Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Kecia Steelman: From $8/hr Salesperson to CEO of Ulta Beauty
Kecia Steelman is the new boss of Ulta Beauty, a giant makeup and beauty store.
She started working at Target when she was young, earning just $8 an hour.
She grew up in a family that didn't have a lot of money, but she was very determined to succeed.
She worked hard at different stores, like Home Depot and Family Dollar, learning a lot.
Eventually, she joined Ulta Beauty and worked her way up to the very top job.
She has helped the company grow, especially with online sales, and leads a team that is mostly women.
Even though she's in charge of a huge company now, she remembers where she came from and values everyone's hard work.
Kecia Steelman, President and CEO of Ulta Beauty, started her retail career at Target earning $8 an hour.
She grew up in humble beginnings and describes her childhood as 'poor, hungry and determined'.
Steelman held various senior roles at Target, Home Depot, and Family Dollar before joining Ulta Beauty.
She joined Ulta Beauty in 2014 and was appointed CEO in January 2025.
Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the US with 1500 outlets and a 91% female-led workforce.
- Who
- Kecia Steelman
- What
- Rose from humble beginnings as an $8/hr retail salesperson to become the President and CEO of Ulta Beauty, a $30 billion beauty empire.
- When
- Became CEO in January 2025.
- Where
- Leads Ulta Beauty's 1500 outlets nationwide in the US.
- Why
- Driven by a 'poor, hungry and determined' upbringing and a lifelong passion for retail.
- Current Role
- President and CEO of Ulta Beauty (effective January 2025)
- Company
- Ulta Beauty
- Company's Market Position
- Largest beauty retailer in the US
- Company's Store Count
- 1500 outlets nationwide
- Previous Experience
- Salesperson and team leader at Target, roles at Home Depot, Vice President at Family Dollar
- Starting Wage
- $8/hr at Target
- Workforce
- 91% female-led