President and CEO of the biggest beauty retailer in the US, Kecia Steelman, built her mark from the ground up. From humble beginnings to leading a $30 billion retail powerhouse, she headlines Ulta Beauty ‘s 1500 outlets nationwide. Speaking to Fortune, Steelman shared that she grew up ‘poor, hungry and determined,’ and started her journey in retail as a salesperson at Target.

Climbing through the rungs, where she earned $8 an hour, she recently ended a 600-store deal with Target stores that carried Ulta Beauty. Her teenage pregnancy made her enter the job force early, but it only fostered resilience, paving the way for a young entrepreneur’s journey ahead.

Who is Kecia Steelman?

Growing up in Mediapolis, Iowa, Steelman began her retail career at Target in 1993. Coming from a farming c

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