Celia Tombalakian is a New York-based beauty and personal care executive with a passion for innovation, leadership, and the ever-evolving world of consumer marketing. Originally from Northern Ontario, Canada, Celia was raised in a home where science and care intersected—her father, a PhD in chemical engineering, and her mother, a nurse educator, instilled in her the values of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Celia’s academic journey took her to the University of Guelph, where she earned an Honors Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Science in Consumer Behavior and Marketing Management. Her career spans multiple industries, including healthcare, consumer packaged goods, and beauty, most recently as Global Vice President for the bareMinerals brand. She has driven transformative initiatives, harnessed the power of AI in marketing, and championed mentorship and team development. Known for her people-first leadership style and strategic acumen, Celia continues to shape conversations around digital transformation, brand authenticity, and consumer engagement.
What does success look like to you?
Success, for me, is about the journey and ultimately impact — the influence you have on people, teams, a category and the broader industry. While it is critical to strive to meet and exceed agreed-to metrics such as revenue or market share, deeper questions are: Did I help create something meaningful? Did I empower or mentor others? Did I help challenge the status quo in a way that moved things forward and for the better?
I also define success as personal growth which means learning, evolving, staying curious and resilient from setbacks.
How has your definition of success evolved over the years?
Earlier in my career, I thought of success as promotions, bonuses or other forms of external recognition. While this type of validation is still very relevant and tangible for me today, over time the opportunity to build meaningful work relationships, to prioritize collaboration and workplace culture is my greatest priority. Who I work for and who I work with has been my top priority. And with a people first mentality, business results are quick to follow.
What has been your proudest career success?
I would not define a particular project. I know some of my proudest moments are about the people with whom I have crossed paths. Seeing former team members step into leadership roles and making things happen, or hearing from someone I mentored years ago who is now thriving in their career—that’s incredibly rewarding.
More recently, leading the turnaround and evolution of an iconic brand like Sally Hansen was a meaningful experience for me and my colleagues. It required striking the right balance between innovation and core business, bringing fresh relevance to a brand that consumers had trusted for decades. The challenge was exciting, but the real success was in how the team came together, how we pushed boundaries, and how we delivered results while staying true to the brand’s DNA. Integrating new and old teams during
What’s a misconception people have about success in leadership?
That you have to be cut-throat, ooze dominance or be the loudest person in the room. Some of the best leaders I’ve worked with—and the kind of leader I strive to be—lead with quiet confidence, listening more than they speak. Leadership isn’t about always having the answers; it’s about guiding a team to align and find them together.
Another misconception is that success in leadership means having complete control. In reality, true success comes when you lead and empower others to take ownership, think independently, and bring their best ideas to the table. The best leaders don’t micromanage—they create an environment where people come to trust themselves and thrive.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did it shape you?
Early on, I worked on a product launch that didn’t perform as expected. It was a tough lesson in consumer behavior, market timing, and the importance of deep listening. At the time, I was so focused on an execution that delighted all of us on the marketing team that we lost sight of the actual consumer.
That experience reshaped how I approach strategy. Now, I always ask: Are we solving a real problem? Are we listening deeply enough? Are we balancing data with intuition? Is the consumer at the heart of this decision? That failure ultimately made me a stronger marketer and a more thoughtful leader.
What role does mentorship play in your definition of success?
Mentorship is one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the mentors who guided me, and I feel a responsibility to pay that forward.
Success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about creating opportunities for others. That’s why I’m passionate about mentorship—not just for those early in their careers, but at every level. Even as an experienced leader, I still seek out mentors because growth never stops.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone striving for success, what would it be?
Define success on your own terms. There’s a lot of pressure to follow a set path—climb the corporate ladder, chase the next title, hit all the conventional markers. But real fulfillment comes when you align your definition of success with what actually brings you joy and purpose.
Also, stay adaptable. The world is changing fast, and the most successful people aren’t just the ones who work the hardest—they’re the ones who are willing to evolve.
What’s next for you?
I recently joined Orveon as the leader of the bareMinerals brand, and I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead. My focus will be on shaping a strong brand strategy, fostering innovation and creativity, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. This new chapter presents an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful growth while honoring the brand’s heritage.
Key Takeaways from Celia Tombalakian’s Perspective on Success:
- Success isn’t just about outcomes; it’s about impact. Empowering teams, fostering growth, and building something meaningful matter more than titles or numbers.
- Leadership success isn’t about control; it’s about trust. The best leaders create an environment where others can thrive, rather than seeking to micromanage every detail.
- Success evolves. Early in your career, it may be about proving yourself; later, it becomes about how you uplift others and create lasting change.
Celia Tombalakian’s vision of success is about more than personal achievement—it’s about contribution, leadership, and creating a legacy that extends far beyond individual milestones.