As we dive into this month’s theme in The Reflective Circle—Responding to Life Differently—let’s take a moment to explore how shifting our reactions and responses can create new opportunities and open doors. Sometimes, life presents us with challenges that, at first glance, seem insurmountable. But what if those very challenges could be the seeds of transformation? What if, instead of reacting with frustration, we chose to respond with intention?
Iman, the Somali model and entrepreneur, is a perfect example of someone who responded to a challenge in a way that would forever change her life and the beauty industry as a whole.
In 1975, Iman, at just 19 years old, went for her first photo shoot with American Vogue. When she arrived, the makeup artist asked her a question that would become a pivotal moment in her career: “Did you bring your own foundation?” She was the only one asked, the only model on set who had to bring her own makeup. The other model, a Caucasian woman, was not asked the same question. It was clear to Iman that this question was not only about makeup—it was about her.
She didn’t have any foundation with her, so the makeup artist proceeded to mix various products, trying to find something that would match her unique skin tone. When Iman looked into the mirror, she saw something she wasn’t prepared for—her face looked gray, completely washed out under the makeup. However, fate intervened when the photographs were developed in black and white, which disguised the mismatch. This moment, though difficult and disheartening, planted the seed for something much bigger.
Iman understood that, in the beauty industry, your looks are your currency. If you don’t look good, you won’t be booked again. No one would blame the beauty team or the photographer—they would simply move on to the next model. That realization ignited a spark inside her, and she made the decision to take control of her image.
Instead of succumbing to frustration, blame or anger, Iman responded with intention. She went out and bought every foundation available at the time and began mixing them together until she found a combination that matched her unique skin tone perfectly. From that day forward, whenever she worked, she had her custom foundation with her. Other models began to notice and ask for her mixture, and that’s when Iman saw an opportunity.
That episode didn’t just challenge her; it changed the course of her career. because she responding with intention to the situation she found herself in. She could have let the experience defeat her. She could have blamed the beauty industry for its lack of diversity. Instead, she took a step back, assessed the resources available to her, and used them to her advantage. Her willingness to take charge and innovate would eventually lead to the creation of Iman Cosmetics, a beauty line that filled the void in the market for products designed for women of color.
Iman’s story is a profound example of responding to life intentionally instead of reactively. She didn’t let frustration define her experience; she used it as a steppingstone to create something bigger. She took ownership of her situation, redefined the narrative, and created an empire that would go on to empower countless women around the world. She didn’t let the challenges of the beauty industry define her. Instead, she responded with clarity, resilience, and vision.
When we choose to respond with intention, we open the door to new possibilities. We stop seeing ourselves as victims of circumstance and start seeing ourselves as empowered creators of our own reality.
If you’re ready to begin responding to life with more intention, here’s an exercise to get you started:
- Reflect: Think about a challenge or situation in your life where you’ve been reacting automatically. How can you respond differently with intention? What resources or strengths do you already have that you can use to create a solution?
- Journal: Write down a situation where you can reframe your response. How can you take what feels like a setback and turn it into an opportunity? What will your empowered response look like?
- Take Action: Identify one small step you can take today that aligns with your goals and the new, empowered way you want to respond to life.
When life throws a challenge your way, it’s up to you how you respond. Will you react with frustration or allow yourself to be bogged down by past stories? Or will you respond with intention, take control, and create a new narrative for yourself—one that empowers you to step into your fullest potential?
With all my heart,
Salima
