Hanne Norgaard: Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, and Mental Health Advocate

Hanne Norgaard, professionally known as Hanne Kim Norgaard or Kim Elba, has built a distinguished career as a makeup artist, beauty entrepreneur, and mental health advocate. With over three decades of experience in the beauty industry, she has worked with major networks, launched successful businesses, and championed inclusive beauty standards for multi-ethnic skin tones.

While many recognize her as Idris Elba’s first wife, her professional accomplishments and advocacy work define her legacy independent of that association.

Early Life and Multicultural Background

Born on April 5, 1977, in the United Kingdom, Hanne Norgaard comes from a mixed African-American and South Korean heritage. Her father is African-American, and her mother, Kyue Nam Kim, is South Korean. She identifies as “Blasian”—a term representing her Black and Asian ancestry.

Her childhood was spent moving between England, South Korea, and the United States, exposing her to diverse cultures and beauty standards. This multicultural upbringing profoundly shaped her perspective on beauty and influenced her later commitment to inclusive cosmetics.

Hanne’s early years included a challenging period spent in an orphanage in Korea, where she was known by her Korean name, Nam Hee Kim. Years later, she publicly shared her search for her biological mother, revealing the complexity of her family history and the emotional journey of reconnecting with her roots.

Education and Professional Training

Hanne pursued formal education in makeup artistry at the International Makeup Artist Academy in Europe, where she graduated with highest honors. Her training covered makeup, hair, nails, and special effects, providing comprehensive skills for the beauty industry.

From 2004 to 2006, she furthered her education at the SC Institute in Washington, D.C., earning another diploma with highest honors in makeup artistry. This advanced training refined her techniques and prepared her for high-profile work in television, film, and fashion.

Hanne speaks both English and Dutch, which has facilitated her work across international markets and diverse clientele.

Early Career in Beauty and Entertainment

Hanne’s career began with modeling in the UK, appearing in commercials and print advertisements. However, she quickly recognized her true passion lay behind the camera rather than in front of it.

Her professional trajectory accelerated when she secured a position with the BBC within her first week after graduation in 1992. Working as a makeup artist for British television gave her invaluable exposure to the entertainment industry and helped build her reputation for precision and creativity.

In 1993, she joined Columbia Tristar as a key makeup artist for major film productions in London. This role solidified her status as a sought-after professional in the field.

Before moving to the United States, Hanne held several positions that expanded her expertise: talent director for a modeling agency in 1991, BBC makeup artist in 1992, and creative makeup director for a photography studio from 1997 to 2000.

Breaking into High-Profile Television

Hanne’s work on popular British television shows established her as a versatile and reliable makeup artist. Her portfolio includes:

• Absolutely Fabulous
• Birds of a Feather
• The X Factor
• Britain’s Next Top Model
• Cash in the Celebrity Attic

These projects allowed her to collaborate with major networks, including the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and Sky. Her ability to adapt to different production environments and create diverse looks made her indispensable to production teams.

Celebrity Clientele and Brand Collaborations

Throughout her career, Hanne has worked with an impressive roster of celebrity clients, including:

• Robin Williams
• Hugh Laurie
• Geena Davis
• Thandie Newton
• Angie Stone
• Shaquille O’Neal
• Jenna Redgrave

She has collaborated with prestigious fashion and beauty brands such as M∙A∙C Cosmetics, Avon, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Columbia TriStar, BET, Rolling Out, and Sean Combs. These partnerships brought inclusive shade ranges to high-profile campaigns and demonstrated her commitment to representing diverse beauty standards.

Marriage to Idris Elba

Hanne met Idris Elba in 1998 at a party in London. At the time, both were building their careers—Hanne as a makeup artist and Idris as an emerging actor. Despite different backgrounds, they connected quickly and married in 1999 in Las Vegas.

The couple moved to New York City to pursue better opportunities. During this period, Idris worked various jobs, including as a bouncer and laborer, while auditioning for acting roles. Financial pressure mounted as they navigated the challenges of establishing themselves in a competitive city.

Their daughter, Isan Elba, was born in 2002. Idris landed his breakthrough role in The Wire on the day Isan was born, marking a turning point in his career.

