China's Mao Geping has achieved remarkable success. Once a trained Yue Opera performer with shattered singing career prospects due to a voice change, he found his true calling as a makeup artist. In 2000, he launched his namesake cosmetics brand along with a makeup school business. His company has now gone public in Hong Kong, with shares opening at 47.65 Hong Kong dollars and closing at 52.6 Hong Kong dollars. The IPO raised at least $300 million, making Mao Geping a newly minted billionaire.

Uncover the Inspiring Tale of Mao Geping's Beauty Empire

First Section: Mao Geping's Career Shift

Mao Geping's transition from an opera singer to a makeup artist is a fascinating story. After facing setbacks in his singing career, he discovered his talent for makeup within the troupe. This shift led him to become one of the first celebrity makeup artists in the country, known for his work in period dramas. His unique approach and attention to detail set him apart.In 2000, he took a bold step by launching his namesake cosmetics brand and establishing a makeup school. This combination of business and artistry laid the foundation for his future success. His incorporation of ancient Chinese aesthetics into product design gave his brand a distinct identity and attracted a loyal customer base.

Second Section: The Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing

Mao Geping made history as the first Chinese beauty brand to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This was a significant milestone for his company and the Chinese beauty industry. The IPO was highly successful, with the shares opening at 47.65 Hong Kong dollars and closing at 52.6 Hong Kong dollars. The company sold 78.4 million shares at 29.8 Hong Kong dollars each, raising at least $300 million.This listing not only brought financial success but also increased the brand's visibility and credibility on the global stage. It opened up new opportunities for growth and expansion, allowing Mao Geping to take his business to new heights.

Third Section: The Company's Market Share and Brands

The Mao Geping brand stands out among its C-beauty competitors as the only Chinese company in the high-end cosmetics playing field. In 2023, it had a market share of 1.8 percent in China. The company owns two major cosmetics labels: Mao Geping and Zhi'ai Zhongsheng. In the first six months of 2024, Mao Geping accounted for more than 99 percent of the group's total cosmetics sales.In addition to cosmetics, the company also owns a professional makeup school with nine branches across China. The educational branch had sales of 71.5 million renminbi in the first half of 2024, accounting for 3.6 percent of the business. This shows the company's diversified approach and its commitment to providing comprehensive beauty services.

Fourth Section: Mao Geping's Online Fame

As the face of the brand and its most effective spokesperson, Mao Geping reclaimed his fame online with a popular Bilibili account that has more than 900,000 followers. His videos on subtle light and shadow play have gained a large following among Chinese women of all age groups. He consistently produces looks that are "better than getting a facelift," according to Chinese netizens.This online presence has played a crucial role in promoting the brand and reaching a wider audience. Mao Geping's ability to connect with his customers through social media has helped him build a strong brand image and increase customer loyalty.