Meet Rodial Beauty founder and CEO Maria Hatzistefanis

Maria Hatzistefanis is the founder and CEO of luxury skincare and makeup brand Rodial beauty. The London-based entrepreneur, who currently has 1 million followers on Instagram, is also a best-selling author. (If you haven’t already, be sure to pick up her inspiring book, How To Be An Overnight Success.) Besides that, Hatzistefanis has made a name for herself in the fashion circles as a regular fashion week attendee and street style star. (See her Instagram @mrsrodial for her killer street style snaps.) In 2018, this savvy businesswoman was on the judging panel alongside industry heavyweights for the British Fashion Council/Vogue fashion fund and she’s also appeared on hit TV show Project Runway as a guest mentor. Need we say more?  

Scroll down to see what Hatzistefanis has to say about her thriving beauty brand, overcoming challenges at work and much more.

Tell us about Rodial beauty.

Rodial is a premium skincare and makeup line which is all about targeting specific concerns with hi tech ingredients. I saw a gap in the market for a luxury and results-driven brand that would offer the latest ingredients and trend products. Rodial is now one of the most iconic brands on the market. Our ranges such as Dragon’s Blood and Vit C are global bestsellers.

What are the new launches?

We are launching Booster Drops which are targeted and ingredient-led formulas. They’ll be available in Retinol, Collagen, Glycolic and makeup hybrid Soft Focus Glow Drops. The booster drops can be added to your current day or night creams. It’s all about customizing your skincare.

What are your favourite products?

I’m obsessed with the Rodial Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm. It’s a luxe balm that gently cleanses the skin and it transforms into a milky toner when it’s mixed with water. It’s soothing and illuminating. I love it. The Rodial Diamond Concealer is a must-have for me, so I take it everywhere as it offers perfect coverage around the eyes with zero creasing. The Rodial Banana Powder is another one of my favorites as it helps to set makeup and create a flawless finish.

Describe your signature look.

Skinny black leggings or jeans by Céline, an oversize sweater by Vetements and interesting boots or the latest pair of sneakers from Balenciaga or Yeezy.

What are your favourite fashion brands?

I love Balenciaga, it’s my favourite! Old Céline was another favourite of mine. I will cherish those pieces.

Your personal Instagram account @mrsrodial is really inspiring, interesting and stylish! What are the key points to having a really successful Instagram?

Generate exciting and fresh content. I usually do bulk shoots and then have great material to post even at very busy times. I mix it up with real-time content.

Where do you get inspiration from?

You can’t force inspiration, it has to come to you. It could be from anywhere. I love the input and thoughts from all my staff and of course, from customers. Sometimes, I’ll head down to one of our stores to get their feedback. I also travel a lot and I’m always on the lookout for new and inspiring things. Some of our best products have come from an idea whilst I’ve been travelling.

What are your travel essentials?

Sheet masks save me when I travel. I like to use the Rodial Dragons Blood Eye Masks when I’m on a flight, followed by the Rodial Vit C sheet mask as they keep my skin plump and bright. Concealer is a must-have to cover jet lagged dark circles. I always carry the Rodial Diamond Concealer with me. It’s 8 hours of sleep in a jar!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Try to take risks! Some of the best things that have happened to me is from taking a risk.

How do you overcome challenges at work?

I have a motto that I’ve always used since I started the business: MAKE IT HAPPEN. I have it in huge letters in our office. Whatever the challenge is, sit down, think about the problem at hand and work out how to fix it and make it happen. No journey is a straight road to success. You will always come across challenging situations. It’s how you react to them that will make the difference.

What do you do to stay positive, motivated and happy?

I love working out. I try to go to the gym in the mornings, so it sets the tone for my day. It makes me feel great and ready to crack on. In my book How To Be An Overnight Success I have some great success secrets at the end of each chapter. I give some advice and pointers on how to keep motivated and positive and not to lose faith.

Your book earned rave reviews. Do you plan to write another one soon?

There are plans for book number two…watch this space! 

How do you balance your career and personal life?

I believe there are three things: work, family and personal life. But you can’t have all three. You need to choose two. I chose family and work. Check out my episode How To Juggle Work and Family on my Overnight success podcast!At the moment my main project is my podcast Overnight Success. I love recording episodes and getting feedback from my audience. A podcast is such an interactive and personal platform for me and my audience to communicate. There are more episodes coming up, so go and check it out!