Despite initial hopes, their marriage faced difficulties. They divorced in 2003, one year after Isan’s birth and four years into their marriage. Hanne has chosen to keep the reasons for their divorce private, maintaining a commitment she made to herself and her daughter not to discuss their past relationship publicly.

She retained the surname Elba after the divorce, as she had built her professional brand under that name. The former couple has maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship, celebrating important milestones in their daughter’s life together, including Isan’s 16th birthday party in 2018.

Daughter Isan Elba

Isan Elba, born in 2002, has grown up with the love and support of both parents despite their separation. She was raised primarily in Atlanta, Georgia, maintaining regular contact with her father.

In 2019, Isan was named the Golden Globe Ambassador, a prestigious role previously known as Miss Golden Globe. The position, awarded to children of well-known performers, includes introducing presenters and escorting winners during the ceremony.

During a Golden Globe Ambassador luncheon, Isan publicly revealed her mother’s mental health struggles, using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness among African Americans and her peers. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association donated $50,000 in Isan’s name to the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness in the African American community.

Isan initially pursued acting, appearing in the 2022 short film Crimson Ties, but has since shifted her focus to photography and writing. She continues to explore her creative interests while maintaining a close bond with her mother.

Second Marriage and Ministry Work

After remaining single for a decade following her divorce, Hanne found love again with Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. They married in 2013 in a private yacht ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, symbolizing a new chapter in her life.

Pastor Friar, the great-grandson of COGIC (Church of God in Christ) founders, serves at Heart Strong Church in Gwinnett County, Atlanta. Hanne has embraced her role as First Lady of the church, actively contributing to the community and ministry work.

The couple runs Heart Strong Ministry together, with a mission to help people make decisions that bring them closer to their faith. Hanne has described her husband as “a gift from God,” praising his patience and unwavering support.

They reside in Georgia and do not have children together. Hanne’s daughter Isan lives with them, and the family maintains a peaceful, faith-centered home.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

1. Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY (2000)

Hanne founded her first business, Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY, in 2000 in New York. This venture marked her transition from freelance work to business ownership, offering professional makeup services for events, photo shoots, and fashion shows.

2. Make Up Your Mind Inc. (2007)

After her career slowed following her divorce, Hanne launched Make Up Your Mind Inc. in 2007. This beauty initiative offered a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Professional makeup application for events and shoots
• Personal styling consultations
• Hair styling services
• Makeup workshops and tutorials
• Themed makeup parties

The makeup parties became a unique offering where women gathered during holidays to learn makeup techniques, enhance their looks, and build a supportive community celebrating self-expression and confidence.

3. Kim Elba Cosmetics (2016)

In 2016, Hanne launched her most significant venture: Kim Elba Cosmetics. The brand addresses a critical gap in the beauty industry by creating high-quality makeup and skincare products specifically formulated for multi-ethnic skin tones.

Drawing from decades of experience working with diverse clients, Hanne noticed the lack of inclusive beauty products for women of color. Kim Elba Cosmetics is committed to:

• Offering inclusive shade ranges for all skin tones
• Creating cruelty-free formulations
• Producing paraben-free cosmetics
• Celebrating multicultural beauty
• Empowering women to feel confident

The brand has earned praise for its ethical approach and commitment to representation. By addressing underserved markets, Hanne has built a successful business while making beauty accessible to women who were previously overlooked by mainstream brands.

Beauty Educator and Writer

Beyond makeup artistry and business ownership, Hanne has established herself as a beauty educator and writer. She has contributed to beauty columns for publications such as BET Online and Rolling Out, sharing expert tips and insights with broader audiences.

Through workshops, tutorials, and educational content, she teaches women about makeup techniques, skincare, and self-expression. Her approach emphasizes that makeup should enhance natural beauty rather than mask it, and that every face is uniquely beautiful.

Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion

Hanne has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the beauty industry throughout her career. She has worked to ensure that beauty products cater to people of all skin tones, challenging industry standards that historically excluded women of color.

Her association with events like “My Black Is Beautiful” demonstrates her commitment to changing societal perceptions of beauty. This initiative celebrates Black beauty and promotes positive self-image within communities that have faced marginalization in mainstream beauty standards.

