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Behind The Red Door
In 1908, Florence Nightingale Graham moved from the suburbs of Toronto, Canada to Manhattan with dreams of becoming a self-made woman. Within two years, she opened her first beauty salon on Fifth Avenue. Adopting the same name as her company, Elizabeth Arden went on to pioneer the global beauty industry (valued at $532 billion today). At a time when women didn't have the right to vote, Elizabeth became one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world and the first businesswoman to grace the cover of Time magazine. By the end of the 1930s, it was said "there are only three American names known in every single corner of the Singer Sewing, Coca Cola, and Elizabeth Arden."
One hundred years later, in 2008, at the age of eighteen, Louise Johnson moved from the suburbs of Toronto, Canada to Manhattan to begin her dream internship at the cosmetic giant, Elizabeth Arden. She knew nothing about the beauty industry, but was fascinated by the woman behind the brand whose inspiring legacy was at risk of falling through the cracks of history.
Although they lived a century apart, Elizabeth became Louise's invisible guide as she tried her "successful" lifestyle on for size, with a big career in a big city-but behind the glitz and the glamour, they soon struggled to recognize their true selves. Who are we really behind the makeup we put on our faces? Behind the social media highlight reels? Behind the personas we (consciously and subconsciously) present to the world?
This book brings you behind the red doors of Arden, while Louise's story serves to highlight how much (or how little) has changed a century later. What began as a desire to preserve Elizabeth's place in history, evolved into an examination of her coming-of-age in the beauty industry and a cultural excavation on a much larger thread that connects us all.
Ultimately, this book is about identity and how we learn to navigate the world to find our best self, even if it's on a different path than we originally anticipated.
One hundred years later, in 2008, at the age of eighteen, Louise Johnson moved from the suburbs of Toronto, Canada to Manhattan to begin her dream internship at the cosmetic giant, Elizabeth Arden. She knew nothing about the beauty industry, but was fascinated by the woman behind the brand whose inspiring legacy was at risk of falling through the cracks of history.
Although they lived a century apart, Elizabeth became Louise's invisible guide as she tried her "successful" lifestyle on for size, with a big career in a big city-but behind the glitz and the glamour, they soon struggled to recognize their true selves. Who are we really behind the makeup we put on our faces? Behind the social media highlight reels? Behind the personas we (consciously and subconsciously) present to the world?
This book brings you behind the red doors of Arden, while Louise's story serves to highlight how much (or how little) has changed a century later. What began as a desire to preserve Elizabeth's place in history, evolved into an examination of her coming-of-age in the beauty industry and a cultural excavation on a much larger thread that connects us all.
Ultimately, this book is about identity and how we learn to navigate the world to find our best self, even if it's on a different path than we originally anticipated.
262 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2021
15 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 9, 2021
I loved this book!! It's incredibly well-researched and full of interesting details. The way the author weaves her own experiences into those of Elizabeth Arden is clever and very effective. It almost reads like dual-period historical fiction, but it's all true. Once I started reading this, I was instantly transported to Manhattan and even Geneva. The descriptions are vivid and the prose is exceptional. I have already recommended this book to several people.
Thanks to NetGalley, Gatekeeper Press, and Louise Claire Johnson for providing me with an advanced copy for review purposes.
Thanks to NetGalley, Gatekeeper Press, and Louise Claire Johnson for providing me with an advanced copy for review purposes.
April 30, 2021
An illuminating and accessible read that focuses on two women's determined ambition within the beauty industry. Elizabeth Arden, the daughter of a Canadian farmer, forged a name for herself -- and a reputation-- for holding women to higher standards of the achievable beauty she felt they were entitled to with the help of her hugely successful cosmetics. A near century later, Louise Claire Johnson leaves the GTA for New York to work for the Arden brand and slowly climbs the ranks
The research is magnificent as is the obvious natural passion displayed in Johnson's verve and energy as if she cannot wait to turn the page on another scintillating and largely unknown facet of Arden's life. In the present, she offers us the gift of vulnerability: showing us the intrepid dreams of a young woman in an enviable job at times swallowed by cut throat business, debilitating homesickness ( beautifully rendered in the author's portions set in Geneva) and ultimately found by leaving the world forever in pursuit of a Harvard degree.
Anyone who has ever wanted a deep, informed and lovingly detailed refrain on a Cosmetics mogul and her fascinating life as a a global entrepreneur will love this book. And the contemporary portions are a winsome balance --- a non snarky Devil Wears Prada, if you will, that lets us take an informed and intelligent look through a peek in Arden's famous door.
The research is magnificent as is the obvious natural passion displayed in Johnson's verve and energy as if she cannot wait to turn the page on another scintillating and largely unknown facet of Arden's life. In the present, she offers us the gift of vulnerability: showing us the intrepid dreams of a young woman in an enviable job at times swallowed by cut throat business, debilitating homesickness ( beautifully rendered in the author's portions set in Geneva) and ultimately found by leaving the world forever in pursuit of a Harvard degree.
Anyone who has ever wanted a deep, informed and lovingly detailed refrain on a Cosmetics mogul and her fascinating life as a a global entrepreneur will love this book. And the contemporary portions are a winsome balance --- a non snarky Devil Wears Prada, if you will, that lets us take an informed and intelligent look through a peek in Arden's famous door.
May 9, 2021
An amazing book! Louise does a great job of telling the story of Elizabeth Arden. Weaving through the two timelines of Elizabeth and Louise was a great way to show what has and has not changed for Women today.
Two beautiful stories pulled together in one fantastic book!
Two beautiful stories pulled together in one fantastic book!
