ABOUT OUR CEO AND CO-FOUNDER
Heela Yang: The Force Behind Sol de Janeiro
CEO and co-founder of Sol de Janeiro Heela Yang has built more than a beauty brand - she’s created a global movement in body care and fragrance. Before launching Sol de Janeiro, Heela spent over 12 years shaping the beauty industry at Lancôme (L’Oréal) and Clinique (Estée Lauder Companies), honing the expertise that would later fuel the brand’s explosive growth.
A Visionary Leader in Beauty
Heela’s leadership and innovation have redefined the rapidly growing body care industry. She has earned prestigious recognition, including the CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) UK Achiever Award (2024) and a spot on Glossy’s 50 Top Changemakers (2023). Under her leadership, Sol de Janeiro has become an industry standout, receiving top accolades such as WWD Beauty Inc’s Prestige Brand of the Year (2023), TIME100 Most Influential Companies (2024), and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies (2024)—all celebrating the brand’s rapid category innovation and cultural impact.
From New York to Brazil: A Journey of Reinvention
Leaving behind a thriving corporate career in New York, Heela moved to Brazil with her partner, embracing an entirely new chapter. Shortly after, she discovered she was pregnant—a moment that reshaped her perspective on beauty, confidence, and self-acceptance. Immersed in Brazil’s unapologetic, body-loving culture, she and her co-founders set out to change the way the world experiences beauty. Today, Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream sells every 4 seconds*—a testament to its iconic and undeniable impact.
Leading with Purpose and Innovation
Heela co-founded Sol de Janeiro on a simple but powerful belief: beauty is an attitude, not a standard. Infused with the warmth and spirit of Brazil, the brand inspires connection and self celebration in everything it does.
Now a global powerhouse powerhouse with over 30 products and estimated global retail sales of $1.35B in 2023, Sol de Janeiro continues to grow. Following L’OCCITANE’s majority stake acquisition in 2021, the brand is expanding thoughtfully, blending its vibrant energy with L’OCCITANE’s commitment to sustainability.
As a recognized beauty innovator, Heela remains focused on what’s next—bigger, bolder, and always rooted in connection.
*Based on internal sales data reflecting calendar year of 2024 of global sales channels.
What is the meaning behind the name Sol de Janeiro?
Sol de Janeiro translates to “Sun of January,” when the sun hits its highest point during Brazilian summers. The brand aims to bring this blissful peak summer feeling to everyone, anytime, anywhere.
When did Sol de Janeiro start?
2025 marks the brand’s 10th anniversary!
What inspired Heela Yang to create Sol de Janeiro?
Before Sol de Janeiro, Heela spent over twelve years in beauty working with brands like Lancôme and Clinique. Following her corporate career, Heela and her partner moved to Brazil. This was a major turning point in her life. As she adjusted to the new culture, she became inspired by the celebratory approach to body confidence regardless of shape, size, and color. It became her obsession and mission to build a body care brand on this ethos, eventually leading to Sol de Janeiro.
Is there a Sol de Janeiro product that Heela considers a personal favorite?
Heela’s Sol de Janeiro essentials are Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream for it visibly tightening and nourishing properties, Cheirosa 62™ Perfume Mist for its iconic scent, and Delícia Drench™ Body Butter for its deeply moisturizing and soothing benefits.
