Estée Lauder was born Josephine Esther Mentzer on July 1, 1906, in Queens, New York.
Estée Lauder, originally Josephine Esther Mentzer, was born on July 1, 1906, in Queens, New York. Born to a family of Hungarian and Czech descent, she was the daughter of Rose and Max Mentzer. Growing up in a family of immigrants, Estée was introduced to entrepreneurship at a young age. Her uncle, Dr. John Schotz, played a pivotal role in her development, inspiring her initial interest in cosmetics. This formative environment equipped her with the skills and drive that would later establish her as a leading figure in the beauty industry.