Iman

We never wore burkas because Somalis had our own culture.

I was a very nerdy child. I never fit in, so I became laboriously studious.

My father... gave me a positive connection with men because he is a gentleman.

I started the cosmetics in 1994 after I stopped modeling, out of my frustration as a woman of color not finding what I needed.

Modeling gave me so many experiences, like traveling and being exposed to global cultures, but the most valuable lesson has been working with designers who truly are visionaries in their field.

When my daughter Zulekha was born, I was at the pinnacle of my working life as a model, and I pulled myself in two trying to cope with being both a mother and a career girl.

When everyone is telling you, 'You're so beautiful, there's nobody like you,' you begin to think it's true. But of course there is nobody like you.

We all have friends and loved ones who say 60's the new 30. No. Sixty's the new 60.

The difference between rearing a child in your 20s and one in your 50s is one of patience.

I am the face of a refugee. I was once a refugee. I was with my family in exile.

My given name was Zahra, which is the 'flower of the desert.' I don't look anything like the flower of the desert. My name was changed by my grandfather to Iman, which means 'have faith.' And it meant to have faith that a daughter would come.

I wasn't a major in political science for nothing, so I understood the politics of beauty and the politics of race when it comes to the fashion industry.