Carisa Janes is the Founder of Hourglass, which she launched in 2004 after noticing a void in the marketplace for a new kind of beauty brand—one with a focus on active ingredients, modern design and exceptional functionality.

At last year’s CFDA Fashion Awards presented by Amazon Fashion, our gala celebrating the best of American fashion would not have been complete without Hourglass, which served as the official beauty sponsor, making sure our celebrities, designers and industry legends looked and felt their absolute best.

Now, early in the new year, we caught up with Janes to reminisce on our partnership, but to also look to the exciting and inspiring future for the brand.

What inspired you to start Hourglass?

I’ve had an interest in beauty for as long as I can remember. My journey into the industry began at an indie beauty brand, where I was one of the first few employees. This experience was invaluable, giving me insights into the inner workings of the cosmetics business.

This experience planted the seed for what would eventually become my own company, Hourglass. I always wanted to develop a brand, but it was about creating something that didn’t exist. It was very clear to me what was missing in beauty, so I created a modern, purpose-driven brand with a focus on beautiful, high-performance, and innovative products.

What sets Hourglass apart in the beauty sector?

Fueled by creativity, Hourglass develops groundbreaking formulations with a commitment to cruelty-free practices. Our focus is on delivering high-performance products that blend innovation with purpose. What truly sets Hourglass apart is our dedication to pushing boundaries, whether it’s through developing industry-first vegan alternatives like Red 0 or crafting transformative products that redefine modern luxury.

Where do you find the find the intersection of fashion and beauty? How do they work together?

I grew up with a passion for beauty and fashion, spending time playing at my grandmother’s vanity, which sparked my early fascination with self-expression through these mediums. When I studied fashion at Parsons School of Design, I saw a lot of overlap between the two industries—creativity, self-expression, craftsmanship, and the constant drive to evolve and reinvent.

Both industries share a deep commitment to storytelling and artistry, offering endless ways to communicate identity and individuality. Beauty enhances the canvas that fashion creates, while fashion provides the stage for beauty. Together, they form a partnership, inspiring and elevating one another.

How has being a female founder and CEO informed your point of view?

In a competitive industry like beauty, staying authentic has been my guiding principle. As a female founder and President, my perspective is deeply rooted in being a consumer first. I understand what it feels like to search for products that truly deliver, and this ability to relate to the customer experience has informed every decision I make, from product development to strategy.

I strive to strike a balance between creativity and strategic decision-making, ensuring that our vision remains clear while adapting to the demands of a growing business.

What was your favorite moment of the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards?

One of my favorite moments of the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards was seeing the next generation of designers being celebrated, including Rachel Scott of Diotima, Willy Chavarria, Raul Lopez of LUAR, and Henry Zankov of Zankov. Their talent and creativity are truly shaping the future of fashion.

It was also incredibly meaningful to have the support of these designers, as well as the CFDA, for the Hourglass and Barneys New York pop-up. This collaboration brought together industry leaders, designers, and customers earlier this year, creating a space for everyone.

What can we look forward to next for Hourglass?

We’re excited to continue pushing boundaries with more innovation, interesting collaborations, and another surprise coming soon in New York City. Stay tuned!