Her advocacy goes beyond products. She promotes confidence, inclusion, and representation for communities often overlooked by major brands, using her platform to amplify voices that deserve recognition.

Mental Health Advocacy

One of the most admirable aspects of Hanne’s public life is her openness about mental health. She has been diagnosed with chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, and has spoken candidly about her struggles, including battles with suicidal thoughts.

In 2019, Isan shared publicly that her mother had opened up to her about these struggles just two years prior. This conversation, which Isan described as healing, marked a turning point in their relationship and inspired both women to use their platforms for mental health awareness.

Hanne’s willingness to discuss mental illness has made her a powerful advocate, particularly within communities of color where mental health issues are often stigmatized. By sharing her story, she has encouraged others to seek help and prioritize their well-being.

Her advocacy emphasizes that mental health support and treatment are essential, and that there should be no shame in asking for help. She has become a beacon of hope for individuals facing similar challenges, showing that professional success and mental health struggles can coexist.

Professional Achievements and Industry Impact

With over 30 years in the beauty industry, Hanne has worked on countless television shows, films, fashion campaigns, and editorial projects. Her work spans multiple continents and diverse media platforms, including stage performances, television, film, fashion, and print.

Her expertise as a professionally trained and certified makeup artist, combined with her entrepreneurial ventures, has made her a respected figure in the industry. She has influenced contemporary beauty standards and paved the way for greater inclusivity and representation.

As a freelance makeup artist and business owner, she has demonstrated that success can be achieved through dedication, ethical practices, and a genuine commitment to serving diverse communities. Her work has inspired aspiring makeup artists and beauty entrepreneurs, particularly women of color who face additional challenges in the industry.

Personal Interests and Current Life

Outside her professional work, Hanne is deeply committed to her family, particularly her daughter Isan. She takes pride in the strong, independent woman Isan has become and maintains a close mother-daughter bond.

Hanne enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures, which continues to inform her worldview and creative work. She incorporates health and wellness into her daily routine, valuing fitness and healthy living.

Her love for fashion and art extends beyond her professional work. She draws inspiration from these fields, experimenting with different styles and trends in both her personal life and makeup artistry.

Despite her accomplishments, Hanne remains private and grounded, preferring to stay away from excessive public attention. She focuses on her businesses, ministry work, and family life in Atlanta, where she has built a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Hanne Norgaard’s journey from a young girl with a passion for beauty to a successful makeup artist, entrepreneur, and advocate showcases the power of determination and purpose. Her three-decade career has left an indelible mark on the beauty industry through her work with high-profile clients, collaborations with major brands, and creation of inclusive beauty products.

Her openness about mental health has further solidified her status as an inspirational figure who uses her platform to create positive change. Through her businesses, advocacy work, and personal resilience, Hanne continues to make beauty accessible, representation visible, and mental health conversations normalized.

FAQs

What are Hanne Norgaard’s major career accomplishments?

Hanne has worked as a professional makeup artist for over 30 years, collaborating with networks like BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and Sky. She worked on popular shows including Absolutely Fabulous, Birds of a Feather, The X Factor, and Britain’s Next Top Model. She has also worked with celebrity clients like Robin Williams, Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis, and Thandie Newton, and partnered with brands like M∙A∙C Cosmetics, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and BET.

How did Hanne Norgaard transition from makeup artist to entrepreneur?

Hanne founded Kim Elba Makeup Artistry NY in 2000, followed by Make Up Your Mind Inc. in 2007, which offered makeup services, workshops, and themed makeup parties. In 2016, she launched Kim Elba Cosmetics, a brand dedicated to creating inclusive, cruelty-free, and paraben-free beauty products for multi-ethnic skin tones. Her entrepreneurial journey was driven by her recognition of gaps in the beauty industry and her commitment to serving underrepresented communities.

What inspired Hanne Norgaard to advocate for mental health awareness?

Hanne has been diagnosed with chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. Her personal struggles inspired her to speak openly about mental health, particularly within communities of color where these issues are often stigmatized. In 2019, her daughter Isan publicly shared her mother’s mental health journey during the Golden Globe Ambassador luncheon, further amplifying awareness. Hanne’s advocacy encourages others to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being without shame.