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So, this isn’t a crafty topic exactly. But I learned through The Storque earlier today about the sudden death of Anita Roddick. And I just feel compelled to write a bit.
Anita, as some of you know, founded The Body Shop, and was well-known as an outspoken advocate for many causes, including environmental preservation, human rights, endangered species, self-esteem, and on and on. She was known for her passion, and her desire to make a difference anywhere she could.
I worked for The Body Shop in my twenties. And it was one of the best jobs I’ve ever held – the store was franchised by an energetic and creative woman who was a lot like Anita. We may not have been skilled retailers, but we embarked on so many campaigns in support of The Body Shop’s causes. We registered voters. We recycled and refilled Body Shop bottles for customers. We gave talks in the community about animal testing and corporate responsibility. We felt unstoppable, and connected to other Body Shop staff around the world.
All of this energy was sparked by Anita Roddick, and her belief that it was possible to marry work and passion. She was a wholly inspiring person.
Times changed, as times will, and it turned out that in the crowded and copycat U.S. market, The Body Shop had to let go of some of its dedication to causes and instead pursue corporate solvency. I eventually left, admittedly a bit disenchanted by this turn of events. Anita eventually turned the running of the company she had built over to others, and dedicated herself more to her activism. (In fact, you might find personal website engaging.)
It’s incredibly sad to lose such a powerful, forward thinking woman, so soon and unexpectedly. I’ll always be grateful to her for the sense of purpose, hope, and empowerment that infused those Body Shop years.
I guess she leaves this lesson behind: whatever you’re passionate about, pursue it wholeheartedly, and you’ll inspire others to find their passions, too.
I had no idea. She *is* very inspiring. :)
I had no idea. She *is* very inspiring. :)
This is SUCH sad news. I helped open the two franchises of The Body Shop beginning in 1991 in Austin and worked there for more than three years while in college.
Anita’s vision and business ethics helped define who I am today. That experience was also one of my favorite jobs. I crave the kinds of experiences I had working there, whether it was helping a customer with tired aching feet or selling whistles to helped stop violence against women. I too worked there when we had a huge, “Don’t Say You Care, If You Don’t Care Enough to Vote,” campaign. I think I won the contest to register the most voters.
Didn’t you love the training sessions? I felt so empowered in those meetings.
I feel so fortunate that I got to meet her and am so sad to see she is gone.
This is SUCH sad news. I helped open the two franchises of The Body Shop beginning in 1991 in Austin and worked there for more than three years while in college.
Anita’s vision and business ethics helped define who I am today. That experience was also one of my favorite jobs. I crave the kinds of experiences I had working there, whether it was helping a customer with tired aching feet or selling whistles to helped stop violence against women. I too worked there when we had a huge, “Don’t Say You Care, If You Don’t Care Enough to Vote,” campaign. I think I won the contest to register the most voters.
Didn’t you love the training sessions? I felt so empowered in those meetings.
I feel so fortunate that I got to meet her and am so sad to see she is gone.
great and interesting post, I didn’t know who was behind body shop
great and interesting post, I didn’t know who was behind body shop
She was such an inspirational lady, and I do really believe that she made a huge impact on the cosmetics industry. Last night, I posted some of the lessons that I think can be learned from the way she lived her life over at http://liveslessordinary.wordpress.com/2007/09/11/anitas-lessons/
I like the lesson you’ve posted here about pursuing your passion. Great Post!
She was such an inspirational lady, and I do really believe that she made a huge impact on the cosmetics industry. Last night, I posted some of the lessons that I think can be learned from the way she lived her life over at http://liveslessordinary.wordpress.com/2007/09/11/anitas-lessons/
I like the lesson you’ve posted here about pursuing your passion. Great Post!