“Hailey Bieber nails” are requested at a salon without anyone needing to see an image of her nails, or describe them in detail. She does not need to endorse herself. Just saying “Hailey Bieber nails,” indicates that she has created a look.
That is influence: the ability to cause people to be aware of something they did not know about before; to want it; and to take action on it.
There are several reasons why Hailey Bieber should be considered by many as the most influential person of our lifetime for this generation of young women who are concerned with their beauty. This argument describes how to define influence based upon everyday decisions; the use of common language in culture; and how to create a successful business. It is also an example of how well she has used these three aspects of influence together. Not only has she taken a personal aesthetic and made it into a commercial success, but she has also become a means for helping other women.
She Turns Personal Style Into a Shared Language
The term “glazed donut” used to refer to breakfast and today is used as an expression for skin with a glowing appearance and nails that have a pearly sheen.
When Zola Ganzorigt’s glazed manicure for the 2022 Met Gala was featured on the cover of Vogue, her creation became one of the most well-known looks of 2019. The original version of the look inspired many tutorials and recreations of this trend long after. When providing credit to Ganzorigt matters… as does Bieber’s use of his popularity to help bring attention to the work of creative individuals. (vogue.com)
One of the ways that Bieber has made this happen is through creating a way to quickly understand how to create a look. Naming a style allows others to be able to ask for the same type of product or service, recreate it, and show off their own versions of that style.
This is a valuable lesson for all young professionals in communications. The message will travel farther if the public can easily describe what you are saying.
She Proved Attention Can Become a Serious Business
Celebrity visibility can launch a product. Building a valuable company requires more.
Bieber launched Rhode in 2022. According to e.l.f. Beauty’s acquisition announcement, Rhode generated $212 million in net sales in the 12 months ending March 31, 2025. In May 2025, e.l.f. announced an agreement worth up to $1 billion: $800 million at closing, plus a potential $200 million tied to future performance.
Those numbers establish something follower counts cannot: consumers committed money to the brand.
They also require accuracy. The deal’s maximum value does not mean Bieber personally received $1 billion. Rhode has other founders and stakeholders.
Still, the achievement offers young women a compelling example of turning creative direction into business value. Her success makes beauty entrepreneurship look
She Makes Customers Part of the Marketing
Rhodes’ lipstick packaging is designed to include a storage unit for Rhodes’ lipstick treatment or tint. The Rhodes’ packaging brings together two products that individuals typically carry around: their phones and a makeup item.
It is the implications of this product’s marketing which are most notable. Products may have previously gone unnoticed in someone’s purse when in reality, there is now the possibility that it will be noticed by others while the consumer has it in his/her hand or while he/she is taking a photo with the product reflected in the mirror.
This represents an advantage to both parties involved (the consumer & Rhodes) it represents convenience to the consumer & additional exposure to Rhodes.
As a graduate student creating a brand with minimal funding, one of the most important takeaways from this example is how a product relates to someone’s daily routine. Marketing can begin as early as design, prior to placing an ad.
Her Platform Supports Women Beyond the Beauty Counter
Rhode stated in Rhode Future’s pledge that she would contribute at least 1 percent of her sales to help reduce barriers for women and other issues. She is funding education on health and caregiving as well as business opportunities and support (coaching) for all women. A $2 million contribution to an organization of 10 was made by Rhode Skin from its “Support For Mom” Fund.
It is difficult to determine whether or not these company-made promises will be successful over time but they do provide a link between the companies’ commercial successes and social contributions.
Influence may mean something different to many working mothers struggling to balance work/family obligations and financial burdens than just selling products.
The Strongest Case Goes Beyond Popularity
The claim that Justin Bieber is the most influential person of all time is certainly open to reasonable debate. His success is relatively new, his advantage is substantial, and he can’t possibly have impacted each community or every generation in history.
However, as far as influencing young women’s everyday beauty culture goes, he provides a strong example of how to be an influencer: with recognizable ideas, quantifiable business results, and using his resources to help other people.
If his contributions continue beyond current trends, they could have a lasting effect; but for now, the best argument for taking him seriously is that he has made it possible to turn personal preference into something big enough to build a business around, and use enough to support people who aren’t even part of your customer base.
