Founder & CEO of MB Social | Social Media Strategist | Beauty & Luxury Industry Expert | Global Speaker & Entrepreneur
Meet Mimi Banks
Meet Mimi Banks from Los Angeles, California, a global social media expert with over 20 years of experience in the beauty, luxury, and lifestyle industries. As the Founder and CEO of MB Social, Mimi has worked with top-tier brands to craft impactful social media strategies, build communities, and drive engagement across platforms. With a passion for storytelling and community building, she has created an agency that prioritizes authenticity and results.
Early Days: A Passion for Communication and Global Culture
Mimi Banks’ journey into the world of social media and beauty marketing started with her fascination for language and global communication. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mimi always had a deep interest in different cultures and the ways people communicate. This passion led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in French and Communications from Clark University, a combination that allowed her to blend her love for language with her knack for storytelling.
Her academic journey didn’t stop there. She continued to broaden her cultural understanding by studying Hebrew and Israeli culture at Tel Aviv University and later attended New York University in Paris, where she studied French, Art History, and Photography. These international experiences provided her with a unique perspective that would later shape her global approach to social media strategy.
Reflecting on her early academic pursuits, Mimi often says: “Learning new languages and immersing myself in different cultures taught me that communication isn’t just about what we say, but how we connect with others on a deeper level.
A Global Career at L’Oréal
Mimi’s first step into the professional world was at the beauty industry giant, L’Oréal, where she embarked on a 15-year journey that took her across the United States, France, and Israel. Starting in Learning and Development, Mimi’s ability to design innovative training programs quickly gained recognition. She played a pivotal role in launching L’Oréal USA’s Learning Technology strategy, evolving classroom training into a more dynamic and digital experience. “Creating learning experiences that resonate globally while respecting local nuances was one of my greatest challenges—and achievements,” she shared.
However, it was Mimi’s social media expertise that truly set her apart. As the Director of Social Media for Lancôme, she developed and implemented Lancôme USA’s first-ever social media strategy. Under her leadership, the brand’s Facebook engagement skyrocketed, growing from 1% to 14% in just one year. Mimi’s innovative approach focused on creating authentic connections between the brand and its audience. She is proud of her collaboration with beauty bloggers, influencers, and retailers to build a thriving online community for Lancôme.
Her work at L’Oréal earned her several accolades, including being named #1 Beauty Brand/Digital Genius by L2 ThinkTank Beauty Index in 2013.
Reflecting on her time with Lancôme, Mimi said, “Social media isn’t just about likes and shares; it’s about building a community that believes in your brand and grows with it.”
Founding MB Social: A Vision for Authentic Social Media
After more than a decade with L’Oréal, Mimi decided to take a bold step and launch her own agency, MB Social, in 2014. Headquartered in Los Angeles, MB Social is a full-service social media agency that specializes in the beauty, luxury, wellness, lifestyle, and fashion sectors. Drawing on her extensive experience, Mimi has built a remote team of experts that operate globally, providing clients with cutting-edge social media solutions.
“Building a business that blends global perspective with local authenticity has been my vision for MB Social.” Mimi’s passion for community building, innovative digital strategies, and authentic storytelling is at the core of MB Social’s success. The agency offers a range of services, including social media strategy and execution, community engagement, content creation, influencer outreach, and user-generated content management.
Some of the high-profile clients that MB Social has supported include L’Oréal USA, La Roche Posay, Skinceuticals, Nutrafol, and Soap & Glory. Mimi’s deep understanding of the beauty and luxury markets allows her to deliver results that not only meet but exceed client expectations. Learn more here.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work, Mimi says, is helping brands “find their voice and tell their story in a way that resonates with their audience on a personal level.”
A Visionary in Digital Media
In addition to running MB Social, Mimi is a sought-after speaker and educator. Over the years, she has shared her insights at prestigious events such as Ad Week, Social Fresh, and Entrepreneurship.com, where she has spoken about influencer marketing, Instagram strategy, and building a social brand. Mimi also serves as a guest lecturer at Baruch College and New York University, where she teaches social media marketing, giving the next generation of marketers the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Mimi is a firm believer in the power of influencer marketing and the role of micro-influencers in creating authentic, relatable content. She has partnered with Preen.Me, a leading micro-influencer platform, to help brands harness the potential of influencer marketing. Discover more about Mimi here.
“Influencers bring a human element to digital marketing—people trust people more than they trust brands,” says Mimi.
The Next Chapter
Today, Mimi continues to drive MB Social’s mission forward, bringing innovation and authenticity to every project. Her vision for the future is clear: to continue expanding her agency’s global reach while maintaining the personal, community-driven approach that has made it successful.
When asked about her advice to budding entrepreneurs, Mimi emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s values: “Stay authentic, stay curious, and always put people first. That’s how you build lasting relationships in the digital world.”
Mimi Banks’ journey from a global beauty powerhouse to a successful social media entrepreneur is a testament to her passion, vision, and dedication to building authentic connections in a digital age. Whether she’s working with a global beauty brand or mentoring the next generation of digital marketers, Mimi’s commitment to excellence continues to shine through in everything she does.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Mimi Banks’ Journey
Mimi Banks’ journey offers essential insights for entrepreneurs and social media experts alike:
- “Authenticity is the foundation of trust.” Building meaningful relationships with your audience leads to lasting brand loyalty.
- Global perspectives create unique opportunities. Mimi’s international experience allows her to craft strategies that resonate across cultures.
- “Community is the heart of every great brand.” Engagement isn’t just about likes and shares; it’s about fostering real connections.
- Stay curious and adaptable. The social media landscape is constantly changing, and success requires a willingness to evolve.
- “Success is measured by the value you bring to others.” Mimi believes that true success comes from helping others thrive, whether it’s clients or mentees.
Editorial Note
Mimi Banks has seamlessly woven together her global experiences and passion for community into a career that has transformed how brands engage with their audiences. Through MB Social, Mimi continues to lead with innovation, proving that authenticity and connection are the true cornerstones of digital success.
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