Story of MECCA
From one store to a global community. Here’s where you’ll find the story behind the story – the turning points, the bold leaps, and the brilliant humans who made MECCA what it is today.
1997: The first store
Chapel Street was where it was at, so Jo and her parents, Cate and Conor, hit the pavement in search of a landlord willing to back her dream. But Chapel rents were out of reach - at least for a start-up with no collateral and a whole lot of ambition. So, Toorak Road it was. It wasn’t fancy, but it had something Chapel Street didn’t: great parking.
That tiny little space became the crucible for every MECCA dream, hope and ambition that followed, and we opened with a global beauty line-up of seven colour brands: NARS, Stila, Philosophy, Vincent Longo, Urban Decay, Benefit, and Make Up For Ever.
“Our stores have been a constant evolution, but the original premise was always to create a space that customers would love to spend time in – much like an inviting, contemporary living room. The test for me is simple: if I'd be happy living in the space, then happy days.” Jo Horgan
1997: The first store
Chapel Street was where it was at, so Jo and her parents, Cate and Conor, hit the pavement in search of a landlord willing to back her dream. But Chapel rents were out of reach - at least for a start-up with no collateral and a whole lot of ambition. So, Toorak Road it was. It wasn’t fancy, but it had something Chapel Street didn’t: great parking.
That tiny little space became the crucible for every MECCA dream, hope and ambition that followed, and we opened with a global beauty line-up of seven colour brands: NARS, Stila, Philosophy, Vincent Longo, Urban Decay, Benefit, and Make Up For Ever.
“Our stores have been a constant evolution, but the original premise was always to create a space that customers would love to spend time in – much like an inviting, contemporary living room. The test for me is simple: if I'd be happy living in the space, then happy days.” Jo Horgan
1998: Family foundations
1998: Family foundations
1999: Runways, beauty icons and a test of resilience
MECCA makes waves at Melbourne Fashion Week with David Jones, marking our first step into the cultural scene – bringing beauty to life on the runway and the high street.
In-store, the NARS Orgasm blush debuted – a cult classic in the making – and went on to become one of the bestselling beauty products of all time! We also launched Mecca Cosmetica Signature Line with a range of chic beauty bags.
NARS make-up station in Georges, Credit: Betty Tieppo
1999: Runways, beauty icons and a test of resilience
MECCA makes waves at Melbourne Fashion Week with David Jones, marking our first step into the cultural scene – bringing beauty to life on the runway and the high street.
In-store, the NARS Orgasm blush debuted – a cult classic in the making – and went on to become one of the bestselling beauty products of all time! We also launched Mecca Cosmetica Signature Line with a range of chic beauty bags.
NARS make-up station in Georges, Credit: Betty Tieppo
However, we took two steps forward, one step back. When Georges department store closed, we went from two stores to one, practically overnight. It was a tough moment, but as we like to say at MECCA, ‘If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain’. (Thanks for those wise words, Dolly Parton!)
2000: Our education obsession
From the very beginning, education has been MECCA’s not-so-secret superpower. Back in the day, new team members kicked off their journey in Jo’s living room, cross-legged with coffee cups and notepads while Jo talked through what we were here to do: help people look, feel and be their best. We hosted some of our first customer focus groups to learn more about what people wanted and added MECCA manager conferences to our education lineup. Today, we invest around 3% of our turnover into team education and engagement – from artistry to leadership to financial literacy.
2020, and our obsession with education evolves into MECCAversity — reimagining how our team and community learns about beauty and beyond.
2000: Our education obsession
From the very beginning, education has been MECCA’s not-so-secret superpower. Back in the day, new team members kicked off their journey in Jo’s living room, cross-legged with coffee cups and notepads while Jo talked through what we were here to do: help people look, feel and be their best. We hosted some of our first customer focus groups to learn more about what people wanted and added MECCA manager conferences to our education lineup. Today, we invest around 3% of our turnover into team education and engagement – from artistry to leadership to financial literacy.
2020, and our obsession with education evolves into MECCAversity — reimagining how our team and community learns about beauty and beyond.
2001: Beauty in a browser (and a nail bar)
One of the first beauty retailer websites in Australia – meccacosmetica.com.au launches, with all the flair of the early digital era. Visually striking, but not exactly smooth to use, it captured the spirit of the time. Orders were fulfilled from a tiny upstairs storeroom.
Inspired by New York’s nail spas, we launched Mecca Manicure nail bars in store, starting with Little Collins Street in Melbourne and our Mecca Cosmetica nail varnishes were named after Shakespeare’s female characters.
2001: Beauty in a browser (and a nail bar)
One of the first beauty retailer websites in Australia – meccacosmetica.com.au launches, with all the flair of the early digital era. Visually striking, but not exactly smooth to use, it captured the spirit of the time. Orders were fulfilled from a tiny upstairs storeroom.
Inspired by New York’s nail spas, we launched Mecca Manicure nail bars in store, starting with Little Collins Street in Melbourne and our Mecca Cosmetica nail varnishes were named after Shakespeare’s female characters.
Tony Baumann and Cate Horgan in-store
2002: MECCA heads West
MECCA opens its eighth store in Western Australia, with Tony, our now ‘Head of Fabulosity’ joining the team. By this time, more than 60,000 people around the country were engaging with the MECCA concept.
Tony Baumann and Cate Horgan in-store
2002: MECCA heads West
MECCA opens its eighth store in Western Australia, with Tony, our now ‘Head of Fabulosity’ joining the team. By this time, more than 60,000 people around the country were engaging with the MECCA concept.
What Makes an Icon?
Meet the breakthrough formulas that redefined beauty — and still do.
On Making History
A message from Vogue's first Indigenous Australian cover model, Elaine George.
Beauty at the Turn of the Century
From frosted lips to body glitter — share your beauty faves from 1997–2002.
What Makes an Icon?
Meet the breakthrough formulas that redefined beauty — and still do.
On Making History
A message from Vogue's first Indigenous Australian cover model, Elaine George.
Beauty at the Turn of the Century
From frosted lips to body glitter — share your beauty faves from 1997–2002.