Birchbox

Birchbox, the brainchild of Katia Beauchamp and Hayley Barna, burst onto the scene in 2010, introducing the world to the idea that beauty products should arrive in adorably tiny packages, curated monthly, and delivered straight to your door. Known for its chic subscription boxes, Birchbox revolutionized the way consumers discover new beauty brands, effectively turning sample sizes into an art form. A defining moment came in 2014 when the company expanded to men's grooming, because why should women have all the fun? Valued at a not-so-modest $485 million during its peak, Birchbox has been lauded for its innovative business model, scooping up awards like a beauty junkie hoarding samples. However, it hasn't been all exfoliating scrubs and rose-scented serums. The company faced a major scandal when it was accused of mismanagement and layoffs started piling up faster than unused beauty samples. Katia Beauchamp, the ever-resilient co-founder and CEO, navigates the highs and lows with the grace of a well-moisturized swan. Despite the controversies, Birchbox remains a darling of the beauty world, proving that even in a crowded market, there’s always room for a little monthly surprise. It’s a subscription service that, much like a good serum, has managed to stay relevant by constantly reinventing itself.