Cindy Crawford on Building a Timeless Brand
Cindy Crawford has long been a symbol of beauty, confidence, and career longevity. In a candid interview on Better Together with Maria Menounos, the supermodel and business mogul shared insights on aging, self-confidence, and how she built an enduring brand that continues to inspire generations.
The Secret to Cindy’s Success
When asked what has been instrumental to her success as an entrepreneur, Crawford emphasized the importance of authenticity. “I think recognizing who I am and staying true to that has been key,” she said. “Everything I do runs through that filter—does this make sense for Cindy Crawford?” From her iconic partnerships with Pepsi and Revlon to her beauty line, Meaningful Beauty, Cindy has always sought to align herself with brands that reflect her values: accessibility, empowerment, and timeless elegance.
Embracing Aging with Grace
For someone who has spent decades in an industry obsessed with youth, Crawford has an incredibly grounded approach to aging. “I don’t want to compete with my 19-year-old daughter. I want to look great for my age,” she shared. She acknowledges the temptation to chase youth but believes in aging naturally while maintaining self-care practices. “I’ve learned to accept changes as they come and focus on what makes me feel good from the inside out.”
She also highlights the importance of finding purpose beyond physical appearance. “If you don’t develop other aspects of yourself, aging can feel like a loss rather than a transition,” she explained. Her advice? Focus on friendships, philanthropy, and personal growth.
Confidence, Beauty, and the Power of Individuality
Crawford’s signature beauty mark, which once made her self-conscious, became one of her most defining features. She recalled how early in her career, British Vogue airbrushed it off, but when American Vogue embraced it, her confidence shifted. “It made me see myself differently,” she admitted. Her story serves as a reminder that what makes us unique is often what makes us stand out.
She also encourages young women, including her daughter Kaia Gerber, to embrace their natural beauty. “We have such a hard time believing we’re enough as we are,” she said. “It’s important to set a positive example.”
The Evolution of the Supermodel Industry
Reflecting on the supermodel era of the ’90s, Crawford admired her peers for their individuality. “We all looked different. Christy had classic beauty, Linda was a chameleon, Naomi had incredible movement—we each had something unique,” she said. Today, she acknowledges that the industry has evolved, with social media creating new standards. “It’s different now, but I always encourage authenticity.”
Cindy’s Wellness and Beauty Secrets
When it comes to wellness, Cindy keeps it simple:
- Diet: She follows an 80/20 approach, prioritizing whole foods while still allowing indulgences.
- Fitness: She maintains consistency with exercise and was an early pioneer in home workouts with her fitness videos.
- Skincare: She focuses on hydration, sun protection, and the right skincare products.
- Mindset: She practices meditation and gratitude, starting each morning with quiet reflection.
Marriage, Motherhood, and Living with Purpose
Cindy credits friendship as the foundation of her long-lasting marriage to Rande Gerber. “We genuinely like each other, and we don’t fight dirty. We focus on conflict resolution,” she shared.
As a mother, Crawford is mindful of the different world her children are growing up in. “They never had paper routes or minimum-wage jobs like I did, but I try to instill the same values of hard work and kindness,” she explained. Her advice to her daughter as she navigates modeling? “Be on time, stay off your phone, and be prepared.”
Looking Ahead
While Cindy has accomplished more than most, she isn’t chasing the next big thing. “I’m not in an expansion mode anymore. I want to enjoy what I’ve built and take the pressure off,” she said. This new phase allows her to focus on family, personal growth, and appreciating life’s simple moments.
For fans who have admired her journey, Cindy Crawford remains a guiding light of confidence, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
For more wisdom from Cindy Crawford, check out her book Becoming and watch for her upcoming documentary on Apple TV+ produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer. To catch the full interview and for more tips on healing and wellness subscibe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos on Youtube or Apple Podcasts.
