Hanne Norgaard is a professional makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur born April 5, 1977. Known as Kim Elba, she’s Idris Elba’s first wife and mother to Isan Elba. She founded Make Up Your Mind and Kim Elba Cosmetics while championing mental health awareness.
Hanne Norgaard has built an impressive career as a professional makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur, working with celebrities and major film production companies throughout her journey. Her story goes beyond being known as Idris Elba’s first wife. She created her own path in the competitive beauty industry while raising a family and battling personal challenges.
Born on April 5, 1977, Hanne comes from a unique multicultural background with an African-American father and South Korean mother. This mixed heritage shaped her views on beauty and diversity from an early age. She grew up moving between South Korea, England, and the United States, which gave her a global perspective that would later influence her work.
Today, Hanne runs successful business ventures while working alongside her husband in ministry. She’s also become a voice for mental health awareness. Her journey shows what’s possible when talent meets determination, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.
Who is Hanne Norgaard?
Hanne Norgaard, also known professionally as Kim Elba, is a British-American makeup artist who’s spent over three decades in the beauty industry. She’s worked with major companies including BBC, Columbia Tristar, and fashion brands like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Her client list reads like a Hollywood who’s who, featuring names like Robin Williams and Hugh Laurie.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hanne identifies as “Blasian” on social media, celebrating her African and Asian heritage. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she balances her beauty career with family life and ministry work. Her approach to makeup focuses on enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it.
Hanne owns Make Up Your Mind, a beauty service company, and launched her own cosmetics line called Kim Elba Cosmetics. Her products are cruelty-free and paraben-free, reflecting her commitment to ethical beauty practices. She believes every face tells a unique story and deserves to be celebrated.
What makes Hanne stand out isn’t just her technical skill. It’s her dedication to making beauty accessible and inclusive for everyone. She’s worked to change how the industry views diverse skin tones and has made this mission central to everything she does.
Early Life and Background
Hanne’s multicultural upbringing across three continents shaped her worldview significantly. Her father worked as a local store manager in London while her mother was a homemaker. Growing up between different cultures taught her to appreciate diverse definitions of beauty. She saw firsthand how beauty standards varied across countries and communities.
Her parents valued education highly and encouraged her creative interests. When young Hanne expressed interest in modeling and the fashion world, her parents insisted she pursue formal training in makeup artistry. They wanted her to have skills that would sustain a long career. This guidance proved invaluable in shaping her future.
Life wasn’t always easy for Hanne as a mixed-race child moving between different countries. She experienced the challenges of fitting into different cultural environments. But these experiences gave her a unique perspective on identity and self-expression. They also fueled her passion for helping others feel beautiful in their own skin.
Education and Training
Hanne graduated with honors from the International Artist Make Up Academy in London. Her education combined traditional techniques with modern approaches to makeup artistry. She studied everything from theatrical makeup to high-fashion looks. The rigorous training prepared her for the demanding world of professional beauty.
She later attended the SC Institute in Washington, DC, between 2004 and 2006, earning another Diploma with Highest Honours in Makeup Artistry. This additional training showed her commitment to continuous learning and improvement. She never stopped working to refine her craft and learn new techniques.
During her education, Hanne developed her signature style. She learned to see each face as a unique canvas rather than following cookie-cutter approaches. Her teachers recognized her natural talent and encouraged her to trust her instincts. This confidence would become one of her greatest assets in her career.
Career Beginnings
Hanne’s career took off remarkably fast when she landed a job with BBC within the first week of her graduation in 1992. This early success gave her confidence and opened doors in the industry. She was just starting out, but already working with one of the world’s most respected broadcasting companies. It was an incredible beginning that most makeup artists only dream about.
The following year, in 1993, she secured another major position with Columbia Tristar in London. She worked as the key makeup artist on several high-profile projects for the production company. These early opportunities allowed her to work with professional actors and learn the demands of film and television makeup. She was building a reputation for reliability and skill.
During these early years, Hanne worked tirelessly to prove herself. The entertainment industry can be tough for newcomers, but she earned respect through her work ethic and talent. She learned to handle pressure, work long hours, and adapt to different directors’ visions. Each project taught her something new and expanded her professional network.
Marriage to Idris Elba
Hanne met Idris Elba when she was working as a makeup artist in London and he was an upcoming actor. Their connection was immediate, and they fell in love while both pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry. They understood each other’s ambitions and supported one another’s careers. Their relationship grew stronger as they navigated the challenges of their professions together.
The couple married in 1999 and moved to New York to pursue better opportunities for their respective careers. This was a big move for both of them, leaving behind familiar ground in London. New York offered more opportunities in film and television. They were excited about building their future together in America.
In 2002, they welcomed their daughter Isan Elba. Becoming a mother brought new joy and challenges to Hanne’s life. She balanced her demanding career with caring for her newborn daughter. However, just a year after Isan’s birth, the couple separated in 2003 after four years of marriage.
