Iman on how to build a successful business | Master the Art | Bazaar UK

"The secret to my success is patience," Iman tells us, "which is the most difficult. Be patient, stay focused, keep your eye on the prize, and your time will come."
The Somali supermodel, who was married to David Bowie, was talking to us from the set of her February issue cover shoot, which took place in New York - away from the tough lockdown restrictions of the UK - late last year.
Having broken new ground in both the fashion industry and in wider society, with her work as a model and philanthropist, Iman is also an incredibly successful entrepreneur, launching her own beauty company, Iman Cosmetics, back in 1989. The boundary-breaking make-up brand was the first of its kind to cater to women of all skin colours, regardless of their ethnic background.
"I had a vision, which was a new way of looking at beauty," she explains. "I was not interested in ethnicity, or the ethnic background of anybody. The world is diverse... It's a mosaic of colours. I wanted [to create] a new language, which was multi-cultural, rather than about an ethnic background.
In the latest instalment of our Master the Art series, Iman reveals the secrets to her success, sharing her advice for building a successful business.
Don't miss out on our latest video ►► bit.ly/SubscribetoBazaarUk
// ABOUT BAZAAR UK //
The essential edit of chic, high-end style delivered with editorial flair, Harper's Bazaar UK is your source for red carpet moments, beauty and skincare, catwalk fashion trends from the runway, celebrity interviews and coverage of the hottest A-list events.

[@MelancholischerMond]

I know why David Bowie fell in love with her. She is not just beautiful. She is so wise. She is an old soul. I guess she was an empress in her earlier life.

[@unfazedjae2645]

Have u seen her in the MJ vid for do you remember the time. She is such a queen ✨

[@deesee3622]

@@unfazedjae2645 perfect for that role - horn of africans are stunning and are reminiscent of the look ancient Egyptians had

[@mgdkns6678]

She is in her 60’s , how is she supposes to be?! 🤣

[@luulmaogi2293]

@@deesee3622 I am glad that despite the powers of today hiding this information, people can tell Horn Africans are the same people who started the ancient Egyptian civilization. The racial hierarchy set by Europeans necessitates that the ancient Egyptians were not from Horn African stock, but had to be Caucasians. So, this information is kept secret. Despite the fact that the language spoken by the ancient Egyptians is part of the Afro-Asiatic languages. And this language family comes from the Horn of Africa.

[@augustustheemperor3335]

@@luulmaogi2293 you know the secret of this world wan it comes to Egypt archaeologists will tell you Egypt is white they mean actually Somalis. From the horn. We know it the langeuge the oral history the Egyptians them self telling you ware they from. You are a smart person

[@ishotthesheriff5686]

This woman is absolutely stunning and her somali accent is so captivating

[@ye23.]

We need a sit down conversation between Halima & Iman...I would like to see that

[@nguzoloveinlofi3832]

She kinda sounds like Mary J. Blige to me?

[@zeynand4039]

I agree, the accent and the strong r is captivating but it also sounds like mary j blidge.

[@Bee-it8sx]

I know Somali accents are nice 🥰🥰

[@theliberalthinker3308]

That's not a "somali accent"; its looks more like Italian accent. Obviously she'd learned/spoken Italian before she started learning english, and as the two language have shared vocabulary, she just used her italian ones as they're pronounced in italian . I've been trying to work out her accent and I realised that whenever she'd pronounced words that also exist in italian, she'd pronounced them the italian way. Somalis don't roll their Rs when speaking english. In Somali it's rolled, but not as strong as the italian, and I've never seen a somali person rolling Rs like iman does. Her English accent isn't a typical Somali accent.

[@irvinbohac8460]

I can see why David loved her so much. She’s absolutely enchanting

[@Rue100]

BLACK women are GORGEOUS

[@mgdkns6678]

Especially Lena Waithe.

[@Rue100]

@Consuelo Patagonia not all of ANY RACE OF PEOPLE ARE GORGEOUS ...WHAT A STUPID STATEMENT

[@Cocologs]

@Consuelo Patagonia i find horn of Africans the most gorgeous, not all black people

[@blafred]

The forever ELEGANT, LADY IMAN.

