Wow... we have come a long way! I recently asked some of the top icons in our industry for their advice to the next generation of wellness and beauty professionals. The conversations had a much deeper message than I expected.
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Wow... we have come a long way! I recently asked some of the top icons in our industry for their advice to the next generation of wellness and beauty professionals. The conversations had a much deeper message than I expected.
Everyone wished they knew better and did better regarding sun protection, sleep and hydration, but there were deeper responses on the importance of being happy, productive, self-accepting, nonjudgmental and curious. They talked more about hugs than hormones, more about smiles than supplements, and gratitude instead of tips for getting ahead.
Kathy Smith
Fitness icon Kathy Smith shared some of the most important things she learned on her beauty and skin care journey. Smith emphasizes how crucial it is to protect skin from the sun, especially the face and hands. She wishes she did the same for her neck and décolleté.
“In the last 5 to 10 years, I have spent more time on healing my skin and restoration. Once you damage your skin, you spend loads of time doing repair, and it’s a process,” says Smith. “Starting from my elbows down is where my sun damage begins. I do the same routine on my face as I do for my hands and arms.”
Smith also shares her top wellness tips that go beyond skin care: Live the lifestyle you want, contribute to mankind, smile from within and glow.
Noel Asmar
Industry leader Noel Asmar, president and CEO of Noel Asmar Group, says she wishes that she had not overplucked her eyebrows when she was younger, and that she had celebrated her body shape because life is too short.
Asmar, who is Lebanese, shares a unique beauty hack. “I ate Lebneh, drained yogurt, and also put it on my face. This natural lactic acid left my skin fresh and radiant,” she says.
Asmar also explains that she would have liked to explore the microbiome earlier in life, as the link to gut health and overall well-being is fascinating to her. She's also interested in naturopathic counseling to be as preventive as possible, i.e., testing thyroid and iron levels for optimal health. A healthy gut equals beautiful skin, hair and more.
Finally, Asmar advises keeping a diary of significant moments, good or bad. “We all have a story to tell. Owning our story is empowering, and feeling empowered is healthy,” she says.
Ella Kent
A popular philosophy is that beauty comes from good health, and this is exactly what Ella Kent, director of rooms at Sea Island in Georgia, believes and has practiced for years. Some of her routine consists of exercising six days a week, enjoying the outdoors (while using sun protection), finishing a shower with a cold rinse, moisturizing, eating a well-balanced diet and drinking at least six 12-ounce glasses of water throughout the day.
On top of that, Kent shares some great advice for a happy and healthy lifestyle. “Think positively, hug your doggies and smile! Try to get outside every day, whether it’s riding your Harley or putting the top down on your car. Look people in the eye and connect with them. Cultivate friends and spread appreciation," she says, adding that even small gestures and simple actions can make a big impact.
Lydia Sarfati
Lydia Sarfati, CEO and founder of Repêchage, says there are many things she has learned, some the hard way. “Don’t be afraid of the word ‘no’. If someone says no, you just need to consider other options to help convince them. Look at it as an opportunity and never give up," she advises. "Knowledge is power and education is your wealth. I discovered the benefits of seaweed while in Israel in the 1970s, and eventually I used it to benefit the skin. So, never be afraid of going into the unknown territories.”
Mary Bemis
Insider’s Guide to Spas founder Mary Bemis notes that the skin is our largest organ, so it’s imperative to prioritize a good skin care regimen. “You’re never too young for eye cream, but start your good skin care routine early,” she says.
Bemis adds that beauty is linked to good self-care. “Self-care should be your go-to ritual; stay away from the plastic surgeon," she says. When you feel good, you look good, so self-care is key to a peaceful and enjoyable life.
Tara Grodjesk
Tara Grodjesk, president of TARA Spa Therapy and vice president of Earthlite Spa and Wellness Products, also values how you treat yourself. “Cultivate self-acceptance and self-love in your 20s, so that in your 30s, 40s and 50s, you are not still on an edless path to unobtainable perfection, or whatever your perception of being beautiful is,” she explains. “If we learn to love ourselves from the inside out, we will feel grateful for our being. We will be radiant and gorgeous because we have our own sense of self.”
Emme
Plus-size model and social reformer Emme faced a lot of obstacles in the modeling business. Over time, she realized the power of one’s mindset and that unnecessary worry doesn’t serve anyone. “Be appreciative even when things are blowing up in your face. When times are tough and hard, go into a deep, true appreciation. Go micro, forget macro," she advises.
Emme says that prayer served an important purpose in her life, but meditation did more to get her brain in a positive place and allow her to receive positivity. She even notes how one can simply appreciate their own body: “When you get out of bed, give yourself a great big hug. Hold your arms, touch your face the way a good friend would. Appreciate your body because it does so much for you."
Final Thoughts
There are so many young girls out there bogged down by negativity and false comments on their shape, size, skin, hair, etc. They should instead be inspired and uplifted by how unique their beauty truly is. That’s why it’s important to have these deep and powerful conversations, so that we can share this information with the next generation. These icons struggled through their own journeys and learned a lot of lessons along the way. They are paving a new path and the beauty industry as a whole is growing in a new direction to inspire and uplift women, so they feel healthy and confident.
Nancy Trent is a writer and speaker, a lifelong wellness activist, a globe-trotting trend watcher, and the founder and president of Trent & Company, a leading wellness PR firm. Trent & Company, which launched many health and beauty brands, grew out of Nancy’s personal and passionate commitment to helping people live longer and healthier lives. A former journalist for New York Magazine, Nancy has written seven books on healthy lifestyles, serves on the editorial boards of several magazines and travels around the world speaking at conferences and trade shows on trends in the marketplace. She is a recognized expert in PR with more than 30 years of experience creating and managing highly successful campaigns.
