I have long been a fan of Audrey Hepburn. While I was a bit young to really know her body of work, I’ve long understood her beauty, her sense of style, and her outlook on life. As someone who has does marketing communications in the beauty industry for years, I have a profound appreciation for her unparalleled impact and distinct point of view.

As I too have gotten older, I embrace the fact that beauty is definitively earned, I recognize that style is a personal expression of self, and I revel in a way of being that is inclusive and seeks to find belonging for all. The older I get the more I get all of that. I’m here for it.

I came across this quote from Audrey that to me sums up all that the beauty industry should embrace, embody, and promote. For women, for men, for all gender identifications. For you, for me, for every one. Brands, listen up!

′′ To have attractive lips, speak kind words.
To have a loving look, look for the good side of people.
To look skinny, share your food with the hungry.
To have beautiful hair, let a child cross it with his own fingers once a day.
To have a beautiful poise, walk knowing you're never alone, because those who love and loved you accompany you.
People, even more than objects, need to be fixed, spoiled, awakened, wanted and saved: never give up on anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a hand, you'll find them at the end of both your arms.
When you become old, you will discover that you have two hands, one to help yourself, the second to help others.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, in her face or in her way of fixing her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the door open to her heart, the source of her love.
The beauty of a woman doesn't lie in her makeup, but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the tenderness that gives love, the passion that it expresses.
The beauty of a woman grows over the years ′′

Now with all of that said, I do embrace all of the beauty products, fashion clothing, and layers of accessories that give us our beautiful identify as we face the world on our terms, with our own style, and with a smile on our face. All of which expresses our own personal brand and POV on life.

What’s yours? What’s your experience? JIM

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn