Who Is Hanne Norgaard?

At the intersection of art and entrepreneurship stands Hanne Kim Norgaard—aka Kim Elba. Born April 5, 1977, in the United Kingdom to a South Korean mother and African-American father, she was raised across three continents, absorbing a tapestry of cultural beauty ideals. Though many recognize her as Idris Elba’s first wife and the mother of actress-activist Isan Elba, Hanne’s own narrative extends far beyond her high-profile marriage. She is a consummate makeup artist whose visionary approach blends traditional techniques with bold innovations in inclusivity.

Her signature style transcends mere cosmetics: she seeks to empower clients of all skin tones, shapes, and ages to feel confident in their own skin. As a mentor, instructor, and brand founder, Norgaard channels the empathy rooted in her multicultural upbringing to guide novices and professionals alike, forging a new era of beauty that prizes authenticity over artifice.

Hanne Norgaard Biography

Hanne’s story begins in a multicultural household where the values of perseverance, self-expression, and cultural pride were paramount. After completing secondary education in England, she pursued cosmetology at London’s International Makeup Artist Academy. It was there that she honed the technical mastery and artistic sensibility that would define her career. With diploma in hand, she moved swiftly into broadcast—securing a coveted position at the BBC—and later serving as lead makeup artist for Columbia Tristar’s film productions.

Her early professional years in London primed Hanne for a bold leap: marriage to a rising British actor, Idris Elba, in 1999, and relocation to New York City. Though the union ended in 2003, Hanne transformed any personal setback into creative momentum. Freelance assignments, editorial shoots, and red-carpet gigs solidified her reputation in America’s beauty landscape. By 2007, she launched “Make Up Your Mind,” offering bespoke services and hands-on workshops. Shortly thereafter, she unveiled Kim Elba Cosmetics—her first step toward brand ownership and a robust career beyond one-on-one artistry.

Hanne Norgaard Early Life

Hanne, who was born to Kyue Nam Kim and an African-American father, spent her early years in the United States, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. The constant blending of languages, fashion trends, and beauty rituals instilled in her a unique appreciation for cultural nuance. Though modeling beckoned in her teens, her parents urged her to secure a formal education, believing that technical expertise would afford her lifelong independence.

Enrolling at the International Makeup Artist Academy, she thrived in an environment where color theory and contour techniques meshed with mentorship from industry veterans. Summer visits to South Korea deepened her fascination with skincare innovations, while time in America exposed her to avant-garde editorial looks. By graduation, Hanne possessed not just a diploma, but a global perspective—ready to pioneer the next wave of beauty ideals.

Hanne Norgaard Education

Hanne’s foundational training occurred at London’s International Makeup Artist Academy, where she immersed herself in anatomy, color science, and classic application methods. Recognizing the evolving demands of the industry, she further pursued a diploma at Washington, D.C.’s SC Institute in 2004—graduating with highest honors. There, she expanded her repertoire to include airbrush techniques, prosthetic makeup, and the emerging field of HD cosmetics for television and film.

Her commitment to education didn’t end with personal accolades. Over the years, she has returned to these institutions as a guest lecturer, sharing insights on building a freelance portfolio, navigating brand partnerships, and integrating digital tools—cementing her role as both a lifelong learner and generous educator.

Hanne Norgaard Age

As of May 2025, Hanne Norgaard is 48 years old. Nearly a quarter-century in the beauty industry has seen her evolve from a novice artist into an influential entrepreneur. Her age underscores a wealth of experience: navigating early-career uncertainties, sustaining relevance through shifting trends, and embracing continual innovation. At this stage she blends seasoned expertise with fresh creativity—proving that passion for one’s craft only deepens with time.

Hanne Norgaard Height

Standing at 5 feet 1 inch, Hanne’s petite frame belies her expansive presence in the beauty world. Rather than limit her, her stature has taught her the value of precision and attention to detail—traits that shine through in her work. She often jokes that close-quarters on set built her skill in intricate eye looks and lip art, where every millimeter counts. Her success reminds us that vision and talent far outweigh physical dimensions.

Hanne Norgaard Family

Hanne’s immediate family includes her daughter, Isan Elba, born in 2002. Although Hanne and Idris Elba divorced in 2003, they have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, united by their commitment to Isan’s well-being and creative aspirations. In 2013, Hanne married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II, blending her blended heritage with his pastoral mission. Together, they lead a ministry based in Georgia, focused on spiritual guidance and community outreach. This fusion of family and faith provides the emotional bedrock for Hanne’s professional endeavors.

