In ELLE.com’s series Office Hours, we sat down with supermodel and businesswoman Cindy Crawford to discuss her journey from babysitting in the Midwest to building her own empire. Crawford, who has graced over 1,000 magazine covers, reflected on her first job at the age of 9, babysitting with her sister for 50 cents an hour. She also shared memories of detasseling corn in the summer to earn money for school and homecoming dresses. Crawford credits her early jobs with teaching her the value of hard work and earning her own money.
Despite the challenges of jobs like cleaning houses and refolding clothes at a clothing store, Crawford revealed that modeling has been her favorite job. She enjoys the creativity and storytelling involved in fashion photography, as well as the opportunity to travel and meet people from around the world. Over the years, Crawford has gained confidence in expressing her ideas and preferences on set, making the work more collaborative and enjoyable for her.
When it comes to career advice, Crawford shared wisdom from her father about the importance of showing up on time and pushing through the tough days, even in your dream job. She emphasized the value of being realistic about time management to ensure punctuality and a smooth workflow. Crawford also discussed her approach to building her personal brand, focusing on aligning with companies and projects that reflect her values and image as an all-American, approachable figure.
In evaluating business opportunities, Crawford emphasizes the importance of staying true to her brand and maintaining a good work-life balance. She collaborates with a trusted partner to assess the potential success and impact of each project, considering factors like time commitment, financial gain, and alignment with her personal and professional goals. Crawford’s strategy for her skin care company, Meaningful Beauty, involved taking risks with infomercials to tell a compelling and genuine story, ultimately leading to its success and longevity in the market.
After 20 years of running Meaningful Beauty, Crawford looks back on her journey and considers it a home run. She values the opportunity to challenge herself and reinvent traditional marketing strategies, proving that dedication and innovation can lead to long-term success in business. Crawford’s story serves as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders, showcasing the importance of hard work, creativity, and staying true to your brand in achieving your goals.
