Lauder's move to step out and build her own company will be a blow because she is the family member most closely compared in style and spirit to Estée. "I look at Aerin, and I see Estée," her uncle, Leonard Lauder once said. An Estée Lauder spokeswoman said: "Aerin Lauder is a vital part of the Estée Lauder Companies and the Estée Lauder brand. She will continue to have a senior creative role with the brand and will continue as a member of the board of directors of the company. An announcement is forthcoming about her future business plans."