The Inspiring Way Two Fashion and Beauty Gurus Are Working Together to Empower Women

When Carmen Tal co-founded Moroccanoil, she knew that women would be the cornerstone of her business. But that idea has expanded to become bigger and bigger over the years, eventually sparking the Inspired by Women campaign, which works to establish a platform for women to extend the reach of their stories and impactful work through film. 

Now in its second year, the campaign highlights Georgina Chapman, designer and co-founder of Marchesa. Like Tal, Chapman aims to inspire and encourage women to dream big, a drive that resonates throughout her larger-than-life designs. By sharing her story—of turning her love of fashion into action by supporting The Magic Bus Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps lift children in India out of poverty and into livelihood—she hopes to inspire and encourage other women to realize their own full potential.

We caught up with both Tal and Chapman to talk vision, empowerment, and just why programs like this one are so important. Watch the video below, then read on:

Marie Claire: What inspired you to start the Inspired by Women campaign?

Carmen Tal: Amazing women! Women have always been the inspiration behind our products, and they continue to inspire our brand every day. Moreover, Moroccanoil has always understood it takes just one moment of inspiration to ignite positive change. In fact, the Moroccanoil journey started with a pivotal moment of inspiration!

Realizing how a single spark of inspiration has the power to touch our hearts and move us to action, the Moroccanoil Inspired by Women project was born: a short-film series that enables women to discover beauty in a new light- through the power of inspiration.

MC: What's been your biggest thrill with the program?

CT: I'm most proud of the countless lives we have been able to touch through Inspired by Women —and hopefully, not only inspire but also empower to make their own dreams a reality.  We never could have possibly imagined the impact Inspired by Women would have—the response we've had since its launch has been incredible.

I am so overjoyed that we were able to help bring tremendous exposure to the amazing causes of the women featured in our original series—the success they have each experienced as a result of being a part of this platform has been phenomenal.

MC: Why is it so important to you to inspire other women?

CT: To me, inspiration is the vehicle for empowerment to pursue one's dreams. The Moroccanoil brand was created from an inspired moment! It only takes one moment of inspiration to ignite positive change.

We hope these incredibly moving stories and accomplishments will serve as the catalyst that inspires all women to let go of their fears, take a chance, and realize their dreams. When you empower women, the sky's the limit.

For this new chapter, we chose to highlight Georgina Chapman because she truly embodies what it means to inspire by example. Not only is she an incredibly talented designer that empowers women through her gorgeous, feminine clothing, but she also realized the importance of giving back to the communities that helped build her company in India. The passionate work she does to help children in underprivileged communities there is truly remarkable.

MC: Beauty and fashion are often cited as "vanity" projects—but you're turning that on its head a bit with this program. Do you think it's important for brands and women to give back? Why is that such a component of your own personal mission?

CT: Absolutely—I have always felt that it's important to give back—whether it's to the local community, to the world at large, or to support and empower other women. For me, giving back is necessary to creating a greater sense of purpose and meaning in everything we do. I'm also a huge animal lover and have two dogs. In passionate support of animal rights, Moroccanoil is also an active supporter of The Humane Society.

MC: What's your biggest piece of advice for women?

CT: Not to be afraid to be yourself! You have a purpose in life! Inspiration is the vehicle to pursue your dreams and make them a reality, and inspiration is all around us. Learn about the stories of amazing women—they just may inspire you, and lead you to your own idea, and empower you to bring that idea to life. Anything is possible with confidence and perseverance!

MC: What do you wish you could tell your younger selves?

CT: I wish I could tell my younger self not to worry about the little things—to just be confident, work hard and never give up because it will all work out in the end. And try to have as much fun as possible along the way—because life is too short!

Georgina Chapman, Designer and Co-Founder of Marchesa

Marie Claire: Why did you want to get involved with Inspired by Women?

Georgina Chapman: As a personal fan of Moroccanoil products, I've had a long-standing relationship with the brand as our exclusive hair care partner for the Marchesa RTW and Bridal shows. The partnership with Moroccanoil grew very organically, as we both aim to transform the lives of women by empowering them with the confidence to feel their most beautiful. I love that all of the beautifully-executed Inspired by Women short-films capture the inspirational personal journey of achieving one's dreams to make a difference in the world, and that they also put a spotlight on such important causes on a global scale.  I feel incredibly honored to have been selected to be a part of the Moroccanoil Inspired by Women project, and to join such an incredible group of women who have been part of the initiative thus far.

MC: How did you get involved with The Magic Bus Foundation?

GC: I was first introduced to The Magic Bus Foundation in early 2014, when I met it's Founder, Matthew Spacie, and Executive Director Rahul Brahmbhatt. I started working with the Foundation in July of 2014, when Marchesa began funding the mentorship of 2,400 children and youth from ages 7 to 18 in the community of Mankhurd in Mumbai, India.

Many of our embroidering partners are based in India, so it made sense for me to give back to the communities who have helped to build my company. The Magic Bus Foundation provides community-based mentors to the children of India and their families, creating a self-sustaining model that is focused on inspiring and empowering the larger community, which is very important to me.  I was especially drawn to their ecosystem approach to social change—they understand that social change is a complex process and requires engaging the entire community on multiple levels. 

MC: What's been your biggest achievement to date?

GC: It would be impossible to pick just one moment, but I am incredibly proud of building Marchesa into the lifestyle brand it has become. I get to live out my dreams everyday with my company and that is something I never take for granted.

MC: Why is it so important to you to inspire other women?

GC: I have been lucky to be surrounded by strong female role models who have encouraged me to dream and to boldly pursue my goals. My mother especially instilled in me that anything was possible, and inspired me to pursue designing my own line. Not all women around the world are able to have that experience, and through my work with Magic Bus I want to help girls find mentors to lift them up and inspire them.

MC: Beauty and fashion are often cited as "vanity" projects—but you're turning that on its head a bit with this program. Do you think it's important for brands and women to give back? Why is that such a component of your own personal mission?

GC: I think people can sometimes discount the positive impact that fashion and beauty can have. When women feel confident and powerful it's amazing what we can accomplish. Women are at the core of the Marchesa brand, so it is incredibly important for me to be actively involved in empowering women. Women can find such strength in working together and supporting each other to reach their dreams.

MC: What's your biggest piece of advice for women?

GC: My biggest piece of advice is to remain true to yourself, and to believe that anything is possible. Keren and I were able to build Marchesa by focusing on our own vision and goals instead of following fleeting trends.

MC: Anything else to add?

You can watch my short film and all of the other Inspired by Women films at www.inspiredbywomen.com. I invite you to also please share a woman in your life that inspires you using the hashtag #inspiredbywomen. I will be sharing my favorite inspirational women on Instagram @georginachapmanmarchesa.

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