Cindy Crawford on Confidence, Aging Gracefully, and Lessons That Shaped Her
Supermodel, businesswoman, and cultural icon Cindy Crawford joined Maria Menounos on her Better Together (Heal Squad) podcast to discuss her journey from small-town girl to global superstar. The conversation, filled with nostalgia, wisdom, and authenticity, explored everything from her early career to her approach to aging and self-acceptance.
A Role Model for Women Everywhere
Maria revealed how Cindy had been a guiding star for her growing up, a proof that success in the entertainment industry didn’t have to come with the pitfalls of Hollywood. “She just meets every expectation because she is beautiful, smart, successful, and lived such a clean lifestyle,” Maria shared. For many young women, Cindy proved that it was possible to be glamorous without falling into the traps of excess.
Cindy, known for her business acumen as much as her beauty, credited her Midwestern upbringing for keeping her grounded. She noted that her early days modeling in Chicago, before transitioning to New York, helped shape her perspective. “I approached modeling as a job—it wasn’t who I was, it was what I did,” she explained.
Lessons in Confidence and Authenticity
One of the most striking takeaways from the conversation was Cindy’s perspective on confidence. She reminisced about her early career, sharing how photographers and magazines initially suggested removing her famous mole. “American Vogue left it on, and that was a big moment,” she said, reinforcing the idea that what makes us different is often our greatest asset.
Maria noted that Cindy was part of a modeling era that celebrated natural beauty. Unlike today, where digital alterations and enhancements are the norm, Cindy and her contemporaries were praised for their individuality. “It’s different now, and I don’t want to judge. It’s just a different time,” Cindy acknowledged, emphasizing her encouragement for young women to embrace their natural selves.
Aging Gracefully and Redefining Beauty
Maria, in her 40s, asked Cindy about how she navigates the inevitable changes of aging, especially given that she built a career on her looks. “It’s spiritual work,” Cindy admitted. “It’s about mourning what’s lost but also appreciating the new stages of life.”
She highlighted the importance of focusing on things beyond physical appearance. “If you don’t do work on yourself and have philanthropy, friendships, or passions, you can fall into the rabbit hole of chasing youth,” she warned. She also shared an important piece of advice from Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh, who told her to maintain a steady weight rather than fluctuating, as yo-yo dieting could impact skin elasticity.
Marriage, Motherhood, and Business Smarts
Cindy’s success extends beyond modeling—she’s built a beauty empire with Meaningful Beauty and continues to be a respected businesswoman. She credits much of her success to knowing herself and staying authentic. “I ask myself, ‘Does this make sense for Cindy Crawford?’ That’s my filter for everything I do.”
On marriage, Cindy spoke about the foundation of her relationship with husband Rande Gerber. “We really like each other—we’re best friends,” she said. She also shared how they approach disagreements. “We don’t fight dirty. It’s always about resolution, not rehashing old arguments.”
As a mother, Cindy has had to navigate the world of modeling with her daughter, Kaia Gerber, who stars in ‘Saturday Night’ following in her footsteps. “I didn’t push her, but I also couldn’t hold it back. She’s having success and enjoying it,” she said. Her advice to Kaia was simple: “Be on time, stay off your phone, and be prepared.”
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Strength and Class
For Maria, the conversation was a full-circle moment. “Cindy was my North Star. Seeing her do things the right way showed me I could do the same,” she reflected.
Cindy’s ability to remain relevant for decades is a testament to her intelligence, discipline, and unwavering sense of self. “I don’t want to be 25 again, but I do want to look great for 54,” she said with a smile. And for millions of women, she continues to prove that beauty—true beauty—comes from confidence, authenticity, and self-respect.
For more inspiring conversations, catch Heal Squad with Maria Menounos on Youtube or Apple Podcasts and follow Cindy Crawford on social media @CindyCrawford.
