I recently had the pleasure of asking Iman a few questions. Her stunningly regal beauty helped pave the way for women of color within the modeling world. In addition, this supermodel turned mogul also inspires women to become entrepreneurs all while exuding style and grace. She owns both a beauty company, IMAN Cosmetics and an accessories line called IMAN Global Chic, which includes handbags, jewelry and various fashion accessories. Iman is a timeless icon who exemplifies the essence of beauty.
Check out our Q&A:
BGG: After having launched your cosmetics line 15 years ago, what have you found to be the most gratifying aspect of having your own company?
Iman: Women stopping me in the street and showing me their IMAN Cosmetics products in their purses and thanking me for creating amazing products for women with skin of color.
BGG: Do you feel as though having a First Lady who is African-American will inspire fashion designers to include more women of color in their runway shows and ad campaigns?
Iman: I think you can already see that effect in magazines but let’s not forget the hard work that my dear friend Bethann Hardison has spearheaded a year ago by challenging the status quo. Click here to read more about Bethann Hardison’s effort to combat racism in fashion in the New York Times.
BGG: You are a trailblazer when it comes to women entrepreneurs and aspiring models, who were some of your role models?
Iman: My mother to start with but I would say also Naomi Sims.
BGG: You’ve had two very successful makeup books, “I Am Iman” and “The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color”, do you foresee doing another one in the near future?
Iman: I would love to write book on how to be an entrepreneur and definitely one on style.
BGG: I know that you’re extremely charitable. What does your role as the Global Ambassador for “Keep a Child Alive,” entail?
Iman: Keep a Child Alive (www.keepachildalive.org) is an organization that provides ARV drugs for children and families affected with AIDS in Africa and my role is to put focus on how the public can donate as little as one dollar to save a live and most importantly that AIDS is a manageable disease if you have the medication.
BGG: What are the top 3 must-haves in your makeup bag?
Iman: IMAN Cosmetics Stick Foundation, IMAN Afterglow bronzer/blush, IMAN Lip shine in Nude
BGG: What does beauty mean to you?
Iman: To be happy in your own skin and your god given features.
Check out Iman’s must-haves.
IMAN Lip Shine
IMAN After-Glow Bronzer/Blush
IMAN Foundation Stick
All products are available at www.imancosmetics.com
**One lucky reader will win an IMAN Eye-Defining Powder in Vixen (a $10.99 value), which happens to be one of my favorite new products (Antithesis, I’ve finally given eye-shadow a try)! Just leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow.
**The winner of the O.P.I nail polish in “Paint My Moji-toes Red” is Kinky Rhonnie! Please email me your mailing address. Congrats!!
Iman is soo beautiful & smart. I actually have her book “The Beauty of Color,” it has alot of great step-by-step makeup tutorials.
What a great interview. Iman is such an inspiration. Thanks for such a wonderful blog.
xo,
CC
I see Iman’s products in the stoires and would love to try them.
Thanks for bringing the reviews and give aways.
Stephanie A.
YAY, you tried shadow!!!!!!!! pretty soon, you might get addicted. if you do, make sure you get a primer like too faced’s shadow insurance to make your look last all day! (i sound like a commercial).
I love Iman. So gorgeous!
I’m feelin Eman..
Oh my gosh, you interviewed Iman!!! I love her. She is the ultimate supermodel. Great interview BGG. I truly appreciate how Iman defined the word beauty. She is so beautiful, inside and out!
As a man, I hear about the things women go through to look good… and I definitely appreciate all of the efforts. Great interview… I’m sure Iman’s story and accomplishments inspires quite a few women regularly!
Fantastic!!! the questions were so awesome.
WOW you tried shadow!!!!!
Great interview.
PJD
OMG! I love her! I cannot believe you met her, she seriously looks amazing for her age…
Wow. Her makeup is absolutely awesome.
BGG – remember you gave me the IMAN LUXURY EYE DEFINING POWDER? I LOVE IT! And use it everyday, I added it to my everyday makeup bag… the tip is so cool, best eyeshadow applicator I’ve ever used. Perfect for creating a smokey cat eye. We wore it at Fashion Week too and got tons of compliments… any new Iman goodies you want me to test out 😉 lol!
