If you know who Bobbi Brown is, you might know of the exceptional story of an unflagging woman who started as a make-up artist, and – slowly but surely – built one of the biggest and most well known cosmetic companies in the US, her big break created by a famously made-up Naomi Campbell on the cover of Vogue Magazine in 1987.
In the month that we celebrate South Africa’s women – and after a 2013 visit to Londolozi – Bobbi has written an open letter addressed to the women and girls of Londolozi and Good Work Foundation. But actually, while we are humbled to have this remarkable women address us in particular, this is a message for all women, and one that we are privileged to to be able to share.
For the first time in modern Londolozi blog history, we are not going to include a photo with today’s post. Enjoy the volubility of Bobbi’s words:
“I wish that as a young girl, I had understood that there is more than one way to be pretty, and more than one way to be smart. That is why I created a brand that celebrates all women and was built on my personal beauty philosophy: the secret to true beauty is simply to be who you are.
I struggled with self-acceptance as a teenager. I was short and had dark hair, while all the popular actresses and models at the time were tall and blonde. Traditional school subjects didn’t come naturally to me. I had to work really hard. The good news is that, with time, I found different role models and learned to appreciate and embrace my unique beauty. I also found a subject – makeup – that I loved and did come easily to me. So I finally learned to accept, and love, what made me unique. Self-acceptance to me is the key to looking pretty – if you are happy being who you are, you will look your prettiest.
I have also seen throughout the years how education can transform a woman. I always say that I would have been a teacher if not a makeup artist. My wish for all women and girls is to spend your time trying to learn. It is why I launched The Pretty Powerful Campaign for Women & Girls. My brand’s philanthropic mission is to support organizations that help empower women through job skills training and girls through continued education. Access to education doesn’t come easy to everyone, so I have recently partnered with an organization that is helping to remove these barriers to education that so many women face because education is key to transforming yourself and the communities around you. I realized that later in life. Sticking with school wasn’t easy for me, but it eventually helped me to discover a theatrical makeup program at a college that gave me the tools and knowledge I used to launch my company. I use that knowledge every day.
So, don’t spend your time looking at unrealistic images of models and actresses in magazine ads. Spend your time reading the articles next to them about how other women and girls are changing the world. Don’t spend time staring in the mirror and questioning yourself. Don’t pick apart the things you don’t like about yourself. Instead, celebrate and enhance the things you love about yourself.
These things will make you smart, and if there is anything I have learned in the 20-plus years I have been in the makeup industry, it is that a smart girl is confident, and confident girls are pretty and powerful. And when you get a group of pretty powerful girls together, they’re unstoppable.
xo,
Bobbi”
Ladies (and gentlemen) – we welcome you to add your thoughts and additional words of encouragement and advice in the comments section below. We also welcome you to find out more about Women’s Day in South Africa by reading a recent speech delivered in the Londolozi village.
Great blog Ryan and excellent words of advice Bobbi. It is the inner strength and determination that makes a woman beautiful, and not what we physically see on the outside. Couple that with education, and there will be no stopping a woman from succeeding at whatever she sets her mind and heart to.
Hi Jill. It was great to find out more about Bobbi – especially how hard she has worked to get to where she is today. An incredible woman.
This is such an inspiring blog, especially coming from someone in the business of beauty. I had a discussion with my 15-year-old today about how beauty IS powerful. And it is our responsibility to use that power for good. Thank you, Bobbi, for reminding us that, as my grandmother used to say, “Pretty is as pretty does”!
Grandmothers always have the best sayings! Thanks Terri.
I had a makeup session with Bobbi Brown once, and she is true to her word. We had a great time, and I found her work so inspiring, I’ve given all my nieces for their 13th birthday a Bobbi Brown makeover and a copy of her book. GWF, and the young women who attend, are so fortunate to have Bobbi’s words to live by. And, as these young women mature and become aware of the power of advertising, its even more important that they grab hold of each other’s hands and continue to rejoice and celebrate their own beauty and the beauty of their friends. I’m wishing for a new generation of girls where this less competition and more celebration!
Wise words Jenifer 🙂 Thanks! I am going to look out for her book.