For their July/August edition, Essence magazine decided to have a triple cover using multi-talented stars; Iman, Ciara and Teyana Taylor, all of who a
For their July/August edition, Essence magazine decided to have a triple cover using multi-talented stars; Iman, Ciara and Teyana Taylor, all of who are carving their own paths and opening up about the moment they changed course.
Iman:
The 64-year-old Somalian born super model is one of the cover stars for the magazine’s Summer issue which commemorates 25 years of the Essence festival. The timing for having her on the cover couldn’t be more perfect, as it also happens to be 25 years since she launched her eponymous beauty line, Iman Cosmetics.
The New York City–based icon who revolutionized the beauty business with its unabashed focus on inclusivity, opens up about running an inclusive global beauty empire, along with empowering young women of color around the world and being a dedicated mother.
Iman believes she was clearly ahead of her time.
“When I came on the scene, I was catering to women of all skin colors. Regardless of what hue you are, as long as you are a woman with skin of color, whether you are Asian, Latina or African, I opened that gate. And Fenty knocked the gate out.”
Iman admits that her still thriving brand would have been a dream deferred if not for her husband, the late legendary artist, David Bowie who pushed her to start the business.
“He literally did not understand fear. He was in my corner cheering me on every step of the way. If it wasn’t for him, I would never have done it,” Iman remembers.
Teyana Taylor:
That Teyana Taylor has come a long way since he debut on the entertainment scene at 15, would be putting it mildly. The multihyphenate, entrepreneur and singer, has not only released her much-adored album K.T.S.E after a four-year delay, the budding mogul has also launched several ventures, including a nail salon, a fitness program, and an all-female production company.
Being an ambitious boss woman is something Taylor hopes to pass on to 3-year-old daughter, Junie. Through her relationship with her husband, she models the power of commitment. But in spite of how cute they are together, Taylor says she and husband, Shumpert aren’t interested in being anybody’s relationship goals.
“I don’t want my supporters to feel like we’re untouchable. I don’t want them to think we’re ‘Perfect Pattys’, because that’s just not real. I think sometimes it takes other couples to see like, ‘Damn, they were able to talk and get through it. That’s inspirational,” she explains.
Ciara:
Singer and dancer, Ciara opens up about her triumphs, her misses and how that a prayerful and zen life is what she is all about.
“My faith has carried me through every challenge and triumph. When I was younger and wanting things to happen when I wanted them to happen, I could never have imagined that 15 years later I’d be having the time of my life,” she reflects,” the 33-year-old Grammy Award winning mother of two says.
“I’m trying to keep getting better, make health-conscious decisions and be the best mom and wife I can be. No matter how much success you have, I believe there’s always an opportunity to grow and learn something new. And I’m keeping my sexy up too.”
