👑 The Pharaoh and the Philanthropist: Iman’s Life of Grace, Enterprise, and Resilience

In 1992, the music world was captivated by Michael Jackson’s spectacular, Ancient Egypt-themed short film for “Remember the Time.” The music video, directed by John Singleton, featured Iman in the majestic role of the Queen, a casting choice that highlighted her iconic status as a supermodel who redefined beauty standards. While reports of Michael Jackson proposing marriage to Iman multiple times are a persistent rumor, the true, overwhelming surprise of her life story lies in her journey from a Somali refugee to a groundbreaking entrepreneur and a dedicated humanitarian.

🎨 The Pioneer: Building an Empire for Women of Color

Iman’s greatest commercial and cultural contribution was a direct response to the lack of diversity she experienced firsthand in the fashion industry. Despite being a muse to designers and gracing major runways, she was constantly forced to mix her own makeup due to the absence of shades for her skin tone.

This discriminatory experience fueled a revolutionary entrepreneurial move:

IMAN Cosmetics: In 1994, she launched IMAN Cosmetics, creating the first cosmetics and skincare line specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of African American, Asian, Latina, and multicultural women with diverse skin tones.
The Market Impact: Launched decades before the mainstream industry embraced diversity, the company became a multi-million-dollar business. In 2004, its strategic alliance with Procter & Gamble introduced the line to the mass market, asserting the power of Black and multicultural beauty and demanding equal representation and quality for all women.

❤️ Love, Loss, and a Global Humanitarian Mission

Iman’s personal life was famously characterized by her 24-year marriage to rock icon David Bowie, whom she married in 1992. The couple shared a private, loving partnership that became a rare example of celebrity domestic bliss.

The ultimate challenge to her resilience came with Bowie’s death from cancer in 2016. In the face of devastating loss, Iman channeled her strength into two areas: preserving her husband’s memory and intensifying her global advocacy.

Sustaining the Legacy: She has been steadfast in honoring his memory, stating publicly that she considers him her husband and will not remarry.
Global Philanthropy: A long-time humanitarian, Iman escalated her efforts, accepting the role of CARE’s (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) first-ever Global Advocate in 2019. CARE is a leading organization fighting global poverty and empowering women and girls.
Targeted Social Justice: She is also a prominent ambassador for Save the Children and has actively worked to end the global trade in conflict minerals, highlighted by her decision to terminate a contract with the diamond conglomerate De Beers over a conflict of ethics related to “blood diamonds.”

Iman’s life, from the majestic film sets of her youth to the demanding boardroom of a beauty empire and the front lines of global philanthropy, is a stunning embodiment of resilience, grace, and purposeful character—a true Queen whose impact extends across the globe.