates know they belong. When we allow our teams to feel that sense of belonging along with value for showing up authentically, I believe we create environments for them to reach their full potential.
What does achievement mean to you?
I actually just spoke about this at our internal field leadership conference. Achievement means so much more than just the accolades, the business results and the promotions or career milestones. It’s about how you work for success and the why behind it. I deeply believe we are the most successful when we are rooted in the purpose of our work. I know for me, it’s about people — making the world a better place through beauty. Whether it’s enabling career development opportunities for our associates or creating unmatched experiences on our sales floor that help people feel like the best versions of themselves, that’s where true achievement happens.