Launched in 2000, Illume is perhaps best known as a home fragrance company. Its hand-poured candles, votives, and the like are sold in over 7,000 doors (Anthropolgie, Target, West Elm, etc.) around the US and in over 40 countries around the world.
But Illume also has a substantial portfolio of scented personal care products in the soap, lotion, and fragrance categories. To illustrate, just now the company’s ecommerce site lists over 20 products that are bar soaps, body washes, and liquid hand soaps. And there are nearly as many hand creams and body lotions available. And fewer than ten perfumes are listed online.
New ownership
In April of 2016, Illume was acquired by Regent Holding Company. At the time of that deal the Minnesota – based company was led by Liz Barrere, who’s credited with having turned what was a poorly performing candle company into a well-regarded lifestyle fragrance and beauty venture.
At the time, Barrere told the press, “We've always admired both Bloomingville and Creative Co-Op [the two branded subsidiaries of Regent] as category leaders in both design and quality.”
She went on to say that, “We can't wait to join forces with these creative minds to work together on creating new products, finding new markets and forging new partnerships. All of our companies have a strong perspective on product, trend and design, and it will be exciting to get us all together to create. We're forming a super group.”
New leadership
Now Mokosso is at the helm. She’s been working with Illume since 2007 and was most recently the company’s executive vice president of sales and marketing.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead ILLUME and its dynamic team,” says Mokosso. “As a long-time employee, I’m invested and committed to using my established relationships to drive necessary change and develop key areas within the organization. I’m excited to enhance the already-successful product assortment by supporting it in new ways.”
The company board is optimistic about the future too. “We appreciate all that Kim has done for ILLUME and all that she continues to have to offer,” Lee Wang, president of Creative Co-op and a board member of Regent Holding, tells the press.
He notes that “Kim has been instrumental in the company’s overwhelming success, and we couldn’t be more confident or excited about promoting her to this integral position.”