October 10, 2021
Behind the Red Door is a coming-of-age/career biography/memoir of two Canadian women’s journeys to break barriers and define beauty, both in the public and private realms, decades apart. Having known very little about Elizabeth Arden, other than as an iconic beauty brand, I was inspired to read about how Florence Nightingale Graham, moved from the suburbs of Toronto (mere kilometers from my own apartment) to New York on her own to pursue her dreams at a time when women had few options for financial independence and career success. It was interesting to learn the story of how she found the courage to overcome limitations of a patriarchal society to pioneer the global industry and become the wealthiest woman in the world.
In the process of developing products to help women showcase their outer beauty, Elizabeth Arden, “Liz,” encouraged women to find their own inner strength and beauty by connecting us with a higher version of ourselves. Reading the descriptions of Elizabeth Arden’s contributions to the war effort by creating patriotic cosmetic campaigns and by positioning red lipstick as a symbol of female power particularly resonated with me during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeling a sense of isolation and loss of identity during periods of quarantine, many of my friends emphasized how wearing red lipstick during Zoom meetings helped them to connect with their inner strength and confidence during a difficult time in history.
While I enjoyed learning about Elizabeth Arden’s self-made rise to success in the beauty industry, I identified most with Louise Johnson’s journey to determine her own place in a world where there are so many pressures on women to achieve in our careers while at the same time trying to maintain the personal and family relationships that mean so much to us. As someone who also travelled abroad in pursuit of career goals, I could see a lot of my own story of personal growth, yet also of loss and reflection, as Lou’s romantic relationship became strained and as she learned to embrace solitude without feeling too lonely when she was far from her family.
Lou’s story shows both the courage and work that are required to resist these pressures—from society’s limited policies to support working moms (exemplified by a CEO breastfeeding in a custodial closet), constant comparisons to filtered and edited versions of our peers and influencers on social media, and the internal pressures we put on ourselves to be everything at once—to simply be ourselves as we are.
Lou’s honest reflections helped me to consider ways that I, too, can define success on my own terms, and appreciate moments of peace and happiness that come from accepting and embracing my own imperfections.
In the process of developing products to help women showcase their outer beauty, Elizabeth Arden, “Liz,” encouraged women to find their own inner strength and beauty by connecting us with a higher version of ourselves. Reading the descriptions of Elizabeth Arden’s contributions to the war effort by creating patriotic cosmetic campaigns and by positioning red lipstick as a symbol of female power particularly resonated with me during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeling a sense of isolation and loss of identity during periods of quarantine, many of my friends emphasized how wearing red lipstick during Zoom meetings helped them to connect with their inner strength and confidence during a difficult time in history.
While I enjoyed learning about Elizabeth Arden’s self-made rise to success in the beauty industry, I identified most with Louise Johnson’s journey to determine her own place in a world where there are so many pressures on women to achieve in our careers while at the same time trying to maintain the personal and family relationships that mean so much to us. As someone who also travelled abroad in pursuit of career goals, I could see a lot of my own story of personal growth, yet also of loss and reflection, as Lou’s romantic relationship became strained and as she learned to embrace solitude without feeling too lonely when she was far from her family.
Lou’s story shows both the courage and work that are required to resist these pressures—from society’s limited policies to support working moms (exemplified by a CEO breastfeeding in a custodial closet), constant comparisons to filtered and edited versions of our peers and influencers on social media, and the internal pressures we put on ourselves to be everything at once—to simply be ourselves as we are.
Lou’s honest reflections helped me to consider ways that I, too, can define success on my own terms, and appreciate moments of peace and happiness that come from accepting and embracing my own imperfections.
April 21, 2021
Such a fantastic read! Very impressed by Elizabeth Arden's story, one I didn't know beforehand. Really liked how it's juxtaposed with Louise's personal journey. Makes it relevant and relatable to young women today.
April 21, 2021
I loved the dual narrative of Elizabeth Arden and her protege Louise. Kindred spirits!
May 31, 2021
* I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little while (around three weeks) to finish this book as I was going though hard times. Nonetheless, I think it was precisely the best time to pick it up as it gave me the life advice I needed the most.
Where do I start? Maybe with the core topic: Elizabeth Arden. To be fully honest, I did not know anything about that woman before reading the book, except that she had created a beauty empire in the 20th century.
Mixed povs in a well-researched book
The book is a mix between the author’s autobiography and Elizabeth Arden’s biography, the two being intricately intertwined. The author has indeed followed Arden’s steps as far as work is concerned, climbing the corporate ladder at the company her role model had created. I loved how the two stories were intertwined without it feeling « unnatural ». For instance, when a chapter was dedicated to Elizabeth’s struggles with her love life, the following one was about Lou’s similar struggles in the same area of life. Thus, we were able to see how Lou could follow Elizabeth’s steps and get herself out of difficult situations by looking up to this role model.
Moreover, I must say that I really appreciate the research behind the book. The author is not « only » a fan of Elizabeth Arden, but a person who knows how to research. Doing academic research myself, it is often something I miss in books that lack a bibliography. Here, we are provided with a thorough bibliography that allows us to see how well-researched (and so, reliable) the book is but also to dive further into Elizabeth Arden’s life if we want to.
Problems with the layout
I want to get that out of the way immediately so that it is done and never talked about again. I would love to say that my reading experience was picture perfect but it was not. The book is almost perfect, except for a few grammatical incoherences, but I struggled with the layout on my Kindle version. The chapters and parts did not start in the beginning of a new page and the parts dedicated to Louise seemed to come « out of nowhere », indicated only with a dash. I would have preferred a clearer way to draw the limit between Louise and Elizabeth’s stories, even though it was easy to understand while reading the book. However, there are things that can be improved from an aesthetic perspective.
