Phadria Prendergast Interviews Bobbi Brown
BOBBI BROWN
With Phadria Prendergast
Renowned beauty mogul who established herself within the industry through her namesake brand Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is now the founder of EVOLUTION_18, the wellness brand centred around beauty being from the inside out. Bobbi and I caught up on two separate occasions - lockdown style of course, to discuss the $532 billion dollar industry.
Post COVID-19, a typical day in the life of Bobbi Brown consisted of waking up without an alarm thanks to her husband Steven and her dog Biggie, who are usually up at around six in the morning. “I go downstairs and have two glasses of hot water with lemon, and then a double espresso. I like to move my body every day, whether that be a walk around my neighbourhood, yoga at my house, or some time on my Peloton”. Sometimes I have breakfast at my hotel The George, which is curated by me with lots of healthy and organic options. Then I go to my office, which is located just a few minutes from my house in Montclair, NJ - Biggie usually comes along” she continues. Bobbi loved to end her day with physical therapy at Adapt Physical Therapy, which is run by her son Cody and his long-time girlfriend Payal Patel.
When WOTC caught up with Bobbi in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, she explained that she had now been spending this time connecting with the ones she loves and spreading positivity however way she can. Every morning and evening, Brown takes a walk and makes the most of her time by calling friends that she doesn’t have the chance to speak with as often as she would like. “Recently I called my dad, who continuously inspires me. He reminded me that it’s all about perspective. So, I’ve been choosing the bright side. I’m staying hydrated, moving my body, and taking breaks from my phone”.
“What you eat and how you treat your body absolutely affects how you look, and more importantly, how you feel. My advice is to drink a lot of water - I usually have two cups beforemy double espresso each morning. Move your body every day. Eat nourishing foods. Everyone’s journey to wellness looks different, but these are just a few simple changes that will make a big difference”
For Brown, it all started with Bobbi Brown Essentials, a lipstick line consisting of just ten natural shades – a line she thought she would only sell 100 of within the month when in actual fact, she ended up selling 100 a day. “Be open and enthusiastic. You never know who you’re going to meet if you’re nice and watch closely when models do their own makeup. I’ll never forget when I did Jerry Hall’s makeup in my early days and watched her fix it herself. Those were major learning moments for me” Brown answered when asked what advice she would give to women who are just starting out in the industry as a makeup artist. “My first job was selling shoes at a department store,” she continues. “Before I even had that job, I ran a store in my basement with some girlfriends. I certainly didn’t know where I was headed—but wherever that was, I knew I wouldn’t be stagnant”. “Sometimes I see pictures of myself from when I was in my early twenties and can’t believe I didn’t see how gorgeous I was” Brown explains. “Young Bobbi, staying true to yourself will give you the confidence you need to succeed. Make up your own rules. Follow your gut. When things get tough, power through. When a door closes, find a window” is what Brown replied when asked what she would say to the 21-year-old her, if given the chance to go back and speak to herself.
During our initial conversation, Brown stated that by 2030, the beauty industry would become more and more inclusive, and would be a lot more about enhancing the features that you have and not just simply about applying a full face of makeup. “I also hope there will be a greater emphasis on how beauty truly begins within and what you put in your body affects your skin and overall well-being. Maybe one day companies like my supplements line EVOLUTION_18 will be found in the beauty section. And by the way, all makeup should be clean”. When I later caught up with Bobbi amidst the current pandemic, she emphasised that things were never going back to the way they were within the industry. “At least not in my estimation. We’re at a moment of reinvention. Whatever the future of beauty ends up being, my hope is that it’ll be clean. What you put on your skin matters. It just makes sense”.
“As I’ve always told beauty businesses and new entrepreneurs, it doesn’t all have to happen right now. Take it slow. Now especially, is the time to reset, step back, and envision how to move forward. It’s not about doing it all at once and using up all the resources you have. It’s about thinking like an entrepreneur. Think outside of the box. Envision what you can do differently, and in a sustainable manner”.
Bobbi remains inspired by a number of things. “I’m inspired by the energy of young entrepreneurs and my team. Since I’ve always been a visual person, it feels like Instagram was made for me - sometimes my iPad is a major tool for inspiration. “I am constantly generating ideas on a rolling basis. If anything, the struggle is choosing which one to move forward. For me, it helps to see ideas visually laid out. Then I can envision the way forward”. Hands-on creativity is everything, and one of the reasons I decided to launch a start-up on my own terms. I’m a truly creative person at heart, and it’s what I love most of all”.
If Bobbi had to choose 1 product to have with her at all times, it would be moisturizer. “Healthy, hydrated skin is really all you need. I love Augustinus Bader moisturizer, which is expensive but worth every penny. Apricot kernel oil is also great, and more budget friendly”.