[@uwsgrrrl9981]

I like the way she gave a shout out to Rihanna’s Fenty line. Class all the way.

[@selflove3807]

I’m glad she talked about Rih. Black women need to support and uplift each other

[@tinachristine4573]

They already do. Why are you talking as is they aren't? 🤔

[@shawkins79]

@@tinachristine4573 Right?! My thoughts exactly!

[@ls-wv8dy]

Not always do they. I've seen several times were in business young black women help to sabotage another one right out of a job and a career

[@lilymemoriesrice]

Let's talk about being 65 and looking like IMAN😍

[@shawncochran1285]

She literally doesn't age!As stunningly gorgeous as ever.

[@not-even-german4892]

She ages. Bit slower.

[@mgdkns6678]

She ages well and looks great for her age. She still ages though, everybody does.

[@Ke1ko7]

@@mgdkns6678 yes she ages AMAZINGLY! can’t believe shes turning 66 in a few days

[@princessladymstia3979]

She is still beautiful. Wish Dave Bowie was still alive. They made such a beautiful couple.

[@Lecodelsur]

what a memesmerizing person, her aesthetics, her education and her attitude, a pleasure to contemplate.

[@fadkabari8554]

That Somali accent is still intact after almost 50 years of being in the US. Amazing

[@ivanbarbosa81]

Beautiful hair.Even now She is emotional about this.She is so beautiful

[@deesee3622]

its been a while since I've seen her wear her actual natural hair; she must love the wigs so she doesnt have to touch her hair like most I guess - I get it because in that industry your hair can be so damaged from the constant touching

[@kennethdrake7686]

The #1 model in fashion of the 1970s-present

[@beedabee1221]

Learn the art of walking away! Saying “no”. Definitely taking this word of wisdom 💕

[@Mark_R_Tho]

SHE IS 65😳

[@HARDROCKFOREVER1]

Ageless Beauty!

[@mnaoitb1]

somali women don't age

[@philroyce1144]

Yes. Im surprise

[@lola2659]

@@mnaoitb1 yea right. Iman is different. I’ve seen so many Somali women who look older than their age. Remembered meeting one who had 10 children in her early 40s and she looked like she was in her early 69s

[@nessparadis6948]

@@lola2659 , that’s probably bc they lived a hard life. She was a well loved woman.

[@eagleeyegordon9368]

The hair is such a dream

[@xana5649]

Hahahahaha

[@vcp365]

So Beautiful! 😍

[@CarolCreates]

Most likely a wig.

[@benzz2006]

@@CarolCreates that's her hair

[@CarolCreates]

@@benzz2006 I don’t think so. She wears wigs. 5:10 is her real hair.

[@vmurt]

She was so ahead of her time when she started Iman Cosmetics - I was a young girl then, and when I got into my early teens in the '90s, it was basically her brand and MAC that had a broad range of shades. That's it. Later on, Lancome caught up a bit.

[@DoreenBellDotan]

Love her hair natural like this.

[@deesee3622]

yes and its her actual hair, I feel like shes been wearing wigs all the time but I understand not wanting to have to get your hair done all the time and damaging it

[@jaydamay6815]

I love how she’s just wearing her hair all natural , blown out w/no added product . it’s gorgeous !!

[@Ezarhia]

Unmatched sophistication, elegance and beauty. #Iman 🙌🏾

[@feavouglan4427]

It was hard in the past. We stand on their shoulders 🖤

[@jessicabailey6792]

Gorgeous. Intelligent. Resourceful. Elegant. She has it all.

[@hanssolos3699]

iman never compromised her original accent. Which is very rare among adult immigrants who naturally or casually adopted american accent just to blend in. Iman is the fashion royalty. No others, only her. ❤️❤️❤️

[@feline_star]

True, but I honestly don’t blame the people who adopt the accent. Some do it to prevent discrimination, just like how they change their names or use English names

[@hanssolos3699]

@@feline_star i disagree. Adopting or having english name is not the same with adopting american accent on purpose.