Nonetheless, I loved how the author thought about translating French terms. I may not be the best reader for that part of the book as I am French myself and, naturally, fluent in that language. However, when trying to be objective, I think I can say that the translations are clear enough for non-French speakers to understand the whole of the book. I highly appreciated the « couleur locale » and the fact the author decided to let French words percolate her paragraphs.
A message that resonated with me
As I wrote earlier, I read this book in a time of my life that is still difficult right now, but getting a lot better. Here, you will read an honest talk about ambition and what true success can mean. You will read about a woman who sacrificed herself to a job she loved, and you will see that what shines from the outside is not always as shiny on the inside. You will also see, on a similar note, that it is natural to compartiment your life and put out different versions of yourself for different people. You will definitely see that you are not alone, and that it is not always the healthiest thing to do. However, it is important, I think, to read a book written by someone courageous enough to understand that in order to inspire, you need to be natural, not « picture perfect ».
It took me a little while (around three weeks) to finish this book as I was going though hard times. Nonetheless, I think it was precisely the best time to pick it up as it gave me the life advice I needed the most.
Where do I start? Maybe with the core topic: Elizabeth Arden. To be fully honest, I did not know anything about that woman before reading the book, except that she had created a beauty empire in the 20th century.
Mixed povs in a well-researched book
The book is a mix between the author’s autobiography and Elizabeth Arden’s biography, the two being intricately intertwined. The author has indeed followed Arden’s steps as far as work is concerned, climbing the corporate ladder at the company her role model had created. I loved how the two stories were intertwined without it feeling « unnatural ». For instance, when a chapter was dedicated to Elizabeth’s struggles with her love life, the following one was about Lou’s similar struggles in the same area of life. Thus, we were able to see how Lou could follow Elizabeth’s steps and get herself out of difficult situations by looking up to this role model.
Moreover, I must say that I really appreciate the research behind the book. The author is not « only » a fan of Elizabeth Arden, but a person who knows how to research. Doing academic research myself, it is often something I miss in books that lack a bibliography. Here, we are provided with a thorough bibliography that allows us to see how well-researched (and so, reliable) the book is but also to dive further into Elizabeth Arden’s life if we want to.
Problems with the layout
I want to get that out of the way immediately so that it is done and never talked about again. I would love to say that my reading experience was picture perfect but it was not. The book is almost perfect, except for a few grammatical incoherences, but I struggled with the layout on my Kindle version. The chapters and parts did not start in the beginning of a new page and the parts dedicated to Louise seemed to come « out of nowhere », indicated only with a dash. I would have preferred a clearer way to draw the limit between Louise and Elizabeth’s stories, even though it was easy to understand while reading the book. However, there are things that can be improved from an aesthetic perspective.
Nonetheless, I loved how the author thought about translating French terms. I may not be the best reader for that part of the book as I am French myself and, naturally, fluent in that language. However, when trying to be objective, I think I can say that the translations are clear enough for non-French speakers to understand the whole of the book. I highly appreciated the « couleur locale » and the fact the author decided to let French words percolate her paragraphs.
A message that resonated with me
As I wrote earlier, I read this book in a time of my life that is still difficult right now, but getting a lot better. Here, you will read an honest talk about ambition and what true success can mean. You will read about a woman who sacrificed herself to a job she loved, and you will see that what shines from the outside is not always as shiny on the inside. You will also see, on a similar note, that it is natural to compartiment your life and put out different versions of yourself for different people. You will definitely see that you are not alone, and that it is not always the healthiest thing to do. However, it is important, I think, to read a book written by someone courageous enough to understand that in order to inspire, you need to be natural, not « picture perfect ».
January 6, 2022
I received this arc for an honest review.
The author reveals her own story as she tells the tales of Elizebeth Arden and how she came to be the top women’s cosmetic line for years. How she had to fight off a takeover from men who had nothing to do with her company. The struggles and they were very much struggles for a woman to succeed in any business even to secure a loan back in the early nineteen hundreds and beyond really. She did it all. She of course had a few that were with her from the beginning which is spoken about, but this is really a story about a woman who had a vision and worked every day even after she was at the top to stay there. I found this book to be really a history book not only about a woman but also about a time where women were not even able or expected to work outside of the home let alone own a business. How women could not even get loans was surprising even though it should not have been for my grandmother who graduated from college before women could vote and was given a certificate, not a diploma. The woman story who wrote the book was just as interesting as well and she made a nice break at times telling her story with Miss Arden’s. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars.
The author reveals her own story as she tells the tales of Elizebeth Arden and how she came to be the top women’s cosmetic line for years. How she had to fight off a takeover from men who had nothing to do with her company. The struggles and they were very much struggles for a woman to succeed in any business even to secure a loan back in the early nineteen hundreds and beyond really. She did it all. She of course had a few that were with her from the beginning which is spoken about, but this is really a story about a woman who had a vision and worked every day even after she was at the top to stay there. I found this book to be really a history book not only about a woman but also about a time where women were not even able or expected to work outside of the home let alone own a business. How women could not even get loans was surprising even though it should not have been for my grandmother who graduated from college before women could vote and was given a certificate, not a diploma. The woman story who wrote the book was just as interesting as well and she made a nice break at times telling her story with Miss Arden’s. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars.
September 2, 2021
Louise Claire Johnson has such a way in capturing the attention of the reader to a story that happened years ago! I truly enjoyed the way that the history of the makeup, fashion, politics, societal cultures and values intersect through time in the telling of this tale. I especially appreciated the empowering story of Florence Nightingale, a fellow Canadian woman who came from nothing and essentially made it everything in a world dominated completely by men (she even had to get her husband to buy the spaces for the Red door salons because a woman could not own anything). All in all, this is a tale of obstacles and triumphs alike where Florence and Louise both come and make a mark in history by becoming role models for generations to come! Louise Johnson shows a manner of storytelling like no other. And even though she’s writing historical facts, it’s almost as if you’re living through them with her!
