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In ELLE.com’s Office Hours series, individuals in influential positions share insights on their career journeys. This month, supermodel and entrepreneur Cindy Crawford discusses her early jobs, accomplishments, and career advice she imparts to her children.
Starting out as a babysitter at age 9 alongside her sister, Crawford reflects on the value of earning her own money and the importance of hard work. She later took on summer jobs detasseling corn in the Midwest, appreciating the opportunity to earn money for school and personal expenses.
Despite enduring challenges like cleaning other people’s homes and working in scorching cornfields, Crawford’s passion for modeling shines through. Embracing her role in the fashion industry, she cherishes the creative collaborations and storytelling aspects of her work.
Crawford highlights the joy of motherhood as her ultimate dream job, relishing the chance to work alongside her daughter, Kaia Gerber. She also emphasizes the wisdom passed down from her father, reminding us that even in fulfilling roles, there are inevitably tough days.
There are some days that may not be enjoyable. It is important to prioritize punctuality. Growing up, my dad emphasized the value of being punctual, and I have passed on this trait to my children. The key to always being on time is being realistic about the time required for tasks. Oftentimes, people underestimate the time needed to get ready and end up running late. I prefer to arrive a few minutes early rather than being late. Being on time ensures a smooth transition and eliminates excuses for delays. When I am punctual, everything flows more smoothly.
When establishing my personal brand, I initially focused on academics and then transitioned into modeling. I approached modeling with the same dedication and curiosity, always open to new opportunities. While I didn’t view myself as a brand at the time, I understood the importance of aligning with companies and projects that resonated with my values and image. I paid attention to opportunities that suited my persona, such as collaborating with brands like Pepsi and Revlon that aligned with my wholesome image. Health and wellness became an integral part of my brand, leading me to create Meaningful Beauty. I carefully evaluated business opportunities based on alignment with my brand, time commitment, and financial viability.
My partnership with my “business husband” in licensing deals has been instrumental in evaluating opportunities. We assess deals using baseball analogies to gauge potential returns. I strive to give my best to every project, aiming for at least a “single” in terms of success. When considering new ventures, I prioritize alignment with my brand, time investment, and financial rewards. Crafting a balance between work and personal life is crucial to me, and I aim to maintain this equilibrium when pursuing new projects.
The creation of Meaningful Beauty stemmed from my passion for skincare and the desire to venture into a new business endeavor. Collaborating with Dr. Sebagh, I sought out partners who shared my vision and interviewed several before deciding on the best fit. Opting for infomercials as a platform was seen as a risk, but it provided an opportunity for full financial and creative involvement. Crafting a compelling story within the half-hour format of infomercials allowed me to differentiate Meaningful Beauty in the competitive beauty industry.
Little. My main concern was: How can I create an infomercial that I can truly stand behind? My circle of friends will be watching. In a somewhat unconventional manner, it felt like the right moment to revolutionize the infomercial. There are specific strategies that prove successful for direct-to-consumer initiatives, so I needed to educate myself and take on numerous challenges. When I first embarked on the journey of Meaningful Beauty, I envisioned it as a project spanning perhaps five years, yet here we are, commemorating two decades. I must admit, it has been an outstanding success.
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Vitamin C Brightening Water Crème – Priced at $79.95 on meaningfulbeauty.com
Crème de Sérum – Priced at $64.00 on meaningfulbeauty.com
Revive & Brighten Eye Masque – Priced at $40.80 on meaningfulbeauty.com
Intensive Triple Exfoliating Treatment – Priced at $79.95 on meaningfulbeauty.com
Root Touch Up – Priced at $79.95 on meaningfulbeauty.com
This interview has been edited and condensed for the sake of clarity.
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