Celia Tombalakian is a name that stands out in the world of marketing, beauty, and consumer innovation. Based in New York City, she has spent her career shaping global brands, driving digital transformation, and redefining what success in leadership looks like. But her path to success wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it was about evolving, learning, and helping others grow along the way.
Her journey has been anything but linear. Originally from Northern Ontario, Canada, Celia grew up in a household that valued education and perseverance. Her father, a PhD in chemical engineering, and her mother, a nurse educator, instilled in her a deep sense of curiosity and resilience. That foundation set the stage for a career that would span multiple industries, from healthcare to consumer packaged goods to beauty.
Bridging Industries, Blending Perspectives
Celia holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Science in Consumer Behavior and Marketing Management from the University of Guelph. Her early career took her into healthcare and consumer goods, where she learned the value of data-driven decision-making. But her biggest leap came when she entered the beauty industry, eventually serving as the Global Vice President of Marketing for Sally Hansen.
Her ability to move between industries gave her a unique perspective. “Every industry has its blind spots,” she explains. “In healthcare, precision is everything. In consumer goods, efficiency is key. And in beauty, it’s all about emotional connection. I try to bring the best of each world into everything I do.”
That approach helped her refresh legacy brands while keeping them true to their roots. At Sally Hansen, she balanced tradition with innovation, ensuring the brand stayed relevant in an era of fast-changing consumer expectations.
The Role of AI and Digital Transformation
One of Celia’s biggest interests is the role of artificial intelligence in marketing. She sees AI as a tool that enhances creativity rather than replaces it. “AI can predict trends, optimize campaigns, and personalize consumer experiences,” she says. “But it can’t replace human intuition and storytelling. The best marketing happens when data and creativity work together.”
Her perspective on AI isn’t just theoretical. She has taken certifications in Digital Transformation and AI for Business Essentials from Harvard Business School Online, applying those insights to real-world marketing strategies.
But she is also cautious. “Technology moves fast, but brands need to stay grounded,” she says. “Consumers want authenticity. If AI is used the wrong way, it can feel impersonal. The challenge is finding that balance.”
Leading with Purpose
Celia’s leadership style is built on trust, empathy, and collaboration. She believes in creating environments where people feel heard and empowered. “A lot of people think leadership means having all the answers,” she says. “But the best leaders ask the right questions and create space for others to contribute.”
She also pushes back against the idea that kindness is a weakness in leadership. “Some people think being ‘too nice’ makes you less effective,” she says. “I completely disagree. Leading with empathy builds stronger, more committed teams. People do their best work when they feel valued.”
That belief in mentorship extends beyond the workplace. Celia is a member of CHIEF, a private network for women in leadership, where she supports and learns from other executives. She sees mentorship as an ongoing process. “I still have mentors,” she says. “You’re never too experienced to learn from someone else.”
Redefining Success
For Celia, success is about more than just hitting business goals. It’s about growth—both personal and professional. “Success is evolving,” she says. “It’s about staying curious, adapting, and making a meaningful impact.”
One of the biggest lessons she has learned is that failure is part of growth. Early in her career, she worked on a product launch that didn’t go as planned. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she used it as a learning experience. “I had to ask myself—did we really listen to the consumer? Were we solving the right problem?” she says. “That experience shaped how I approach strategy today.”
Now, she encourages others to embrace failure as a stepping stone. “No one gets everything right the first time,” she says. “The key is to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.”
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for Celia? As Vice President and Head of Brand for bareMinerals at Orveon, she is focused on shaping brand strategy, fostering innovation, and mentoring emerging leaders. She continues to explore new ways to combine technology, strategy, and creativity to drive business success—whether through brand leadership, advising, or pushing the boundaries of AI-driven marketing. Her journey is all about evolution, growth, and making a lasting impact.
“I don’t have all the answers yet,” she says with a smile. “And that’s the best part—I’m still learning.”
Celia’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and leadership. It’s proof that success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about how you grow, adapt, and help others along the way.
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