Read it if you:
-love to travel (Lou and Florence both visit a whole bunch of places)
-love empowering and dominating women’s stories
-love 🇨🇦 💄 🍫
Read it if you:
-love to travel (Lou and Florence both visit a whole bunch of places)
-love empowering and dominating women’s stories
-love 🇨🇦 💄 🍫
March 4, 2022
The incredible story of Elizabeth Arden, combined with a modern-day memoir that further displays the brand's impact over 100 years later.
Behind the Red door tells the extraordinary story of Elizabeth Arden, born Florence Nightingale Graham, and her journey to revolutionizing both the Health and Beauty industry and women's rights (and capabilities!). We follow Arden's journey to overcoming the limitations placed on women to not only create *a* business, but a revolutionary brand that would empower *other* women with it's presence.
Behind the Red door is not exclusively Arden's story, as the author also shares her journey, and the impact Arden has had on it. While I felt the story of Arden was fascinating enough to standalone, hearing Johnson's story helped to express the long-standing impact Elizabeth Arden has had.
To put it simply, I think this book should be a mandatory read for female business owners, or aspiring business owners, or anyone looking for inspiration to achieve ANYTHING against the odds.
Behind the Red door tells the extraordinary story of Elizabeth Arden, born Florence Nightingale Graham, and her journey to revolutionizing both the Health and Beauty industry and women's rights (and capabilities!). We follow Arden's journey to overcoming the limitations placed on women to not only create *a* business, but a revolutionary brand that would empower *other* women with it's presence.
Behind the Red door is not exclusively Arden's story, as the author also shares her journey, and the impact Arden has had on it. While I felt the story of Arden was fascinating enough to standalone, hearing Johnson's story helped to express the long-standing impact Elizabeth Arden has had.
To put it simply, I think this book should be a mandatory read for female business owners, or aspiring business owners, or anyone looking for inspiration to achieve ANYTHING against the odds.
October 27, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written. This book tells about the struggles that Elizabeth Arden (Florence Nightingale) went through. It is a very interesting book. I can't wait to read more books about her. This author did a great job writing this book. It is in stores for $30.00 (USD). The pacing is good. It talks about different places.
February 9, 2024
Loved this! So refreshing, easy read, insightful and chock-full of historical factoids. Thank you Lou (and Elizabeth)!
May 9, 2021
Thank you, NetGalley and Gatekeeper Press for this uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
Louise Claire Johnson’s preface establishes the authenticity of the material used to develop two engaging stories: Elizabeth Arden/Florence Nightingale Graham/Mrs Elizabeth Graham’s, and that of the writer, Lou, as she becomes known to the reader. The book moves smoothly between the history of Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetic company by that name, and Lou, the seeker of identity. Initially she achieves that through Elizabeth Arden, the company as it has become in 2006. The story of Florence Nightingale Graham, soon to become identified with her company as Elizabeth Arden, begins with her leaving Toronto and boarding the train to New York in 1908. This device works smoothly, both because of Louise Claire Johnson’s facility with words and the connections made between the past and present. None of these connections are contrived, whether they are personal, geographical, issues and social change (of lack of change), or relationships.
Elizabeth Arden’s story is an energising read about a woman dedicated to becoming a wealthy and competent entrepreneur, at the same time overturning men’s exclusive control of business, money, status, and power. She accomplishes this through a commodity that has its own detractors amongst women, cosmetics. Initial arguments against cosmetics revolved around morality – should women enhance the appearance with which they were born? Married to this was the negative image they conveyed as the province theatrical woman, or worse. More recently, the women’s movement has argued both on the behalf of a woman’s right to use cosmetics as part of her own identification competing with the notion that cosmetics are used to enhance a woman’s appearance to the male gaze. Elizabeth Arden astutely made inner beauty, based on exercise, morning stretching, adequate sleep and eating well part of her regime. Initially she was able to only develop skin care products as make up was unacceptable. Her cleanse, cleanse, cleanse – obviously with an Elizabeth Arden cream – was an important part of her sales regime.
With the emphasis on sales, we come to Lou’s connected Elizabeth Arden story. It is based on her business studies and internships, sales related positions, and her first full time position, Marketing Coordinator. Her eventual rise to marketing across the three Arden entities – skincare, colour, and fragrance in the Geneva headquarters brings together the entities that have been part of Elizabeth Arden’s rise through the business world. Lou is as driven as Elizabeth with her mantra: Plan Ahead + Work Hard = Achieve Goals. Unlike Elizabeth, Lou is conflicted throughout her sections of the book; but like her icon, she also creates different personas. Lou’s story is endearingly honest, highly work motivated but linked so closely with her family and friends, candour about herself, her ability, and her misgivings. She imparts her reflections on herself and her work through her blogs and ‘letters’ to her sage, Elizabeth Arden.
In my introduction I noted the lack of contrivance in linking features of Elizabeth Arden’s experiences with those of the writer. Perhaps this is a simple observation. However, reading a book that achieves this is a real pleasure. So many writers do not have the capacity to use this device effectively. Louise Claire Johnson is a talented writer who has woven the stories of two incredible women, the politics of business and feminism, the draw of family, love and awakening to her real ambitions for her life into a book that is a pure joy to read.
