Tara Simon, founded her consulting practice in February of 2020 after leaving her post at Ulta Beauty. Tara served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Prestige Beauty since March, 2015, where she was responsible for all strategic development and operations for Ulta Beauty’s luxury businesses. She is credited for being the architect of the very successful Ulta Beauty business model evolution that took place during her tenure. She began her career with Ulta Beauty as Vice President, Prestige Color in March, 2012. Previously, Ms. Simon served for four years as Chief Merchandising Officer for Beauty Brands in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to her time in Kansas City, Tara spent two years with Sephora as a Divisional Merchandise Manager in San Francisco. Her retail career began with Foley’s in Houston, Texas where for 19 years she held many different positions in both Cosmetics and Fragrance. Tara is a true southerner, a Texas native and a graduate of University of Texas School of Business. She is a self-proclaimed lover of beauty, and this fuels her passion for the industry. Tara is a results driven and strategic leader with a highly collaborative style. She is a gifted mentor and thoroughly enjoys seeing those around her grow and succeed. Tara is passionate about developing relationships and fostering partnerships in business, which is one of the secrets to her success. She is considered an industry titan and visionary, with a strong ability to lead through change and evolution.
In addition to her role at Ulta, Tara also serves on the board of directors for Cosmetic Executive Women, the Chicago Youth Guidance board of directors, and is committed to donating much of her time to philanthropic causes whose primary focus is to educate and empower girls and women. Tara proudly serves on the Harvard Women’s Leadership Board, supporting the Kennedy School’s Women and Public Policy Program. Tara also has a deep passion for the theatre and served on the board of Stages Repertory Theatre in Houston, TX for more than a decade. In September, 2018 Tara was honored to receive CEW’s prestigious Achievers Award. Recipients are recognized as outstanding leaders in the beauty industry, serving as inspiration for future leaders, and supporting the advancement of women in the industry.