Bobbi Brown, the renowned makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur, has carved a distinctive niche for herself in the beauty industry, becoming a symbol of resilience and authenticity. As a self-described ‘pro-aging’ ambassador, Brown has redefined what it means to grow older, proving that the journey through life can be just as vibrant and fulfilling in one’s sixties as in one’s twenties. At 67, her dedication to promoting self-acceptance and a positive mindset has inspired countless women to embrace their individuality and celebrate their age rather than shy away from it.
Brown’s journey is particularly remarkable when considering her transition from being the founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, which she sold to Estee Lauder, to launching her new brand, Jones Road Beauty, at the age of 62. This leap demonstrates her belief that success is not confined to any particular age group but is a reflection of one’s mindset and willingness to evolve. In a society that often perceives aging as a detriment, Brown stands as a beacon of hope and reminds us that reinvention can occur at any life stage.
During a recent discussion at The New Pause Symposium alongside actress Naomi Watts and journalist Tamsen Fadal, Brown shared her insights on finding happiness and purpose later in life. “I’ve been there, I’ve done it,” she asserts, referring to her experiences with midlife challenges like menopause and career transition. Her candidness about her journey underscores an essential point — embracing change is a crucial aspect of personal growth.
One of Brown’s most compelling messages is that any woman can thrive during midlife and menopause, provided they adopt a positive outlook. She urges women to reconsider how they perceive this life stage, offering her three fundamental rules for reframing midlife perceptions. The emphasis on mindset resonates deeply in a world inundated with societal pressures surrounding age and beauty.
Brown reflects on her past, discussing how her forties marked a turning point in her life. Freed from conforming to societal expectations, she found strength in self-acceptance. As she expresses, “I don’t want to be like that,” she highlights the liberation that comes with discarding the need for external validation. In a time when many feel pressured to project an idealized version of themselves, her journey serves as a powerful reminder that authenticity is key.
One of the transformative realizations for Brown was understanding that true confidence is grounded in self-acceptance rather than striving for perfection. In her early career, she grappled with anxiety about external appearances, but as she navigated her forties, she found solace in embracing who she is. “I wore blue jeans to the White House – no one noticed, no one cared,” she laughs, illustrating not only her evolving perspective but the superficial nature of societal judgments about appearances.
This wisdom is not just beneficial for personal self-esteem; it also fuels professional success. For Brown, starting a new beauty line at 62 may have seemed daunting, but she views risk-taking as an empowering endeavor that fosters continual learning. “If something didn’t work, I ask, ‘What did I learn from it?’” she says, embodying a growth-oriented mindset that encourages resilience and adaptability.
Bobbi Brown’s story challenges traditional narratives about aging and success. Many people assume that professional vitality diminishes with age, but her career trajectory directly refutes this notion. By automatically linking personal worth with age, society often misses out on the rich contributions that older individuals can bring to the table.
Emphasizing her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, Brown exclaims, “I’m not an adrenaline junkie, but I’m not afraid to try something new.” Trying unfamiliar experiences, like stepping into an editor role at Yahoo Beauty, exemplifies her adventurous spirit. This willingness to embrace new challenges arguably invigorates her personal and professional life, encouraging her to engage with the ever-changing world around her.
Bobbi Brown’s life and career are testaments that age is simply a number. Her journey teaches us that embracing one’s true self, taking risks, and maintaining a positive mindset can lead to unprecedented fulfillment at any age. As she powerfully illustrates, happiness and success are achievable as long as one is open to reinvention and authenticity, paving the way for future generations to embrace their individuality with pride.