Louise Claire Johnson’s preface establishes the authenticity of the material used to develop two engaging stories: Elizabeth Arden/Florence Nightingale Graham/Mrs Elizabeth Graham’s, and that of the writer, Lou, as she becomes known to the reader. The book moves smoothly between the history of Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetic company by that name, and Lou, the seeker of identity. Initially she achieves that through Elizabeth Arden, the company as it has become in 2006. The story of Florence Nightingale Graham, soon to become identified with her company as Elizabeth Arden, begins with her leaving Toronto and boarding the train to New York in 1908. This device works smoothly, both because of Louise Claire Johnson’s facility with words and the connections made between the past and present. None of these connections are contrived, whether they are personal, geographical, issues and social change (of lack of change), or relationships.
Elizabeth Arden’s story is an energising read about a woman dedicated to becoming a wealthy and competent entrepreneur, at the same time overturning men’s exclusive control of business, money, status, and power. She accomplishes this through a commodity that has its own detractors amongst women, cosmetics. Initial arguments against cosmetics revolved around morality – should women enhance the appearance with which they were born? Married to this was the negative image they conveyed as the province theatrical woman, or worse. More recently, the women’s movement has argued both on the behalf of a woman’s right to use cosmetics as part of her own identification competing with the notion that cosmetics are used to enhance a woman’s appearance to the male gaze. Elizabeth Arden astutely made inner beauty, based on exercise, morning stretching, adequate sleep and eating well part of her regime. Initially she was able to only develop skin care products as make up was unacceptable. Her cleanse, cleanse, cleanse – obviously with an Elizabeth Arden cream – was an important part of her sales regime.
With the emphasis on sales, we come to Lou’s connected Elizabeth Arden story. It is based on her business studies and internships, sales related positions, and her first full time position, Marketing Coordinator. Her eventual rise to marketing across the three Arden entities – skincare, colour, and fragrance in the Geneva headquarters brings together the entities that have been part of Elizabeth Arden’s rise through the business world. Lou is as driven as Elizabeth with her mantra: Plan Ahead + Work Hard = Achieve Goals. Unlike Elizabeth, Lou is conflicted throughout her sections of the book; but like her icon, she also creates different personas. Lou’s story is endearingly honest, highly work motivated but linked so closely with her family and friends, candour about herself, her ability, and her misgivings. She imparts her reflections on herself and her work through her blogs and ‘letters’ to her sage, Elizabeth Arden.
In my introduction I noted the lack of contrivance in linking features of Elizabeth Arden’s experiences with those of the writer. Perhaps this is a simple observation. However, reading a book that achieves this is a real pleasure. So many writers do not have the capacity to use this device effectively. Louise Claire Johnson is a talented writer who has woven the stories of two incredible women, the politics of business and feminism, the draw of family, love and awakening to her real ambitions for her life into a book that is a pure joy to read.
May 23, 2021
This charming book by Louise Claire Johnson combines her memoir and coming-of-age story with the rags to riches tale of the great Elizabeth Arden. Johnson followed in the footsteps of Arden, becoming a marketing executive at the famous company, starting with an internship at just 18. Her journey, however, would take her to a very different place.
When the young farm girl from Ontario waited for the train to NYC in the early 20th century, she did not foresee that she would one day found a huge cosmetics company with branches all over the world, make friends with famous people and fight for women's rights. She paid a heavy price though. Two failed marriages, loneliness and hardship followed her every step of the way. She had a luxurious and interesting life, because of her hard work, but it wasn't terribly happy.
Johnson's journey took her from New York to London and Switzerland on a heady career path, but she also had to pay a big price, becoming much wiser along the way. She read all that she could about Elizabeth Arden, and regarded her as her mentor, but she began to wonder whether a career at the beauty company was what she really wanted, and what she should do with her life...
I especially enjoyed reading about Louise's time in Geneva. Her vivid descriptions of her homesickness and her emotional trauma in such a beautiful place was very moving.
I received this ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
When the young farm girl from Ontario waited for the train to NYC in the early 20th century, she did not foresee that she would one day found a huge cosmetics company with branches all over the world, make friends with famous people and fight for women's rights. She paid a heavy price though. Two failed marriages, loneliness and hardship followed her every step of the way. She had a luxurious and interesting life, because of her hard work, but it wasn't terribly happy.
Johnson's journey took her from New York to London and Switzerland on a heady career path, but she also had to pay a big price, becoming much wiser along the way. She read all that she could about Elizabeth Arden, and regarded her as her mentor, but she began to wonder whether a career at the beauty company was what she really wanted, and what she should do with her life...
I especially enjoyed reading about Louise's time in Geneva. Her vivid descriptions of her homesickness and her emotional trauma in such a beautiful place was very moving.
I received this ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 3, 2021
A book that is reminiscent of “Julia and Julie” in that it is the story of two women: one, Florence Nightingale Graham later to change her name to Elizabeth Arden and the other, the author who, one hundred years later, would join the company of Elizabeth Arden as an intern and then become hired by Elizabeth Arden Company to be a full-time employee. Both would leave Toronto to come to Manhattan only one hundred years apart. This book is written in the style where each chapter begins with a section about E. Arden which is told in exacting historical detail and ends the chapter with the author describing with great detail her story about working at Elizabeth Arden. Particularly delightful was the author’s description of the time she lived in Switzerland both from the description of the places she traveled—I felt the height of the Alps and the picturesque towns to the bleak loneliness she felt living away from friends and family. This book covers so many things for readers: history of the time Miss Arden lived including what was happening during that era and description of her wealth and the opulence she exhibited as well as the travel experiences for both. I received an advance copy of this book and I thank NetGalley, Gatekeeper Press and the author for the opportunity to present this review.
