They say that behind every great man is an equally capable woman. But that wouldn’t begin to describe the critical role that Soula-Marie Perdis plays at Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics. As finance and operations director, head of product development and wife of makeup maverick Napoleon Perdis, Soula-Marie has a myriad of responsibilities. She is also a mother to the couple’s four young girls. Juggling these various strands comes naturally to this over-achiever. Soula-Marie and Napoleon met as students at Sydney’s Macquarie University (she was studying a Bachelor of Economics), and they soon became partners in life.

From the earliest days of the brand, Soula-Marie has held every job imaginable, which has given her a unique insight into the machinations of the company. Soula-Marie is Napoleon’s original muse and a continued source of inspiration. "My wife is my chief muse as well as a key player in the company," Napoleon says. "Often it’s the products she loves most that become my biggest sellers around the world." A case in point: Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer and Light Patrol Luminizer. "Pragmatic, realistic and razor-sharp, she is also my most trusted adviser. We balance each other exceptionally well."

At Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics there is no animal testing. There is, however, Soula-Marie testing. "I’m happy to be a guinea pig for all our new releases," says Soula-Marie. "And I’ve been doing it since we first launched the business." A color fanatic–when it comes to both makeup and accessories – and a fashion devotee, Soula-Marie is the living embodiment of a brand devoted to vivid, vivacious cosmetics.