Lizzie Carter: The Creative British Entrepreneur Redefining Curly Haircare in the UK

Who Is Lizzie Carter?

Lizzie Carter is a celebrated British entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of the fast-growing haircare brand Only Curls. Known for her innovative approach to textured haircare and her inspiring journey from fashion design to beauty entrepreneurship, she has become a recognisable figure in the UK start-up ecosystem. Her brand, built with passion, authenticity, and a deep understanding of curly hair, has transformed the way consumers care for their natural curls.

Lizzie Carter Age

According to a 2019 feature published in a national UK newspaper, she was 31 years old in 2019. Based on that timeline, Lizzie Carter is now approximately 38 years old in 2026. Although she does not publicly disclose her exact date of birth, this calculated estimate aligns with her academic and career timeline. Her age is relevant not for curiosity alone, but because it reflects a decade of professional experience across global fashion brands before launching her own company.

The Early Life and Education of Lizzie Carter

A Strong Foundation in Fashion Design

Before entering the world of entrepreneurship, Lizzie Carter built a solid educational foundation at De Montfort University, where she earned a First Class Honours degree in Contour Fashion between 2005 and 2008. This highly specialised programme focuses on lingerie, swimwear, and body-contoured garments—skills that later shaped her career.

From Derbyshire to London and Beyond

Raised in Derbyshire before moving to London, Lizzie Carter developed a keen interest in fashion early on. Her fascination with garment design, textiles, and structure naturally guided her toward a design-oriented career, eventually leading her to significant roles in well-established fashion companies.

Career Beginnings: How Lizzie Carter Built Her Expertise

First Steps in the Fashion Industry

After graduating, Lizzie Carter began her career at Sara Lee Courtaulds as an Assistant Swimwear Designer. This role marked the beginning of a journey that would take her from London to the United States.

Building Expertise at Pistol Panties Swimwear

Lizzie later joined Pistol Panties Swimwear, where she spent over two years as Assistant Swimwear Designer and Production Manager. Here, she honed her creative and technical skills, working on collections designed for both boutique and high-street markets.

International Experience with Abercrombie & Fitch

Her next major step was at Abercrombie & Fitch in the USA, where she worked as:

• Associate Designer for Gilly Hicks Undies

• Lingerie Designer for Gilly Hicks Bras

Her time in Columbus, Ohio allowed her to master large-scale production, fit processes, and brand-aligned product development.

Leadership at Nordstrom

Lizzie Carter advanced to Lead Designer of Lingerie, Sleepwear, and Hosiery at Nordstrom, gaining leadership experience and a deeper understanding of the demands of global retail operations.

Returning to the UK: Playful Promises

Upon returning to London, she joined Playful Promises as Design and Sales Manager. She contributed to designing and manufacturing lingerie and swimwear for numerous UK high-street retailers—experience that later proved invaluable for scaling her own brand.

Launching Only Curls: The Birth of a British D2C Success Story

Why Lizzie Carter Started Only Curls

The idea for Only Curls sparked from a personal challenge. Lizzie Carter recognised a major gap in the UK market for high-quality, curly haircare products that were gentle, moisturising, and easy to use. As someone who embraced her own curls, she understood the frustrations many curly-haired people experienced.

With only £1,000 in personal savings, she began developing a brand aimed at empowering individuals to love and nurture their natural curls. Her mission was clear:

“To inspire others to embrace their natural curls.”

Building a D2C Brand from the Ground Up

Only Curls officially launched in August 2016, with Lizzie Carter serving as Co-Founder and Creative Lead. The company operates as a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brand, focusing heavily on:

• Curl-friendly formulations

• Minimalist packaging

• Honest communication

• Community engagement

Over the years, Only Curls has expanded its product range from microfibre towels and styling creams to an increasingly diverse assortment of shampoos, conditioners, gels, accessories, and tools designed specifically for textured hair types.

Rapid Growth and Recognition

Only Curls quickly gained traction among UK consumers. Within a few years, the brand celebrated:

• Significant online sales growth

• Strong customer loyalty

• Features in national media

• Influencer endorsements

• Retail partnerships

In 2022, the brand and its founders achieved several prestigious awards, including:

• Entrepreneurial Business Woman of the Year

• Family Entrepreneur of the Year

• LDC Entrepreneur of the Year

These accolades highlight Lizzie Carter’s dedication, creativity, and ability to build a thriving business in an increasingly competitive market.