June 2, 2021
Behind The Red Door is the first novel for seasoned writer Louise Claire Johnson. This book takes you back in time to celebrate the career and life of the iconic Elizabeth Arden. This can be pinned as a “coming-of-career” for writer Lou as she shares her journey climbing up the career ladder in the beauty industry. Both Elizabeth and Lou find themselves in New York a century apart to make their mark on the world.
As the pages turn, I found it hard to put this book down as Lou begins to “Paint the town red”, Lou arrives in New York to intern for Elizabeth Arden company. Even though Lou and Elizabeth are decades apart they still run across similar pressures and taboos in both their business and personal lives. Elizabeth was a woman who waited for no one (or man), Lou could definitely relate to this as she wondered what the future held for her in life and the beauty industry.
If you like strong-minded women then this book is for you! An excellent read in which you’ll be swept into the days of past and present-day New York, London and Paris just to name a few. Come behind the “Red Door” and you’ll experience just that, “it is remarkable what a woman can accomplish with just a little ambition”- Elizabeth Arden
June 2, 2021
I started the book with no idea what I would find between the covers but found it captivating from the first page. To say I found the story of Elizabeth Arden impressive would be a total understatement, what she did was totally amazing. I wonder if as a girl growing up in the 60's, if I had been able to read the Arden story how it might have changed my life's dreams and goals.
This book is written in a way that allows you to live with Arden, not as a bystander reading about her. The author, who wove her own modern day story into Arden's was able to bring the era and the cities alive and allow you to live each second along with both Arden and herself. For me personally, since I had been to New York, Geneva and Canada where much of the book takes place, this added another level of feeling present. I would recommend this book to all females both young and young at heart.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gatekeeper Press for allowing me to read this book.
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edi...
This book is written in a way that allows you to live with Arden, not as a bystander reading about her. The author, who wove her own modern day story into Arden's was able to bring the era and the cities alive and allow you to live each second along with both Arden and herself. For me personally, since I had been to New York, Geneva and Canada where much of the book takes place, this added another level of feeling present. I would recommend this book to all females both young and young at heart.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gatekeeper Press for allowing me to read this book.
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edi...
June 30, 2021
Whether you usually read historical fiction, fantasy, crime novels or biographies this is the sort of book that will resonate with anyone. It is about self doubt, working hard, achieving goals and learning to redefine oneself along the way. No matter the age, you will always be able to learn something about yourself and your own path in life from this book, while being inspired to dream and be your true self. It explores everything from identity to what it is to be a woman now (the story of Louise Claire Johnson herself) and then (the journey of Elizabeth Arden) as their two lives intertwine a century apart.
The honesty of the writing allowed me to associate with the two women and thus learning more about myself and accepting that getting to know ourselves is a neverending journey. Louise showed me that "every 'no' is a 'next' and every obstacle is just a chance to re-route and take a different path to where you want to go."
Thank you, Louise, for the amazing reading experience and for sharing and inspiring lots of readers.
The honesty of the writing allowed me to associate with the two women and thus learning more about myself and accepting that getting to know ourselves is a neverending journey. Louise showed me that "every 'no' is a 'next' and every obstacle is just a chance to re-route and take a different path to where you want to go."
Thank you, Louise, for the amazing reading experience and for sharing and inspiring lots of readers.
May 11, 2021
This book arrived only a day ago and I couldn’t put it down! After 48 hours I’ve just finished the book and feel like I’ve been shot out the other-side of a the world Johnson wrote, still trying to get my feet on the ground.
This is a captivating story of a young women finding them self, while inspired and guided by a historical beauty industry icon. A story of female perseverance and strength alongside the less publicized realities of the solitude and vulnerability of dreaming big. I was totally engrossed by the narrative and the interwoven tales of the two women, set 100 years apart. Not only does the author invite you into the untold stories of Arden, a feminist icon who’s stories are almost lost, she also invites you into the inner workings of her own brain and heart.
An inspiring and beautiful story for women of any age. Can’t wait to read what Johnson comes up with next. Loved it!
This is a captivating story of a young women finding them self, while inspired and guided by a historical beauty industry icon. A story of female perseverance and strength alongside the less publicized realities of the solitude and vulnerability of dreaming big. I was totally engrossed by the narrative and the interwoven tales of the two women, set 100 years apart. Not only does the author invite you into the untold stories of Arden, a feminist icon who’s stories are almost lost, she also invites you into the inner workings of her own brain and heart.
An inspiring and beautiful story for women of any age. Can’t wait to read what Johnson comes up with next. Loved it!
June 25, 2021
Do you know the name Elizabeth Arden? How about Florence Nightingale Graham? Did you know that most of her life Florence Nightingale Graham was known as Eizabeth Arden, successful businesswoman, who ran the cosmetic company by that name. In this book Louise Claire Johnson, a young woman whose dream was once to work in Elizabeth Arden, takes us on a journey through Elizabeth’s life and through her own life while she was involved with the company.
This biography/memoirs is a mix of their lives, their dreams and their failures. They had their dreams and when the dreams had run their course, they found new ones.
It’s an inspirational and informational story.
This biography/memoirs is a mix of their lives, their dreams and their failures. They had their dreams and when the dreams had run their course, they found new ones.
It’s an inspirational and informational story.
September 6, 2021
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
The author - Louise or Lou to friends, is obsessed with Elizabeth Arden. She was the original lady boss in a time when that was completely unacceptable.
Ms. Johnson writes a book that is part biography, part memoir, writing chapters that starts chronologically about Liz's life, then she brings the story forward to her own life and writes about what she went through. The book was an amazing history lesson on Liz's life and what she went through during a time that I cannot imagine being a "modern woman." The guts it took to do some of the things she accomplished is amazing.
The author - Louise or Lou to friends, is obsessed with Elizabeth Arden. She was the original lady boss in a time when that was completely unacceptable.
