Hanne Kim Norgaard, a British-American makeup artist, entrepreneur, and writer, has built an inspiring legacy in the global beauty industry. Best known to many as the first wife of Idris Elba, her journey extends far beyond that association. With a multicultural background rooted in African, Danish, and South Korean heritage, she carved out a successful career defined by creativity, discipline, and authenticity.
With over 30 years of professional experience, Hanne has collaborated with world-renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, BBC, and BET. As the founder of Kim Elba Cosmetics and Makeup Your Mind Inc., she continues to influence modern beauty standards—especially in the realm of multicultural beauty. Her story reflects resilience, innovation, and a powerful commitment to empowering others through her craft.
Key Fact
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name/Real Name | Hanne Kim Norgaard |
| Birth Date/Birth Place | April 5, 1977, England (some sources also mention Atlanta, Georgia, USA) |
| Age | 48 years (2025) |
| Height | About 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm) |
| Weight | 55 Kg |
| Body Measurements | 38-27-36 inches |
Who Is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard is a British-American professional makeup artist, beauty entrepreneur, and writer widely recognized for her remarkable influence in the global beauty industry. Known for her multicultural heritage and creative expertise, she has collaborated with world-renowned brands and celebrities, building a legacy that continues to inspire diverse beauty standards. Her journey—from studying makeup artistry in Washington, DC, and Europe to launching Kim Elba Cosmetics—has positioned her as a powerful voice in multicultural beauty.
Beyond her professional acclaim, Hanne Norgaard is also known as the first wife of actor Idris Elba, a detail that has drawn additional public attention to her life. However, her own achievements stand firmly at the forefront. With over 30 years of experience, a BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, and contributions to major brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, BBC, and BET, she remains a defining figure in beauty, business, and artistry.
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Early Life of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard’s early life is shaped by a rich multicultural heritage that would later influence her global approach to beauty artistry. Born on April 5, 1977, in England, she grew up navigating the traditions and values of her South Korean mother and Danish father, giving her a unique perspective on identity and culture. This diverse upbringing became the foundation for her passion for inclusive beauty long before it became a mainstream conversation.
Raised in a supportive and culturally vibrant household, Norgaard was encouraged to explore creativity and self-expression from a young age. Her exposure to different cultures sparked an early fascination with artistry, leading her toward the path of professional makeup. These formative years not only shaped her worldview but also set the stage for her becoming one of the industry’s respected voices in multicultural beauty standards.
Full name/Real name:
Hanne Kim Norgaard (also known as Kim Elba)
Birth date/Birth place:
Born on April 5, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States (some sources also mention the United Kingdom as her birthplace)
Family background:
She comes from a multicultural family background; her father is African-American, and her mother is South Korean, making her ethnically Blasian (Black and Asian). Norgaard was raised in an environment reflecting this diverse heritage.
School/University:
She studied makeup artistry at the SC Institute in Washington, DC, where she graduated with a Diploma with Highest Honors between 2004 and 2006. Additionally, she attended the International Makeup Academy in Europe, earning a Diploma with Highest Honours in Makeup, Hair, Nails, and Special Effects.
Career Journey of Hanne Norgaard
Breakthrough in the Beauty Industry
Hanne Norgaard’s career began with remarkable momentum, setting the foundation for her reputation as a highly skilled British-American makeup artist. Starting professionally in 1992, she quickly earned recognition through her work with major organizations like BBC and Columbia Tristar. Her multicultural expertise and strong artistic foundation helped her stand out in an industry that was still evolving in diversity representation. This early success marked her breakthrough, showcasing her as a rising talent with exceptional creative vision.
Peak Years of Professional Growth
The 2000s became the peak of Norgaard’s professional journey, especially after she founded Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY. Her ability to work with major fashion houses like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, as well as entertainment giants such as BET, cemented her place among top makeup artists in the industry. During these years, she also collaborated with renowned celebrities including Robin Williams, Shaquille O’Neal, and Idris Elba, strengthening her influence in both fashion and entertainment circles.
Notable Work and Lasting Contributions
Hanne’s most distinguished work includes the launch of Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand focused on multicultural beauty solutions, reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She also contributed to empowering beauty events like My Black Is Beautiful beginning in 2009, where she championed representation for women of color. Her accomplishments earned her the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, highlighting her long-lasting impact on the global beauty industry.
Fame Reason & Future Plans of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard’s rise to recognition stems from her exceptional mastery in makeup artistry, her role as the founder of Kim Elba Cosmetics, and her early association as the first wife of Idris Elba. While her relationship brought initial public attention, her sustained fame comes from building a respected brand in the beauty industry and championing multicultural beauty standards long before they became mainstream. Her work with major brands and celebrities further strengthened her position as a trailblazer in professional makeup artistry, proving her influence stands independently of Hollywood connections.
