Known to many as the “queen of the beauty industry,” Sydell Miller was guided by her family’s mantra - Think, Believe, Dream, Dare - in every aspect of her life. From her innumerable philanthropic endeavors to the collection she surrounded herself with, Sydell lived a life of beauty, both inside and out.

Sydell and her husband, Arnold Miller, created Ardell, introducing eyelashes as a professional salon service, and later co-founded Matrix Essentials in 1980, the most innovative professional salon company and the largest manufacturer of professional hair and beauty products. After her husband’s passing in the 90s, Sydell took the helm of Matrix as CEO and President, leading the company to unprecedented success. A woman whose passion, drive, influence, and integrity touched more than seven million women per week internationally, Sydell was an inspiration and role model to women in business. A visionary entrepreneur, Sydell believed that beauty didn’t stop at the hairline, which led her to create the day spa experience, accessible to all women.

After selling her company, Sydell turned her focus to family, philanthropy and collecting. Informed by countless family visits to galleries, museums and auctions, she built the foundations of the extraordinary collection to follow. Her journey as a collector was defined by a love for discovering beauty in all its forms and building lasting relationships with the creators behind the pieces.

She approached jewelry with a deep appreciation for its artistry, viewing it as an essential part of her self-expression. She curated an extensive and carefully selected collection of jewelry, ranging from bold Sabbadini rings to full suites of jewels by renowned designers such as Angela Cummings and Vhernier. Each piece she acquired was a reflection of her daring spirit, confidence, and unique individuality, embodying her love for artistry and fine craftsmanship. A signature element of her style was her passion for complete sets, a testament to her appreciation for harmony and attention to detail. She sought cohesive ensembles where each component—necklace, earrings, bracelets, and rings—were thoughtfully harmonized to create a striking and unified look. This affinity for full suites revealed her desire to make a polished, sophisticated statement, where every detail worked together to reflect her refined taste and her unwavering sense of style.

Sydell Miller was a gracious host, known for her kindness and compassion and remaining true to her core values throughout her life. Guided by this spirit of generosity, the Miller name has long been synonymous with charitable giving. Among the many institutions and causes that she championed was Cleveland Clinic, home to the Sydell & Arnold Miller Family Pavilion and Heart and Vascular Institute – now the top-ranked cardiology hospital in the United States. Her remarkable philanthropic legacy lives on, and in tribute to her commitment to charity, a portion of the auction proceeds will benefit Cleveland Clinic Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Sydell L. Miller Elephant Care & Visitor Center at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.