Despite their divorce, Hanne and Idris remained friends and committed to co-parenting their daughter. They were even seen together publicly celebrating Isan’s birthdays over the years. The reasons for their split have never been publicly discussed by either party. Hanne kept her ex-husband’s name after the divorce, continuing to be known professionally as Kim Elba.
Building Her Beauty Empire
After her separation, Hanne’s career slowed down as she adjusted to single motherhood. But in 2007, she kick-started her career again by launching Make Up Your Mind, her beauty service initiative. This marked a fresh chapter where she took control of her professional destiny. She wasn’t just working for others anymore—she was building something of her own.
Through Make Up Your Mind, Hanne and her team offer a wide range of services including accompanying clients on shoots, various hair styling techniques, and personal styling. One unique offering is makeup parties where women can host gatherings to learn makeup techniques and improve their looks for special occasions. This personal touch set her business apart from typical makeup services.
Since 2009, she’s been associated with the My Black is Beautiful event as a makeup artist and advisor. This event celebrates black beauty and works to change society’s narrow perceptions of what beautiful means. Her involvement shows her commitment to representation and diversity in the beauty industry. She uses her platform to make real change.
Hanne also launched Kim Elba Cosmetics, her own line of paraben-free and cruelty-free products. The cosmetics line reflects her values about ethical beauty and inclusivity. She wanted to create products that worked for diverse skin tones and met high quality standards. Her business ventures have established her as more than just a makeup artist—she’s a true beauty entrepreneur.
Mental Health Advocacy
One of the most admirable aspects of Hanne’s life is her vocal advocacy for mental health awareness, having battled chronic anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. She didn’t have to share these struggles publicly, but chose to speak openly about them. Her honesty has helped reduce stigma around mental health issues. She wants others to know they’re not alone in their struggles.
By sharing her personal experiences, Hanne has become a source of hope for many people facing similar challenges. She talks about the importance of seeking professional help and proper treatment. Her platform allows her to reach people who might be suffering in silence. She’s shown that success and mental health challenges aren’t mutually exclusive.
Hanne’s advocacy work extends beyond just talking about her own experiences. She actively supports mental health initiatives and encourages others to prioritize their wellbeing. She reminds people that taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical health. Her message is simple but powerful: it’s okay to not be okay, and help is available.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Idris Elba, Hanne spent a decade focusing on her daughter and rebuilding her career. She remained single during this time, pouring energy into Make Up Your Mind and raising Isan. This period taught her about resilience and self-reliance. She proved to herself that she could thrive independently.
Her daughter Isan Elba made headlines in 2019 when she was named the Golden Globe Ambassador. Hanne supported her daughter’s moment in the spotlight, showing the strong bond they share. Despite the challenges of co-parenting after divorce, both Hanne and Idris have been present in their daughter’s life. Isan has grown into a confident young woman, following in her parents’ entertainment industry footsteps.
Hanne also made appearances on reality television, including The Real Housewives of Atlanta. These appearances gave fans a glimpse into her personality beyond her professional work. She remained authentic and true to herself even in the reality TV spotlight. Her focus, though, always remained on her family and business rather than celebrity.
Current Life and Ministry Work
In 2013, Hanne found love again and married Pastor Andrew L. Friar II in a beautiful ceremony that ended with a yacht cruise at Treasure Island. She describes her husband as patient and confident, calling him a gift from God. Their marriage brought new happiness and purpose to her life. She finally found a partner who understood and supported all aspects of who she is.
Together, Hanne and Andrew run Heart Strong Ministry in Georgia. The ministry’s mission is helping people make decisions that bring them closer to God and strengthen their faith. She balances her role as first lady of the church with her beauty career. This spiritual work has become an important part of her identity.
Hanne currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and daughter. She continues working in the beauty industry while dedicating time to ministry. Her estimated net worth stands at around $900,000, reflecting years of hard work and smart business decisions. She’s built a life that honors both her creative passions and spiritual values.
Legacy and Impact
Hanne Norgaard’s story teaches us that life rarely follows a straight path. She’s experienced success, heartbreak, mental health struggles, and triumph. Through it all, she’s remained true to herself and her values. Her journey shows that you can reinvent yourself at any stage of life.
Her contributions to the beauty industry go beyond makeup techniques. She’s championed diversity and inclusion when these weren’t trendy topics. She’s shown that beauty comes in all shades and forms. Her work has helped expand opportunities for makeup artists from diverse backgrounds.
Most importantly, Hanne has used her platform to help others. Whether through her mental health advocacy, her ministry work, or her inclusive beauty approach, she’s made a difference. She’s proved that success isn’t just about money or fame. It’s about staying authentic and lifting others up along the way.
For more inspiring stories about remarkable people who build their own legacy beyond the spotlight, explore Early Magazine—where authentic journeys matter and quiet strength creates real impact.