[@feline_star]

@@hanssolos3699 depending on the situation it sometimes is, it is called code switching, even African Americans do this. It aids in communication. And just like you said they use it to blend in, because to be honest standing out in the American society is not necessarily an easy or a smart decision especially as an immigrant.

[@HereDiianas]

Interesting how people always have to comment about that when it comes from foreigners especially when they come from poorer countried. Do people realize that some people keep their originsl accent for life and others adapt to new accents just by being surrounded by other people without even thinking about it. You don't even have to be a foreigner to do that. In the same country, same language people have different accents. Some will naturally lose them by moving to another place in the same country and get thd new accent from the new region after a while witout putting any effort. Some will never loose their original accent no matter what. And others naturally switch accent depending on their surronded without even thinking about it. That's as simple as that.

[@hanssolos3699]

@@HereDiianas obviously u r not native english speaker cos your spelling and grammars are quite bad.

[@damianhulmont6530]

Iconic she is and was the moment

[@wrathford]

always!!

[@AloeAntinousAquila55]

Lady Iman is as intelligent and beautiful in and out … the respect she projects when you meet her is truly exceptionally divine , she soars 🦅💖✨

[@jadaony4145]

Iman cosmetics is one of the blueprints🙌🏽

[@shadowess1961]

I can't stop looking at her hair. It's so beautiful.

[@sarahmichelle6385]

This makeup looks fantastic on her. Her bone structure is highlighted so well. Her beauty is touching, it is ethereal.

[@toyfreyra630]

I think those Filipino models she said was Anna Bayle or Melanie Marquez 🥰🤩 such memory 😍

[@ItaintmeCCC]

This is great advice. I remember when i was young and her make up line came out, at the time for usit was one of the first make up ranges that catered to darker skin tones. Iman is such a inspiration and a true beauty at her core.

[@vizeas]

I loved her line hate I can’t find it anymore

[@godliveopoku-duah9704]

The epitome of elegance and black excellence. She's such a trailblazer! Iconic in every sense.

[@kathylyndsey316]

I always thought Iman was so stunningly beautiful. She has aged amazingly, and it saddens me a little to see the tinge of sorrow in her eyes. Loosing a loved one isnt something you ever get over, but with time the sadness will lessen. She has always presented herself so gracefully, and I wish her and her family well.

[@celestiakock7207]

Yip, her eyes are sad

[@MegaSickcat]

Iman is super intelligent, speaks FIVE languages fluently....No wonder David fell head over heels in love with her.

[@mary-ks4pz]

I hope I look like this when I age 😭😭😭

[@lizkimani9576]

Another beauty...just an amaizing woman...a true African Icon...love love her...

[@nicolebond3992]

Truly an icon in the fashion world. Beautiful, smart, regal......dropping gems of wisdom that can be applied in starting out in any entrepreneurial venture. Iman is a class act indeed!

[@brvndxxxn]

One of the smartest, beautiful woman in the world!

[@Sippy309]

I love how Iman has re-invented herself. I’ve always loved her and David as a couple. They are each talented in their own right. She is beautiful, smart and graceful…David, well, we all know David’s talent…no words. We will miss him, but I believe he is here in spirit, and in the music he left us.

[@rudymccoy4579]

Beautiful , Intelligent , and She has a amazing spirit , Continued blessings and peace.

[@francescapowell1538]

Ok ... so Iman has aged, lord please, please let me age as gracefully and as beautifully as Iman has. Wooo .. she’s giving us younger ones a run for our money. #ForeverRunwayReady !!

[@nross940]

Iman fulfilled a real need in the Black community here in the U.S. Caucasians take for granted that drugstore cosmetics like Revlon and Maybelline, as well as the Cliniques and Estee Lauders in retail stores, will have colors to suit their skin tones. They have never tried to beg a cosmetic line to offer something other than light skin tones. When I was modeling back in the day there was no Mac or Bobby Brown and Iman hadn't launched her brand at that point. I had to get my foundation custom mixed by a boutique in SF. It cost a fortune. I then moved to LA and called the company's sister boutique in Beverly Hills. I asked the rep if they created colors for black skin. She then asked me, "Well, how black are you?"

