Hanne Norgaard crafted a remarkable career in makeup artistry while building a life beyond her marriage to Idris Elba. Her story combines professional excellence, entrepreneurial success, and cultural impact that deserves recognition separate from her famous ex-husband.
Who Is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Kim Norgaard (also known as Kim Elba) works as a professional makeup artist, entrepreneur, writer, and businesswoman. While many know her as Idris Elba’s first wife, she built an impressive career spanning nearly three decades in the beauty and fashion industries.
Born April 5, 1977, in the United Kingdom, Norgaard turned 48 in 2025. Her unique heritage—South Korean mother and father with African ancestry—informs her approach to beauty and makeup. This multicultural background became a cornerstone of her professional identity and business ventures.
Career Achievements
Norgaard didn’t just dabble in makeup—she mastered it. Her resume showcases excellence:
- Graduated with highest honors from the International Artist Makeup Academy (1992)
- Earned a Diploma with Highest Honors in Makeup Artistry from S.C.. Institute in Washington, DC (2004-2006)
- Received the BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
- Launched and maintained her cosmetics brand focused on inclusive beauty
Her professional portfolio includes work with major production houses like BBC TV shows and Columbia Tristar. She also collaborated with premium fashion brands including Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Sean Combs.
Building a Beauty Brand
In 2016, Norgaard launched Kim Elba Cosmetics, focusing on multicultural beauty products for diverse skin tones. Her brand stands out by addressing gaps in the market for inclusive makeup options.
The brand reflects her own mixed heritage and understanding of how different skin tones require specialized products. This business venture demonstrates her entrepreneurial vision and commitment to diversity in beauty standards.
Personal Life
While her marriage to Idris Elba brought initial public recognition, Norgaard’s personal story extends far beyond that chapter.
Marriage to Idris Elba
Norgaard married Elba in 1999 when she was 22 and he was 27. Their daughter, Isan Elba, was born on January 12, 2002. Now 23, Isan works as an actress, appearing in productions like “Crimson Ties” (2022).
Current Marriage and Ministry Work
Since 2013, Norgaard has been married to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II. Their wedding included a romantic yacht voyage, marking the beginning of their partnership in both marriage and ministry.
Pastor Friar leads the Heart Strong Ministry in Georgia, where Norgaard serves as first lady. On their first wedding anniversary, she described him as “a special gift from God,” praising his love for God, patience, and understanding.
Cultural Heritage and Influence
Norgaard’s unique cultural background shapes both her personal identity and professional approach. Her mother, Kyue Nam Kim, has South Korean origins, while her father has African ancestry. According to some sources, Danish parents adopted and raised her in London, explaining her Danish surname despite her mixed ethnic background.
This multicultural upbringing influenced her approach to beauty and diversity, eventually leading to her focus on inclusive makeup products.
Professional Timeline
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Graduated with highest honors from the International Artist Makeup Academy |
| 1999 | Married to Idris Elba |
| 2002 | Birth of daughter Isan Elba |
| 2004-2006 | Earned Diploma with Highest Honors from S.C. Institute |
| 2009 | Became a regular participant in the ‘My Black is Beautiful’ event |
| 2013 | Married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II |
| 2016 | Launched Kim Elba Cosmetics |
| 2016 | Received BEFFTA Lifetime Achievement Award |
Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond her work in beauty, Norgaard established herself as a mental health advocate. She uses her platform to highlight the connection between self-image and psychological wellbeing—a topic often overlooked in beauty industry conversations.
Her social media platforms share her experiences and advocacy work. This commitment to mental health awareness adds another dimension to her public persona and professional impact.
Lifestyle
Norgaard lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband. This location allows them to manage their ministry work while maintaining their business operations.
Her Atlanta home features a spacious living room, modern kitchen, cozy bedroom, and beautiful garden. The house reportedly showcases various artworks and personal items reflecting her style and personality.
Evolution
Estimates of Norgaard’s net worth vary across sources, with figures ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million as of 2025. The most consistently cited figure hovers around $900,000, derived from her makeup artistry, business ventures, and writing.
Her financial status has remained relatively stable in recent years, with her business ventures and professional work providing consistent income:
- 2020: $250,000 – $1.5 million (estimates varied significantly)
- 2021-2023: Approximately $500,000 – $900,000
- 2024-2025: $500,000 – $900,000
While her net worth doesn’t reach the heights of celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Norgaard has built substantial value through her beauty expertise and entrepreneurship.
Industry Trends
Norgaard’s work extends beyond individual achievements to influence industry trends:
- Pioneering multicultural beauty products for diverse skin tones
- Promoting inclusive beauty standards, celebrating ethnic diversity
- Connecting beauty with mental health awareness
- Creating opportunities for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs
- Emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly components in beauty products
She fills market gaps for multicultural beauty products while integrating personal experiences into brand storytelling, particularly around cultural identity and mental health.
Beauty Professionals
Norgaard’s career offers valuable insights for those entering the beauty industry:
- Pursue formal education and continuous skill development
- Leverage cultural diversity as a strength
- Build expertise through collaboration with established brands before launching independent ventures
- Connect professional work with meaningful advocacy
- Maintain professional relationships even after personal connections change
- Diversify professional skills across related domains
- Identify underserved markets and develop targeted solutions
Her approach demonstrates how cultural background can become a professional asset rather than a limitation.
Beauty Brands
| Brand Aspect | Kim Elba Cosmetics | Traditional Beauty Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Multicultural, diverse skin tones | Often focused on mainstream markets |
| Founder Story | Central to brand identity | Frequently corporate or detached |
| Mental Health Connection | Integrated into brand messaging | Rarely addressed |
| Size | Boutique, personalized | Large-scale production |
| Cultural Approach | Celebrates diversity | Often, standardized beauty ideals |
What Makes Hanne Norgaard Unique?
Unlike many makeup artists who gain fame through celebrity clients or viral techniques, Norgaard built her reputation on authentic representation and cultural understanding. Her work bridges gaps in the beauty industry while addressing deeper issues of identity and wellbeing.
Her story demonstrates how personal heritage can inform professional expertise. By embracing her multicultural background, she created products and approaches that serve previously overlooked communities.
The Relationship with Idris Elba Today
Though their marriage ended, Norgaard maintains a cordial relationship with Elba. This professional approach benefits their daughter, Isan, and demonstrates Norgaard’s ability to navigate complex personal situations with grace.
This maturity reflects her broader approach to life and career, finding value and opportunity even in challenging circumstances.
Conclusion
Hanne Norgaard transformed from “Idris Elba’s ex-wife” to a respected beauty industry figure with her own distinct identity. Her multicultural heritage shaped innovative products and inclusive standards. While maintaining privacy, she advocates for mental health awareness and builds a sustainable career and business.
As of 2025, she balances professional work with ministry alongside her husband in Atlanta. Her story shows how personal background, professional skill, and authentic purpose can create a meaningful career that impacts an entire industry.
For anyone interested in beauty, entrepreneurship, or finding purpose beyond public perception, Norgaard offers a compelling example of creating success on your terms, much like other industry figures such as Ashanti, who have successfully navigated both personal and professional transformations.
