When you picture a superyacht owner, the mind often jumps to an older, established figure who has spent a lifetime at sea. But Carolyn Aronson, the Puerto Rican–born, Detroit-raised self-made billionaire and founder of It’s A 10 Haircare, is rewriting that narrative—boldly, brilliantly, and entirely on her own terms.
A beauty industry titan whose brand now generates more than $500 million annually, Aronson has built an empire spanning beauty, real estate, aviation, design, and philanthropy. Her latest passion? Collecting, customizing, and commanding some of the world’s most remarkable superyachts.
And she did it all without ever having stepped aboard a yacht until 2013.
From Foster Care to a $500 Million Empire
Aronson’s journey is a rare story of grit and glamour. Raised by a foster family who instilled in her both intellectual curiosity and confidence, she learned early that limits were meant to be pushed.
Her father, a Ford executive, introduced her to technology and business seminars—an influence that later shaped her entrepreneurial mind. She launched into real estate in her 20s, opened her first salon at 30, and hit millionaire status in her 40s.
Today, Aronson stands as one of the few self-made female yacht owners—and proudly, a 100% Puerto Rican woman helming her own legacy.
She’s A 10: The Beginning of a Yacht Legacy
Aronson’s introduction to yachting began with an unexpected leap. She purchased the 164-foot Oceanfast Mystique—later renamed She’s A 10—designed by the iconic Jon Bannenberg.
Despite never having stepped foot on a yacht, she knew it was her gateway to the ocean life she craved.
Fast at 30 knots and perfectly suited for the Bahamas, the yacht became Aronson’s first canvas. She led its full interior transformation herself, discovering along the way a deep passion for design and engineering.
This refit set the stage for something far more ambitious.
She’s A 10 Too: The 177-Foot Mangusta Redefining Modern Luxury
In 2024, Aronson unveiled her masterpiece: the 177-foot Mangusta GranSport 54, She’s A 10 Too. A superyacht as fearless and dynamic as its owner.
Technical Brilliance
- Top speed: 30 knots
- Range: 4,500 nautical miles
- Engines: Four MTU 16V 2000s
- Build: Lightweight, fast, and ocean-crossing capable
Her yacht’s sister ship famously crossed the Atlantic, and Aronson herself plans to follow a global cruising itinerary—beginning with her first extensive European voyage.
A Bespoke Interior Crafted to Perfection
Aronson designed “every little stitch” of the yacht—pushing the Mangusta shipyard to deliver a level of customization rarely seen in production yachts.
Key Design Highlights:
- A Deepened Foredeck Pool
Required reengineering of steel beams to accommodate her tall family—now the largest in its class. - A Reimagined Main Salon
Featuring Panda marble accents and an open, airy concept by relocating the dining area. - A Full Sky Lounge Dining Room
The first of its kind on a GranSport 54—encased in floor-to-ceiling glass for panoramic dining. - A Beach Club That Opens on Three Sides
Complete with a custom floating dock for jet skis and tenders. - A Private Balcony in the Master Suite
Folding down to reveal a glass floor overlooking the ocean.
Aronson’s design vision blends luxury with family functionality—creating a floating home that is stylish, inviting, and uniquely hers.
Where Business Meets Passion
Though she cherishes family time aboard, Aronson’s entrepreneurial spirit never sleeps. She’s A 10 Too hosts:
- Corporate events
- High-profile brand activations
- Celebrity gatherings
- Social media productions
- Even weddings—including one for Below Deck’s Captain Sandy
Her yacht is both sanctuary and enterprise—reflecting the synergy of her life and work.
Riding the Right Waves
For Aronson, yacht ownership isn’t just luxury—it’s empowerment.
“I’m one of the few self-made female yacht owners and I’m a hundred percent Puerto Rican. I feel exceptionally proud of that.”
Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless ambition. And as she sets course across Europe and beyond, one thing is clear:
Carolyn Aronson isn’t just collecting yachts—she’s charting a new course for what modern yacht ownership can look like.