Inspirational Woman: Marie Guerlain | Executive Director of the NSPCC’s Art Ball

As part of the sixth generation of the Guerlain perfume and cosmetics dynasty, Marie Guerlain, artist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur has beauty in her genes. Extending beyond the aesthetic, Guerlain’s is a beauty which gleans from her tireless commitment to child welfare, her relatable role as a working mother and her personal determination to contribute.

Rich in character and charisma, Parisian born Guerlain is refreshingly alternative. Born into an iconic dynasty of a family, even as a teenager Guerlain, who was raised in London and Switzerland, opted to establish herself in her own right and trained at Chelsea College of Art and Parsons School of Design in New York.

Today, Guerlain’s work is celebrated, and her creative oath has come as no surprise to her family;

“My Mother says I was drawing before I was walking. I live and breathe my art. Creativity is part of me, everything in my life has to have some kind of creativity to it otherwise I am not satisfied.”

Tell us a bit about yourself, background and what you do currently

I am an artist and philanthropist and was born in Paris. I have lived in London since I was a little girl and I adore this city.  Currently I am supporting the Marie Collins Foundation and the NSPCC on various projects. I am Executive Director of the NSPCC’s Art Ball, a fantastic event which will take place early next year.

I am also working on a very exciting creative project to be unveiled in 2014, it will be my first venture into business and I am bursting at the seams to talk about it but forbidden for the time being.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been juggling motherhood with my career.

My children come first so I have to be very organised in order to never miss an important part of their lives. Football, swimming, sport days and plays are at the top of my list always. And of course homework!

What’s been your greatest achievement personally?

Becoming a Mother to my two wonderful boys.

If you weren’t doing what you do, what would you be doing?

I would be running my own charity for children’s causes, it’s a dream I intend to fulfill in the future in some capacity.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration are mainly strong woman in the art and business world.  Right now I am really inspired by Frieda Khalo, Michelle Obama and Camila Batmanghelidjh.

What does the future hold for you?

I hope to forge a successful career for myself through my forthcoming entrepreneurial venture and hopefully later on in the future launch my own charity for abused children.