Sydell L. Miller, the self-made beauty mogul behind industry giants Ardell and Matrix Essentials, passed away at the age of 86 in her Cleveland home on Feb. 25. Her legacy in the beauty industry revolutionized the way people worldwide approach their beauty routines, both at home and in salons.
Ms. Miller, along with her late husband Arnold Miller, created innovative products that simplified and enhanced beauty procedures, such as pre-cut eyelash kits and cream-based hair dyes. Their brands became household names, with Matrix Essentials eventually being acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb for $400 million in 1994.
Beyond her business success, Ms. Miller was known for her extravagant lifestyle, owning a Palm Beach mansion with amenities like an ice cream stand, candy parlor, and bowling alley. She set records with her real estate transactions, including the most expensive condo purchase in Palm Beach history and the highest-priced home sale in Palm Beach County.
Despite her immense wealth, Ms. Miller remained grounded in her roots as a Cleveland native. She and her husband started their business journey in a humble salon, eventually building an empire that prioritized the needs and creativity of hairdressers.
Ms. Miller’s impact on the beauty industry and her philanthropic contributions, including a $70 million donation to the Cleveland Clinic, solidify her legacy as a trailblazer in the world of beauty and business. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters, leaving behind a lasting legacy of innovation and generosity.