[@verszka1678]

I'm pretty sure Caucasians can't find drugstore cosmetics that match their skin tone in Asian or African countires

[@kennyb1588]

@@verszka1678 this comment just lets me know that you’ve probably never been to those countries...Asians especially East Asians tend to be pale and having pale skin is a lot of Asian countries beauty standard so you wouldn’t have a problem finding them there. Depending on what African country you go to you probably wouldn’t have nearly as much of an issue there either. Especially if you go somewhere like South Africa that has a considerable white and non-black/mixed population... But yes keep trying to make an issue where there isn’t one to deflect from the actual problem at hand

[@fadkabari8554]

Not only black people. The Indians south Asians the Philippinos the Arabs 🙄

[@JLPerryTV]

That sounds just like a white person. Lol “how Black are you?”

[@paulblatchford8740]

WE NEED THE IMAN X FENTY COLLAB

[@Rooooo11]

Iman is a pioneer and absolute icon 💘

[@earthling9891]

„Your time will come.“ Thank you, I needed to hear about patience!! 🙏

[@meg2231]

thank god she is being recognized for the trail she blazed

[@hasmikaghuzumtsyan6195]

I love this great lady for her wisdom and beauty! All the best to you, dear Iman! With a huge respect from Armenia, Yerevan.

[@jubs2780]

Yes she’s beautiful but I love the gold bars of business knowledge and life skills in knowing your worth and knowing when to walk away...she’s an inspirational mentor to all women...I remember my first Iman foundation... Utmost Respect Iman 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@eprahs1]

Love the face , love the hair, love everything.

[@stacyb.mcclain7084]

Love memoir by Iman

[@neilabiera9374]

Wow, even Filipina girls. I love Iman.

[@berrymabhena5685]

Paved the way for the of the world. What an incredible woman.

[@ze213]

She is literally amazing

[@simsimahmadi9133]

Wise & sounds advice put simply, no non-sense, and she speaks from experience. Admirable woman, a pioneer

[@theaansel8738]

Such wisdom, strength and calm

[@jfreeman401]

I needed to hear this.. Thank you . It recharged me to keep moving

[@rosemarymills1671]

She is not only mesmerizing to look at, but fascinating to listen to and learn from. I wish there was someone past 60 to show us how to maximize the beauty we have w/o the talents of 20 yr olds. Their expertise is great for young people, but we who are senior women have different needs. I'm 75 and do the best I can, but I know I could do better. I experiment but am not satisfied.

[@erwinprouvay1]

I was enchanted by her, love her strength, so inspiring and intelligent

[@anitchlikadze3451]

Mentioning the mentor and being thankful are the characteristics of great person👏👏👏

[@Bee-it8sx]

Somali women are beautiful 😍😍🥰🥰🥰

[@eupiaeupia2647]

🥰

[@HARDROCKFOREVER1]

Beautiful and Smart Business Woman!

[@SingYourselfWell]

Beautiful. You, Iman, your advice, and what you stand for. Kudos, respect, and gratitude.

[@farahmohamud6681]

Iman.abdulmajid.she.is.beautiful.at.65.years.old

[@nkolemwaba2526]

Iman is so well spoken. She's been in the West since the 70s and still speaks more or less the same.. .then you have those people who go to the U.S for 2 weeks and come back with an accent 🤭

[@music-underground35]

😂

[@ElegantPaws01]

She is a diplomats daughter who speaks 5 languages. Unlikely she would follow that pattern as she knows whom she is.

[@siobhandeguerin9221]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 so true!