Can’t wait to hear more about this from you!
PS. I have a particular liking to IMAN because when I was growing up, my dad always said that I reminded him of Iman! And then they question why I turned out the way I did, lol! Also, doesn’t help that they named me after a make-up brand!
I’ve always wanted to try Iman products. Nice interview.
Shadow is were it’s at. Great interview, but still bummed about the nail polish. 🙁
I Love Love Love Iman cosmetics! What a fantastic interview of a Beautiful Brown Girl! Must have from Iman collection would have to be the stick foundation. It’s most excellent for oily skin. Yay you tried Shadow! I shall make you super glamourous with some beautiful shadows for your b-day!
Great work. This interview is a breath of fresh air.
I absolutely love Iman cosmetics. Her foundation stick and eyeshadows are the best. I have one of her eyeliners that is black with a little bit of sparkle – I actually won this by signing up on her website. Check it out sometime. Thanks
…Trina
I love Iman. I have her latest beauty book and a ton of her makeup products. I am so happy you had the opportunity to interview such a legend!
Great post girl!! I’ve always loved Iman’s beauty and spirit.
I love Iman. She is not just a model, but a role model for woman of color. I wear many of Iman’s cosmetic products. What a true honor for you to interview the great Iman.
yay! this is so exciting! good work BGG
Iman is a classic beauty…her look is timeless. She’s been in the beauty, fashion and cosmetics industry for a long time and has certainly done a HUGE part to help define true beauty for African American women. Thanks for the interview and for the giveaway…what do you think of eye shadow now that you’ve given it a whirl?
Another great interview. I’m such an Iman fan! Go Brown Girl!
I just tried Iman luminous foundation for the first time last month. It gives me a nice glow and keeps shine at bay
Another great interview. Keep up the great work.
Iman is such a beautiful woman of color inside and out. Her physical beauty is just a part of who she really is. After reading your interview I felt as I’ve always have that her inner beauty is even more prominent. Your interviews are always direct and to the point to all the questions we have. As a mature 50+ BG, I enjoy your interviews as much, maybe even more than your younger audience. Keep those great interviews coming. I always look forward to them. By the way – I love her products! Signed – Auntie Freda (cause you know I haven’t figured out how to create my Google/Blogger name). One of these days I’m gonna make it happen – lol!
Wow! What a nice interview! I think I will try her eyeshadow!
Good job!
Great interview, per usual!!!
I have her book, “The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color.”
LOVE IT!
@Shawnta – I absolutely love the eyeshadow. I used to think that it didn’t look good on me, but it really made my eyes sparkle!!
@Antithesis – LOL@ “I sound like a commercial”!! I will try a primer per your suggestion.
@Everyone – Thanks so much for all of the comments and compliments on the interview. 🙂
Great interview, she’s a true inspiration.
Great interview, BGG! I love Iman! She’s a great representation of the beautiful and smart black woman or should I say the beautiful and smart BGs! Loved her definition of beauty! Shamefully, I have never tried her products but that is about to change. I will try her foundation this weekend! It just makes sense that a BG would make a better make up for her fellow BGs!
@BG
I’m glad you love the eyeshadow. Sparkling eyes are always a plus!
Great interview! I really need to donate to Keep A Child Alive. I have the IMAN stick foundation, so the IMAN Eye-Defining Powder in Vixen will be a wonderful addition 🙂
I know I’ve missed the contest =( but i LOOOOVVVVEEEE IMAN cosmetics!!! I’ve almost picked up her entire line of products (and for me, that’s unheard of). I am a young, black college student and I absolutely adore the fact that I can get quality make-up that is affordable!!!!! What’s better is that it’s even better than all of the M.A.C. products that I used to try to make work for me. Thanks for doing this interview with her!!!!
@Mallory Michelle – Thanks so much for leaving your comment!! Iman products are great for us BGs! 🙂
Pls continue to stop by BGG!