When Hana Zalzal started her cosmetics company, her goal was simple: to make make-up better, easier, smarter. Fifteen years later, CARGO Cosmetics has grown to be one of the most innovative and sought-after brands among professional make-up artists, celebrities, and consumers worldwide.
Hana continues her hands-on approach to product development and marketing. She prides herself on continual innovation with product introductions that have taken the media by storm. Her Award-Winning innovations have been featured in publications such as Time Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and a multitude of fashion and beauty publications. As well, they have garnered international design and innovation awards such as the Red Dot award out of Germany, the Dupont Award for packaging innovation, and the highly-acclaimed IDEA award. CARGO products have also been honored by inclusion in official gift bags for prestigious events such as the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes. These products have also been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and The Dr. Phil show. CARGO’s famous blushes were even a question on Jeopardy!
Hana has made personal appearances on Dr. Phil, Bloomberg Television, Canada a.m, and has been featured in the pages of People Magazine.
Hana has worked with celebrities such as Courteney Cox and Lindsay Lohan to create lipsticks (housed in the first-ever compostable lipstick tube made out of corn) that raise money for charity.
Hana has been honored with awards such as:
- Canada’s Top 40 under 40
- New York Fashion Group International Rising Star Award
- 2006 Brand Innovator of the Year (Brand Packaging magazine)
- Arbor Award (University of Toronto)
She proudly serves on several boards including:
- The International Advisory Council, Schulich School of Business
- The Chair of Civil Engineering’s Advisory Board
Hana resides in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and their three children. She was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1964 and came to Canada at the age of two. Hana holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto as well as an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. She has previously worked as an engineer, marketer, and financial analyst.
