Working as a model, I saw up close who is considered the most beautiful women in the world. Models in the 1980s and 90s had “perfect” features and bodies and were among the 1% of women who fit a specific ideal of beauty.
Yet, to me, the most beautiful woman in the room was Cindy, the stylist.
She was shorter, not difficult with models. A bit curvy, thin hair, a tooth gap and a slightly too big nose for her face.
She ate chocolates, loved dancing for exercise and laughing out loud when she thought something was funny.
She joked that she needed a ladder to reach the models for touching up their make-up between takes and behind the curtain of a runaway, because she was so short.
She was comfortable with her height and regularly wore flats to work. “Because I have to run and walk a lot and stand on my feet, I need comfortable shoes”, she smiled.
She loved what she did. Painting was her hobby, and doing make-up became a successful career for her.
She was very good at it. Fully booked, working on shows in Milan, London, Paris and New York.
I remember her being so warm, radiant and funny.
She also smelled nice, you could see that she loved herself, and was a good listener. Everyone just enjoyed being around her.
She had her own individual style, knew what looked good on her and enjoyed dressing up.
She knew who she was, and she was happy with herself.
Here is what watching Cindy taught me about being beautiful.
- JOY ~ be the Queen of Joy.
A real, genuine, happy smile is the best and most beautiful thing you can wear.
Article recommendation: How to be the Queen of Joy. It will help you reconnect with your Joy.
Often, as grown-up women working hard and leading purposeful lives, we can overlook the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
In dating and meeting men, smiling is often the only thing you need to do, and men will approach you.
- Perfection ~ is not necessary to find love.
Cindy was, in fact, one of the few women who did not have any relationship drama. She had been happily married for 14 years.
She knew he loved her, and she never felt insecure about herself, even around top models, who often went from heartbreak to heartbreak, despite their perfect looks.
- Communication
Cindy was a very good listener and a kind communicator. This quality made her magnetic.
- Exercise
Cindy loved being in her body. And even though top models know how to move, it was Cindy who had that extra spark when she swung her hips or quickly ran to another corner of the studio in the midst of a show.
- How men fall in love.
Cindy knew first-hand from listening to their stories that it is not looks that guarantee love for a woman. Looks get attention but not hearts, she used to say.
- Self-care is a lifestyle.
Nothing tells how much you love yourself like the way you take or do not take care of yourself. Before anything, I always ask my clients to take excellent care of themselves.
Cindy enjoyed taking care of herself and felt zero guilt about doing so. Her cup was always full, and she stayed a radiant, happy woman.
- Know who you are as a person.
Cindy was at peace with herself. She knew who she was. She enjoyed her life and had interests and passions for it.
Being your own person, outside of a romantic relationship and also while dating, is one of the most important things I want my private consultation clients to embrace.
- Boundaries
Cindy had excellent boundaries; she would not tolerate being shouted at and was also very respectful with others. Boundaries always go both ways; otherwise, we are just entitled.
Cindy had authentic boundaries, based on what felt right to her.
If boundaries are a topic you want to dive deeper into, the Boundary Builder, my Silver Level Self-Study Program, is just right for you.
- Individual style
Being a stylist and make-up artist herself, Cindy knew what looked good on her, and she enjoyed making herself look her best. She didn’t try to follow every trend or try to be someone she wasn’t. Instead, she chose what felt comfortable and underlined her unique beauty.
Enjoy being beautiful and unique,
Anina