Ms. Johnson writes a book that is part biography, part memoir, writing chapters that starts chronologically about Liz's life, then she brings the story forward to her own life and writes about what she went through. The book was an amazing history lesson on Liz's life and what she went through during a time that I cannot imagine being a "modern woman." The guts it took to do some of the things she accomplished is amazing.
August 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to read about Elizabeth Arden and how she created such an empire. She was an exceptionable women.
It is also to see it through Lou, a young person, just starting her career.
It is also to see it through Lou, a young person, just starting her career.
June 16, 2021
Louise Claire Johnson, Behind the Red Door, Gatekeeper Press, 2021.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gatekeeper Press for this uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
Louise Claire Johnson’s preface establishes the authenticity of the material used to develop two engaging stories: Elizabeth Arden/Florence Nightingale Graham/Mrs Elizabeth Graham’s, and that of the writer, Lou, as she becomes known to the reader. The book moves smoothly between the history of Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetic company by that name, and Lou, the seeker of identity. Initially she achieves that through Elizabeth Arden, the company as it has become in 2006. The story of Florence Nightingale Graham, soon to become identified with her company as Elizabeth Arden, begins with her leaving Toronto and boarding the train to New York in 1908. This device works smoothly, both because of Louise Claire Johnson’s facility with words and the connections made between the past and present. None of these connections are contrived, whether they are personal, geographical, issues and social change (of lack of change), or relationships.
Elizabeth Arden’s story is an energising read about a woman dedicated to becoming a wealthy and competent entrepreneur, at the same time overturning men’s exclusive control of business, money, status, and power. She accomplishes this through a commodity that has its own detractors amongst women, cosmetics. Initial arguments against cosmetics revolved around morality – should women enhance the appearance with which they were born? Married to this was the negative image they conveyed as the province theatrical woman, or worse. More recently, the women’s movement has argued both on the behalf of a woman’s right to use cosmetics as part of her own identification competing with the notion that cosmetics are used to enhance a woman’s appearance to the male gaze. Elizabeth Arden astutely made inner beauty, based on exercise, morning stretching, adequate sleep and eating well part of her regime. Initially she was able to only develop skin care products as make up was unacceptable. Her cleanse, cleanse, cleanse – obviously with an Elizabeth Arden cream – was an important part of her sales regime.
With the emphasis on sales, we come to Lou’s connected Elizabeth Arden story. It is based on her business studies and internships, sales related positions, and her first full time position, Marketing Coordinator. Her eventual rise to marketing across the three Arden entities – skincare, colour, and fragrance in the Geneva headquarters brings together the entities that have been part of Elizabeth Arden’s rise through the business world. Lou is as driven as Elizabeth with her mantra: Plan Ahead + Work Hard = Achieve Goals. Unlike Elizabeth, Lou is conflicted throughout her sections of the book; but like her icon, she also creates different personas. Lou’s story is endearingly honest, highly work motivated but linked so closely with her family and friends, candour about herself, her ability, and her misgivings. She imparts her reflections on herself and her work through her blogs and ‘letters’ to her sage, Elizabeth Arden.
In my introduction I noted the lack of contrivance in linking features of Elizabeth Arden’s experiences with those of the writer. Perhaps this is a simple observation. However, reading a book that achieves this is a real pleasure. So many writers do not have the capacity to use this device effectively. Louise Claire Johnson is a talented writer who has woven the stories of two incredible women, the politics of business and feminism, the draw of family, love and awakening to her real ambitions for her life into a book that is a pure joy to read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Gatekeeper Press for this uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
Louise Claire Johnson’s preface establishes the authenticity of the material used to develop two engaging stories: Elizabeth Arden/Florence Nightingale Graham/Mrs Elizabeth Graham’s, and that of the writer, Lou, as she becomes known to the reader. The book moves smoothly between the history of Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetic company by that name, and Lou, the seeker of identity. Initially she achieves that through Elizabeth Arden, the company as it has become in 2006. The story of Florence Nightingale Graham, soon to become identified with her company as Elizabeth Arden, begins with her leaving Toronto and boarding the train to New York in 1908. This device works smoothly, both because of Louise Claire Johnson’s facility with words and the connections made between the past and present. None of these connections are contrived, whether they are personal, geographical, issues and social change (of lack of change), or relationships.
Elizabeth Arden’s story is an energising read about a woman dedicated to becoming a wealthy and competent entrepreneur, at the same time overturning men’s exclusive control of business, money, status, and power. She accomplishes this through a commodity that has its own detractors amongst women, cosmetics. Initial arguments against cosmetics revolved around morality – should women enhance the appearance with which they were born? Married to this was the negative image they conveyed as the province theatrical woman, or worse. More recently, the women’s movement has argued both on the behalf of a woman’s right to use cosmetics as part of her own identification competing with the notion that cosmetics are used to enhance a woman’s appearance to the male gaze. Elizabeth Arden astutely made inner beauty, based on exercise, morning stretching, adequate sleep and eating well part of her regime. Initially she was able to only develop skin care products as make up was unacceptable. Her cleanse, cleanse, cleanse – obviously with an Elizabeth Arden cream – was an important part of her sales regime.
With the emphasis on sales, we come to Lou’s connected Elizabeth Arden story. It is based on her business studies and internships, sales related positions, and her first full time position, Marketing Coordinator. Her eventual rise to marketing across the three Arden entities – skincare, colour, and fragrance in the Geneva headquarters brings together the entities that have been part of Elizabeth Arden’s rise through the business world. Lou is as driven as Elizabeth with her mantra: Plan Ahead + Work Hard = Achieve Goals. Unlike Elizabeth, Lou is conflicted throughout her sections of the book; but like her icon, she also creates different personas. Lou’s story is endearingly honest, highly work motivated but linked so closely with her family and friends, candour about herself, her ability, and her misgivings. She imparts her reflections on herself and her work through her blogs and ‘letters’ to her sage, Elizabeth Arden.