Hanne Norgaard Personal Life

Beyond makeup and ministry, Hanne nurtures a rich personal life centered on travel, wellness, and creative hobbies. She practices meditation and yoga to manage the pressures of running multiple businesses. Cooking Korean-inspired dishes offers both comfort and connection to her maternal heritage. In interviews, Hanne speaks openly about mental health, advocating for professionals in high-stress fields to prioritize self-care. Her willingness to share vulnerabilities has endeared her to followers, who see in her an authentic role model balancing ambition with well-being.

Married to Andrew L. Friar II

Hanne’s second marriage to Pastor Andrew L. Friar II marked a chapter of renewal. Their 2013 wedding, held aboard a private yacht, reflected their shared love of adventure and faith. Andrew’s patient guidance and spiritual leadership have been pivotal as Hanne expanded her business and mentorship initiatives. Together, they host retreats combining makeup masterclasses with faith-based workshops—uniting inner confidence with outer transformation.

Who Is Andrew L. Friar II?

Before meeting Hanne, Andrew Friar earned his pastoral stripes through decades of community service in Georgia. Known for his compassionate counseling and dynamic sermons, he founded a non-denominational ministry that emphasizes personal growth, resilience, and purpose. His partnership with Hanne bridges ministry and artistry: they co-develop programs that address both spiritual fulfillment and creative expression. In doing so, they forge a holistic approach to empowerment.

Hanne Norgaard Children

Hanne’s pride and joy is her daughter, Isan Elba, who has followed in her parents’ artistic footsteps. At just 17, Isan served as Golden Globe Ambassador, championing youth voices in entertainment and mental-health outreach. Under Hanne’s guidance, Isan has explored filmmaking and advocacy, echoing her mother’s commitment to using creativity for social good. Their close bond is evident in joint appearances at charity galas, where they often collaborate on campaigns promoting diversity and self-acceptance.

Hanne Norgaard Career

Over two decades, Hanne has worn many hats: makeup artist, brand founder, educator, and mentor. Early milestones include her tenure at the BBC and lead roles on Columbia Tristar productions. Transitioning to New York broadened her portfolio to include high-fashion shoots, celebrity red-carpet events, and reality-TV specials. In 2007 she launched “Make Up Your Mind,” a hands-on consultancy and event series. Three years later, Kim Elba Cosmetics debuted, offering dewy foundations and richly pigmented lip colors tailored to diverse skin tones. Today, she juggles product development, online masterclasses, and philanthropy—always with an eye toward innovation and inclusivity.

Hanne Norgaard Net Worth

Hanne Norgaard’s journey from a freshly minted makeup graduate to a thriving beauty entrepreneur has translated into an estimated net worth of $900,000 as of 2025. Her diverse income streams encompass high-end freelance makeup artistry, her signature cosmetics line Kim Elba Cosmetics, and the transformative coaching workshops under her brand “Make Up Your Mind.” Over the years, Norgaard has cultivated relationships with celebrities, luxury brands, and aspiring artists alike—each collaboration reinforcing her financial foundation. Beyond product sales and service fees, she has leveraged speaking engagements and masterclasses to broaden her revenue base and cement her status as an industry authority.

Yet her financial success is about more than numbers. Norgaard has reinvested in her community, using part of her earnings to sponsor underrepresented talent in beauty programs and to support mental-health nonprofits. By intertwining profitability with purpose, she demonstrates that sustainable wealth in the creative industries stems not only from skill, but from empathy, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

Summary

Hanne Norgaard’s life defies easy labels. From her multicultural roots to her marriage with Idris Elba, from launching her own brands to marrying a pastor, she has woven art, business, and faith into a single tapestry. As a mother, mentor, and maven of beauty, she leverages her talents to uplift others—inviting everyone to see themselves as worthy canvases of self-expression.

FAQs

Q: What inspired Hanne Norgaard to become a makeup artist?
A: Growing up between England, South Korea, and the U.S., Hanne was fascinated by global beauty rituals and decided to formalize her passion through cosmetology school.

Q: Why did she keep the Elba surname after her divorce?
A: Retaining “Elba” offered continuity for her daughter and helped establish her personal brand in the competitive New York beauty scene.

Q: What makes Kim Elba Cosmetics unique?
A: Its core mission is inclusivity—formulations are meticulously developed to flatter a broad spectrum of skin tones, with an emphasis on natural radiance.

Q: How does she balance career and family?
A: Through disciplined time management, self-care routines, and the support of her husband, Pastor Andrew Friar, Hanne maintains harmony between entrepreneurship and motherhood.

Q: Where can I learn from Hanne Norgaard?
A: She offers in-person workshops (“Make Up Your Mind”), digital masterclasses via her website, and periodic speaking engagements on beauty and empowerment.

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