“Life Lessons from Anita Roddick and The Body Shop”
I still wear a favorite t-shirt from the Body Shop even though it is raggedy and has quite a few holes. I still wear it for one reason and that is the bold, bright and beautiful quote on the back of the shirt. This quote is by Walt Whitman and reads:
“Re-examine all you have been told…Dismiss what insults you soul”.
This quote and the other values that Anita Roddick and The Body Shop exemplified have long served as inspirations for my life.
I had the great pleasure of hearing Anita Roddick speak in Vancouver in the late 90’s. She walked on stage, wearing a funky understated outfit and totally captivated the audience of over 2000 women. She modeled her personal values and essence to me by standing fully in her powerful presence. It was clear to me then as it has been in the ensuing years that she “wore her skin well”, that she knew who she was and what she stood for and that this “knowing” informed all of her actions.
I attempt to live my life and operate my business in the same way; from a sense of knowing who I am; from a foundation of a clear vision and the values of integrity, authenticity, freedom and respect; from understanding that one’s heart and soul need to be nourished through their life and work as well as their work meeting the needs of their clients; from an understanding that one’s uniqueness is an attribute to be brought forward and exalted, not hidden. I love the quote by Anita Roddick’s mother (page 33, “Business As Unusual”), “And my mother taught me how important personalities are in business. She made me realize that you can’t be a nondescript person or you will have a nondescript product. Be special she would always say. Be anything but mediocre.”
So, my encouragement to you as a woman entrepreneur is to go forward boldly and courageously in your life and business and be special, be anything but mediocre!
peace, namaste & hippy love for generations,
Zoey