[@DanieB322]

Ain’t nothing wrong about the capacity to learn a language to the point of getting the accent. It’s strength. Iman is amazing, love her accent, but don’t undermine people who can adapt to any language fully. It’s a form of intelligence as well

[@nkolemwaba2526]

@@DanieB322 maybe you're not African so you don't get the joke. The people I'm talking about already speak English, as many Africans do incase you're not aware, but come back with an accent after a very short time in the west so that everyone should know that they went to the west. It's a common joke.... really not that serious I promise

[@Ttaahasx125s]

Such a Class Act! Always beautiful and still beautiful.

[@angelmoore2453]

Beautiful inside and out, I love her accent ! Her and David were made for each other.

[@jmbsignatures9545]

All True, Iman started it all. Thank you my beautiful Queen-Iman.🙏🏾✨

[@MrJohnblaine]

God I love Imans voice... heaven

[@sparkle1949]

Wow , just wow , what beauty , Oman was way ahead of the game , I’d give anything for this skin colour.

[@chitasworld7391]

Iman and Beverly Johnson inspired me to Runway Model with great ambition and love for fashion!

[@mukunimulundika5359]

Just to imagine that an entire beauty industry shut women of colour out of hair and makeup for decades, yet some of the most striking, beautiful, memorable and influential women in modelling have been women of colour. To think that it was just Iman cosmetics before Revlon, BlackUp, Fenty, MAC, etc joined the quest to cater for WOC.... Even today the list is still so short.

[@mazwide9400]

GODDESS OF ALL GODDESS!!

[@tylerpurrden]

💯🥰

[@umsula]

Absolutely 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@LittleTut]

My goodness. The essence of beauty, inside and definitely outside. Wow! Pay attention.. Miss Iman giving real wisdom here. :))

[@nabadweenw-same4791]

Iman is gorgeous, attractive, beloved by me personally ‘cause my cousin n no female stand beside her unless she is looked up. Congratulations Iman!!!!🖤❤️☀️🙌👍

[@brunamonroe2261]

An inspiring, gorgeous, amazing, captivating woman 😍

[@SkincarebyTahwah]

This is such an amazing video to watch❤️ So many lessons perfectly compressed in less than 30 minutes . I love Iman so much . Thank you for sharing this❤️

[@lindimindi8281]

I Love her Hair😍😍😍 She is so beautiful ♥️❤️

[@MrJoseoz]

Iman is forever beautiful, inside and out

[@angeliquemacarthur1172]

Amazing advice from an amazing woman. Thank you!

[@sabarsharif48]

Love her Embracing her Natural Curls 🌷

[@adamayalo]

She's an Icon, inspiring ✨ her brand is so underrated. #BlackExcellence #BlackGirlMagic

[@casidelaluz]

Love Love Love Iman...always....forever. She is an African and America icon! Blessings Goddess Iman 💕

[@LoveLifeYourWay]

Thank you, Iman! You are an inspiration. Sharing your wisdom with us is greatly appreciated ❤

[@sharonphillip8615]

looking very good iman

[@sosoutherncustomequestrian4598]

What fantastic advice. Thank you!

[@user-kx2vw8xe5h]

Beautiful! Love the hair

[@tinachristine4573]

I love Iman forever!

[@LagunaCandles]

Loved this💕 thanks for sharing!

[@helloschoales]

Iman a force of nature

[@ItsMeRee6]

Thank you Ms. Iman!

[@DP-rw1id]

Absolutely stunning!

[@j.jauffret2315]

I don't want to offend, but I love her with Afro! 😍😍😍 I like more than the straight wigs she wears a lot... But that's Her hair so her business. I wish to be that intelligent, quick-witted, eloquent and gorgeous as her🥰

[@artetface]

Great info !!!thank you Iman!

[@kay2136]

what a woman! Iconic and royal!

[@lolaoye2892]

Thank you....,Iman

[@CelineAdobea]

Thank you for sharing beautiful Iman 🌞

[@wanjiruchelagat6565]

Omg I hope my skin looks like hers at that age...damn🥰🥰

[@missbell1634]

Simply beautiful‼️

[@silvertrees6326]

Thank you Iman.

[@IvanaSkoko]

Beautiful and smart 🌟