Lizzie Carter Husband: Who Is the Co-Founder Supporting the Journey?

Lizzie Carter is married to Hugo Lewis, who is also the Co-Founder of Only Curls. The couple work side by side in the business, blending strategic, creative, and operational responsibilities.

Lizzie has acknowledged their partnership publicly, sharing that while working with a spouse presents unique challenges, it also strengthens communication and creates a shared sense of purpose. She once noted that they “always have something to talk about,” reflecting the dynamic nature of running a business together.

Who Is Hugo Lewis?

• University of Exeter graduate

• Background in e-commerce and digital growth

• Co-Founder of Only Curls since 2016

• Leads strategic operations and online expansion

Their partnership—both personal and professional—has been central to the success of Only Curls, making them one of the UK’s notable entrepreneurial couples in the beauty industry.

The Impact of Lizzie Carter on the UK Haircare Industry

Championing Natural Beauty

Lizzie Carter has become a strong advocate for natural haircare, especially within the UK community of curly-haired individuals who often struggled to find suitable products. Through Only Curls, she promotes self-acceptance, confidence, and education on curl maintenance.

Elevating Consumer Expectations

The brand emphasises:

• Clean ingredients

• Gentle formulations

• High-performance results

• Sustainability

This approach helped raise consumer expectations for quality and transparency, influencing other brands in the sector.

Supporting Inclusivity and Representation

By focusing on textured, curly, and wavy hair types, Lizzie Carter contributes to broader discussions about diversity within the beauty and fashion industries. Her work encourages better representation of all hair types across media, marketing, and retail spaces.

Lizzie Carter’s Entrepreneurial Journey: A Model for Aspiring Founders

Lizzie Carter exemplifies the power of creativity, resilience, and authenticity. Her shift from global fashion houses to entrepreneurship shows that a well-defined vision supported by industry expertise can lead to exceptional success.

Key lessons include:

• Start small, even with limited savings

• Use personal experience to identify market gaps

• Build community around your brand

• Embrace transparency and product education

• Learn continuously and adapt quickly

Today, her brand not only provides high-quality haircare solutions but also inspires thousands to feel confident in their natural curls.

Quick Info

Conclusion

Lizzie Carter’s story is one of determination, innovation, and passion. From her beginnings as a fashion designer to becoming the co-founder of a leading UK curly haircare brand, she has made a significant impact on the beauty industry. Her journey—combined with her collaborative partnership with husband and co-founder Hugo Lewis—demonstrates how personal vision, skill, and teamwork can create something truly transformative.

With Only Curls continuing to grow, Lizzie Carter remains a prominent figure in British entrepreneurship, influencing not only beauty trends but also conversations around authenticity, inclusion, and embracing natural beauty.

FAQs

1. Who is Lizzie Carter?

Lizzie Carter is a British entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of Only Curls, a London-based D2C haircare brand focused on products for curly and textured hair. She previously worked as a lingerie and swimwear designer for major brands before launching her own beauty business in 2016.

2. How old is Lizzie Carter?

According to a 2019 UK news article, Lizzie Carter was 31 years old at that time. Based on that information, she is estimated to be around 38 years old in 2026. She has not publicly disclosed her exact date of birth.

3. Who is Lizzie Carter’s husband?

Lizzie Carter is married to Hugo Lewis, who is also the co-founder of Only Curls. The couple work together full-time in the business, combining expertise in design, branding, and e-commerce to grow the company.

4. What inspired Lizzie Carter to create Only Curls?

Lizzie Carter founded Only Curls after noticing a significant lack of gentle, effective curly hair products in the UK market. Her personal experience with caring for her own curls motivated her to create a brand that celebrates natural texture and helps people embrace their curly hair with confidence.

5. What did Lizzie Carter do before founding Only Curls?

Before launching Only Curls, Lizzie Carter worked as a designer for global companies including Abercrombie & Fitch, Nordstrom, Playful Promises, and Pistol Panties Swimwear. Her background in contour fashion and lingerie design provided her with extensive industry knowledge that later supported her entrepreneurial success.

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