The aesthetic was one that would go on to define the 1990s. By the middle of that decade, her eponymous brand Bobbi Brown was so stratospherically successful that cosmetics leviathan Estée Lauder, perhaps with some inevitability, came knocking. By 1994, BB had been snapped up to become part of EL’s stellar portfolio.
A world-renowned industry titan, Bobbi Brown has credited her total naivety when starting out as the reason for her stunning achievements; quite simply, she never considered the idea of failure. Rather hers is an exemplary tale of starting small and systematically building on what you have; in her case, ten natural brown-based lipsticks would evolve into a global brand.
Today, she remains in more demand than ever. She is the author of nine beauty and wellness books, and has launched Beauty Evolution LLC, which promotes beauty from the inside out with a range of lifestyle-inspired wellness and beauty ingestible products (explore more here).
But that’s not all, for the bundle of energy that is Bobbi Brown doesn’t like to sit still for long. She is also behind justBOBBI.com, an editorial content platform that offers glimpses into her beautiful world, as well as The George, a design-inspired, boutique hotel, in New Jersey, which she lovingly reimagined with her husband, Steven Plofker.
Her abiding philosophy? That ‘women want to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident.’ After all, as she tells us here, she believes that positivity is a choice. From meeting Edward Enninful via social media to dreaming of moving into Soho Farmhouse, here she unlocks the door for a privileged peek at her digital world.
My favourite website...
Amazon. I buy everything I need with the touch of a button. It’s almost too good.
My favourite app...
Net-a-Porter. I could scroll through their pages for days. I want everything.
My favourite blog...
Soho House. I love all the Soho Houses, and if I could live at the Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, I would do it in a heartbeat. I’m dreaming of the day I can go back.
My Internet hero...
Peepy and Mother Lee. They are absolutely fabulous.
My favourite podcast...
How I Built This. It is on National Public Radio. If you think of any great brand, its founders all have stories – some are really tough, and some are fascinating. I find these stories inspiring.
My most recent buy online...
Fish oil from Norway, which is so good for you. Fish oil is high in omega-3s which help support overall body health, and very noticeably, the skin. Fish oil has helped even out my skin tone and brighten it. For the non-fish-eater, flax and chia seeds are good alternative sources of omega-3s.
Last book you downloaded or read...
Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole. This book has inspired me to become the expert of my own body. I’ll try eating anything, but I’ll only continue eating what makes me feel good.
Favourite tweeter...
I know who it is not...
Favourite Instagrammer...
My hubby Steven. He is very clever and always makes me laugh.
Favourite tech gadget...
iPhone. I mean, what would we do without it?
The most useful gadget on your desk...
My iPad, which I use for everything. I don’t use a computer. In fact, I don’t even know how to type.
First thing/app you look at on your mobile when you wake up/in the morning...
News. Staying educated and up-to-date is really important to me, especially in today’s world.
The last thing you binge-watched...
The Crown. But I also love Marvelous Mrs Maisel, it’s my go-to before bed.
Brands have you discovered online...
CUUP bras, which I now wear every day because they’re so comfortable and lightweight. I also discovered Paleo bread online. My body doesn’t like gluten, so Paleo bread has been my saving grace for carb cravings.
Social media allowed me to meet...
Edward Enninful OBE, Editor-in-Chief of UK Vogue, which totally made my day.
The best digital advice I've been given...
Spell check!
My screensaver is...
A Louis Vuitton logo on the beach. Just thinking about being at the beach, specifically in the Bahamas with my family, makes me breathe easy. So, my screensaver is the perfect combination of happy and chic.
My standout online memory...
American surfer Kelly Slater commented on one of my Instagram photos about helping the Bahamas after the hurricane. He thanked me for sharing and spreading the word about their relief fund. It warmed my heart.
My pet online hate is...
When people think it is okay to be rude. I believe positivity is a choice. Whenever my mind goes to a negative thought that doesn’t serve me, I feel it and let it go. I don’t want to waste my energy on people or things that are not worth my time.
Do you have any online rules or resolutions?
I always turn off everything before I fall asleep. Currently, I’m trying to stop scrolling through Instagram right when I wake up. Instead, I’ll take a walk, which I think is a much more positive morning ritual.
As someone who runs a business at least in part online, what are your best bits of advice/ most interesting things you’ve learned?
Be open and see what grabs you. Once you find that thing, move forward with confidence and drive. Take other people’s success as encouragement, and never take no for an answer.
By Lydia Mansi
July 2020
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Kelly Slater
Dr Barbara Sturm
Ruby Hammer MBE