In my introduction I noted the lack of contrivance in linking features of Elizabeth Arden’s experiences with those of the writer. Perhaps this is a simple observation. However, reading a book that achieves this is a real pleasure. So many writers do not have the capacity to use this device effectively. Louise Claire Johnson is a talented writer who has woven the stories of two incredible women, the politics of business and feminism, the draw of family, love and awakening to her real ambitions for her life into a book that is a pure joy to read.
May 2, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5/5
I will admit, for the first 1/3-1/5 of this book, I found the dual layout of Elizabeth Arden's life and then Louise Johnson's life a tad gimmicky. We all like to compare ourselves to people in the past, but it almost came across as Johnson directly modelling her life on Arden's, and it came across as awkward at several points. However, once Johnson's adult life really starts and she takes her own path, each truly stands on their own.
I am fairly familiar with the development of the cosmetics/beauty industry, so that wasn't new to me- though if you aren't, it is an excellent primer! However, I wasn't particularly familiar with Arden aside from being a Canadian and having a counter at the Bay. She was a fascinating woman, and her life sadly held more tragedy than one might expect. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the beauty industry at all, or in Elizabeth Arden!
4.5/5
I will admit, for the first 1/3-1/5 of this book, I found the dual layout of Elizabeth Arden's life and then Louise Johnson's life a tad gimmicky. We all like to compare ourselves to people in the past, but it almost came across as Johnson directly modelling her life on Arden's, and it came across as awkward at several points. However, once Johnson's adult life really starts and she takes her own path, each truly stands on their own.
I am fairly familiar with the development of the cosmetics/beauty industry, so that wasn't new to me- though if you aren't, it is an excellent primer! However, I wasn't particularly familiar with Arden aside from being a Canadian and having a counter at the Bay. She was a fascinating woman, and her life sadly held more tragedy than one might expect. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the beauty industry at all, or in Elizabeth Arden!
January 23, 2025
This was a truly fantastic book. Equal parts entertaining and inspiring. So many things about this story resonated with me, being a beauty-obsessed marketing professional from Toronto. From a business perspective, the story of Elizabeth Arden as a Canadian-born success story was riveting. The “rags to riches” story of growing her business from the ground up was truly inspirational. It weaves in fascinating history spanning two world wars, the role of royalty, international expansion, celebrity clientele, the rise of modern media and so much more. Elizabeth’s story, juxtaposed against that of the author in her “coming of age” experience working for the brand added fantastic perspective to the story, showcasing both the similarities - and just how far we as working women have come in society. I enjoyed every minute of this read and applaud the author in her excellent story telling and research capabilities - telling a story that was equally historical and modern all at the same time.
June 22, 2021
At the start of Behind the Red Door I found the Elizabeth Arden parts fascinating, well researched and I felt the bond the Author had with Elizabeth Arden but I was questioning the relevance of the parts on her life. As the story progressed I found the two story lines became more intwined and I was just as interested in the Authors journey as I was in Elizabeth Ardens.
Elizabeth Arden truly was a truly inspiring woman, to achieve all that she did at the time that she did which would be an impressive achievement today. Empowering and supporting women across the world.
I was given a copy of Behind the Red Door by NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Elizabeth Arden truly was a truly inspiring woman, to achieve all that she did at the time that she did which would be an impressive achievement today. Empowering and supporting women across the world.
I was given a copy of Behind the Red Door by NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
June 23, 2021
Ever read a book where you felt like you just sat down and had an amazing conversation with a friend? This is it. Right here. Juxtaposed with a brilliant account of Elizabeth Arden's life, Louise draws you in to her own contemporary story with a humble honesty.
I absolutely loved learning more about Arden. I hadn't known too much about her before to be fair, but her rise to household name is fascinating and there is much to learn from her even now.
Reading about Louise's experiences had me nodding along in agreement to so many emotions and thoughts. It also helps that we're similar in age, as this presented an unexpected comfort in hearing pop culture references, blogging and emerging tech. Her story had me equally as engaged as Arden's!
Beauty buffs, historical fiction lovers and fans of stories focused on strong female leads, you must read this.
I absolutely loved learning more about Arden. I hadn't known too much about her before to be fair, but her rise to household name is fascinating and there is much to learn from her even now.
Reading about Louise's experiences had me nodding along in agreement to so many emotions and thoughts. It also helps that we're similar in age, as this presented an unexpected comfort in hearing pop culture references, blogging and emerging tech. Her story had me equally as engaged as Arden's!
Beauty buffs, historical fiction lovers and fans of stories focused on strong female leads, you must read this.
May 29, 2021
A lovely informative book detailing the rise of Elizabeth Arden from a farm in Canada to the global cosmetics mastermind and the story a century later of the author who wanted to become the CEO of Elizabeth Arden.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own
May 15, 2021
I loved this book!
I didn’t know anything about Elizabeth Arden before reading Behind the Red Door and she has such a fascinating and rich history. I loved how Louise intertwined Elizabeth’s history with her life in 2008 interning at Elizabeth Arden and beyond.
I didn’t know anything about Elizabeth Arden before reading Behind the Red Door and she has such a fascinating and rich history. I loved how Louise intertwined Elizabeth’s history with her life in 2008 interning at Elizabeth Arden and beyond.
May 23, 2021
A wonderful look at the life and struggles of the makeup icon and a young woman who wants to strive to be her
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