Cindy Crawford was one of the original supermodels who became the symbol of the 'empowered' woman - proving that women could and would launch multi-million-dollar business enterprises. Michael Kors worded it aptly when he said, "Cindy Crawford changed the perception of the 'sexy American girl' from a classic blue-eyed blonde to a sultry brunette with brains, charm and professionalism to spare." This top-of-the-class high school valedictorian who studied chemical engineering on an academic scholarship, exploded onto the world's stage as a model in the 70s and became the elevated standard for the new era of models in the 80s and 90s. She appealed equally to women and men, and the extensive definition of 'beautiful' meant being articulate, arriving at shoots on time, leading a healthy life, and avoiding self-destructive behavior.
Cindy was one of the role models who led the way and the success she has achieved is the result of the choices she made to take her life in a positive direction. Her career has spanned almost three decades and continues to flourish. Her success is embedded in trusted brands representing beauty, fashion, fitness and home. Her staying power can be credited to her consummate professionalism, keen business savvy, and dedicated approach to every endeavor. These attributes, combined with her timeless beauty, earned her long-term, global contracts with the likes of Revlon, Omega and Pepsi. Today, Cindy Crawford's business ventures include Omega, Cindy Crawford Style for JC Penney, One Kiss for JC Penney, Cindy Crawford Home, and Meaningful Beauty - a skincare line formulated with French Dermatologist, Dr. Jean Louis Sebagh, that has kept Cindy's own skin looking radiant and youthful.
Cindy was one of the role models who led the way and the success she has achieved is the result of the choices she made to take her life in a positive direction. Her career has spanned almost three decades and continues to flourish. Her success is embedded in trusted brands representing beauty, fashion, fitness and home. Her staying power can be credited to her consummate professionalism, keen business savvy, and dedicated approach to every endeavor. These attributes, combined with her timeless beauty, earned her long-term, global contracts with the likes of Revlon, Omega and Pepsi. Today, Cindy Crawford's business ventures include Omega, Cindy Crawford Style for JC Penney, One Kiss for JC Penney, Cindy Crawford Home, and Meaningful Beauty - a skincare line formulated with French Dermatologist, Dr. Jean Louis Sebagh, that has kept Cindy's own skin looking radiant and youthful.
The power of Cindy's success has provided substantial support to charities that strive to eradicate life-threatening diseases. Having lost her own brother, Jeff, to leukemia as a child, Cindy is particularly actively involved in the fight against cancer.
Cindy's family is of paramount importance, and the life they enjoy by the ocean in Malibu has given her immense happiness. Married in 1998 to successful businessman Rande Gerber - with whom she shares children Presley (12) and Kaia (10) - Cindy is a devoted wife and mother who really knows how to 'live in the moment' and cherish being in the present. In her daily tweets, she recounts how therapeutic it is to hear the ocean every day - and to be able to enjoy unwinding on the beach with her family. An expert corn-shucker and pie baker (strawberry rhubarb pie is amongst her specialties!), Cindy represents the modern, reaffirming truth that with intelligent balancing - women can combine fulfilling careers with their first priority: family.
The holiday season is one of Cindy's favorite times of the year and in this exclusive interview, she warms up our homes with her positive energy.
What makes this phase of your life special?
Cindy: I think every stage of one's life is special. What I am enjoying about this phase is that all the pieces feel like t they have come together. First and foremost, I enjoy being a wife and mother. I always knew that was something I wanted, but actually living it is even better than I imagined. I am really enjoying my career right now. I am able to draw on everything I have learned and apply it to my own projects as well as maintaining some of my long-term relationships. I like that I am not shooting every day. I find I enjoy being in front of the camera more when it's less frequent. Having time to do other things — hike with girlfriends, volunteer at school, etc — also feels like a luxury!
Of all your accomplishments, what are you most proud of?
Cindy: Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of two things. First, being able to have my children at home with the help of a mid-wife was a very empowering experience for me. Certainly not for everyone, but I was able to tap into an inner strength that I wasn't even aware that I had. Secondly, I am proud of the fact that I was able to learn from being a young model and turn that experience into a real business.
How will your family be spending the Holidays? Any special traditions at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year?
Cindy: I love the holidays! My mother was the same way and even though we had little money, she made every holiday feel special. We are planning on spending Thanksgiving here in Malibu with my husband's family. I also try to include any friends who are on their own. We usually go to Cabo for Christmas. My family will join us and we bring all of our stockings so Santa can find us there!
How do you like to relax?
Cindy: My favorite leisure time activity is reading. I love to lose myself in a great book. We also love playing games as a family, bike riding, and walking on the beach.
Favorite vacation spot?
Cindy: Favorite vacation spots are Cabo, Italy , Bora Bora, Costa Rica , New York . We also have a cottage on a lake in Canada and spend some of our best quality family time there in the summer.
What has life taught you and does the journey improve?
Cindy: Life has taught me to be true to yourself. That being present in every moment is what's really important. To not be afraid to fail. To forgive. The best way to spend time is with your kids. In many ways, the journey does get better as you age. I have found that I am more my authentic self — that I feel more comfortable in my skin. That I know myself better and know what works for me and what doesn't.
What qualities do you admire in others?
Cindy: The qualities I most admire in people are passion and kindness. When someone is excited about something — anything — I find that very attractive and I feel drawn to their enthusiasm. Back in the Midwest where I was raised, there was a kindness to people; people did the right thing. That is a quality I try to cultivate in my children.
What are the ingredients for a successful relationship?
Cindy: I think every relationship is different, but what has worked for me and Rande has been a strong foundation in friendship — we really like who the other is and enjoy doing things together. We are different, but we try to use our differences to complement each other. We trust each other and I feel like Rande always has my back.
Future goals?
Cindy: I don't have goals per se. My focus is on creating and maintaining balance in my life — to have time for my husband, kids, career, friends and myself. Every year my New Year's resolution is to say "no" more. I try not to commit to too much so that I don't feel like I am rushing about my life. Business-wise, I am continuing to build up Meaningful Beauty as well as expanding my home business.
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