Elaine Welteroth

Bey's mantra isn't about putting on airs or makeup. For that matter, what makes Beyonce Beyonce is that thing we can all wake up with: confidence. ”

I joke that I've always had this sort of insatiable 'big sis' complex - which is odd given that I am the baby of the family with no sisters! It's the reason I have such a powerful desire to connect with girls and encourage them. So, it's a natural fit for me to have a job that's like the editorial version of an older sister to a million girls. ”

Gotta admit, it's kind of nice being surrounded by amazing beauty products 24/7. ”

I think we speak to a certain mindset, and it's about, you know, inspiring people who are progressive thinkers who want to see change. ”

The beauty industry is changing every minute. ”

Any major hair change comes with unpredictable and often unfiltered reactions. ”

We live in a multi-cultural world, so embracing diversity is important in every industry. ”

My office is definitely an extension of my personality. I spend more time here than anywhere else, so it's important that it reflects my style and that it's an inspiring place to think - although it's admittedly impossible to keep clean with a gazillion beauty products coming in and out all the time. ”

As a teen, every major moment was preempted by a torturous, hours-long hair-straightening session. Sleek, silky strands made me feel prettier. And the truth is, I was completely clueless about how to deal with my curls! When they weren't flatironed into submission for special occasions, they were practically glued down with gobs of gel. ”

I don't think young people are prepared for the moment of reckoning at the end of college - if you even go to college - where you have to get off of the hamster wheel and decide, 'Wait, where do I go from here?' ”