Beyond her past accomplishments, Hanne continues to remain relevant due to her entrepreneurial mindset and dedication to expanding the representation of diverse skin tones in cosmetics. Although she keeps her life relatively private, she is frequently associated with beauty forums, empowerment events, and community initiatives — a sign that her work is far from over.
Looking toward the future, Hanne Norgaard is expected to strengthen her legacy through continued brand growth, industry collaborations, and advocacy for mental health and multicultural beauty. While she hasn’t publicly revealed specific plans, her consistent involvement in beauty entrepreneurship and public speaking suggests a path focused on inspiring others and evolving the cosmetic landscape for the next generation.
Physical Appearance of Hanne Norgaard
Age:
48 years old (as of 2025)
Height:
Approximately 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm)
Weight:
55 Kg
Body measurement:
38-27-36 inches
Physical attributes:
Hanne Norgaard has a mixed ethnic appearance due to her South Korean and African-American heritage, giving her a unique beauty that she has leveraged in her makeup artistry career
Major Achievements of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard’s journey in the beauty industry is marked by remarkable accomplishments that reflect her talent, resilience, and global influence. One of her most celebrated milestones is receiving the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award (2016), an honor reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Black entertainment, fashion, and arts. This recognition highlights her decades-long dedication to multicultural beauty, her impact on representation in cosmetics, and her ability to shape trends across the industry. Her work with globally recognized names like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, BBC, Robin Williams, and Shaquille O’Neal further solidified her reputation as a sought-after professional makeup artist.
In addition to her personal accolades, Norgaard achieved entrepreneurial success through the launch of Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand celebrated for its inclusive formulas designed for diverse skin tones. Her continued involvement in cultural and empowerment events such as My Black Is Beautiful demonstrates her influence beyond beauty — extending into community leadership and women’s empowerment. Through her artistry, business ventures, and advocacy, Hanne Norgaard stands as a trailblazer who helped redefine beauty standards and elevate multicultural representation across the fashion and entertainment industries.
Personal Life of Hanne Norgaard
Family:
Hanne Norgaard is the mother of one daughter, Isan Elba, with her first husband, Idris Elba. She is currently married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II since 2013. She maintains a close friendship with Idris Elba, and they co-parent their daughter.
Nationality:
She holds British and American nationality.
Religion:
Hanne Norgaard practices Christianity.
Ethnicity:
She has a mixed ethnic background; her father is African-American and her mother is South Korean, making her ethnically Blasian (Black and Asian).
Marital status/Relationship:
- Formerly married to Idris Elba from 1999 to 2003.
- Married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II since 2013.
Net worth:
Her net worth is estimated to be around $900,000.
Social media presence:
Hanne Norgaard maintains a presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, where she shares aspects of her professional work and personal life.
| Platform | Username/Handle | Description |
|---|---|---|
| @kimelba | Shares makeup work and beauty content | |
| Hanne Nørgaard | Personal and professional updates | |
| @norgaardhanne | Personal posts, family, and lifestyle |
Interesting Facts About Hanne Norgaard
- Hanne Norgaard has over 30 years of experience in professional makeup artistry.
- She is the first wife of actor Idris Elba, which contributed to her media recognition.
- Hanne’s multicultural heritage includes South Korean and Danish ancestry.
- She founded Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand focusing on diverse beauty products.
- Her estimated net worth is around $900,000, reflecting her successful career.
Conclusion of Hanne Norgaard
Hanne Norgaard is more than just a celebrity ex-wife; she is a pioneering makeup artist, entrepreneur, and advocate for multicultural beauty. Her career, spanning over three decades, demonstrates how talent, creativity, and resilience can turn passion into a globally recognized brand. Through her businesses and professional collaborations, she has redefined beauty standards, ensuring inclusivity and representation in the fashion and cosmetic industries.
As she continues to influence the world of beauty, Hanne’s story remains a testament to dedication, innovation, and cultural pride. Her journey highlights the importance of embracing one’s heritage while pursuing professional excellence, inspiring aspiring makeup artists and entrepreneurs around the world to follow in her footsteps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hanne Norgaard
1. Who is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard is a British-American makeup artist, entrepreneur, and writer, known for founding Kim Elba Cosmetics and being the first wife of Idris Elba.
2. What is Hanne Norgaard famous for?
She is famous for her expertise in makeup artistry, pioneering multicultural beauty standards, and collaborating with celebrities and global brands.
3. What is Hanne Norgaard’s educational background?
Hanne studied makeup at the SC Institute in Washington, DC, and graduated with highest honors from the International Makeup Academy in Europe.
4. What are Hanne Norgaard’s major achievements?
Her achievements include the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award, founding Kim Elba Cosmetics, and influencing inclusive beauty trends worldwide.
5. What is Hanne Norgaard’s net worth?
Hanne Norgaard’s estimated net worth is around $900,000, reflecting her successful career in makeup artistry and entrepreneurship.
