Photo Credit Baylee Gramling
I recall so many colors were required on her eye lids, being 13 years of age and not quite understanding the intricacy of placement on the eyelid I starred in amazement. “Maggie, why are they’re so many steps!” I asked exhausted watching thinking that the life ahead of me would surely be just as demanding. After practicing many times on Maggie as to how to correctly line my eyes, lips, and softly contour my complexion I finally saw the unfolding of the art behind the steps in beauty.
Hair was next. I often struggled with styling my hair as its texture seemed to be the most unmanageable ball of fluff. My teenage years I spent hours flattening my curls and wanting desperately to sport a natural-bone straight hair style.
Although what was popular and trending was not always the best look for me, Maggie reassured me that no matter what I did to my hair, face or clothing I was beautiful. When Maggie said it, she had an intensity in her eyes that my 13-year-old self-esteem truly honored and believed. She’d reiterate certainty in everything she did.
“You can wear whatever lipstick you want,” she said. “Even orange.”(the taboo color of the time). She would say, “ a beautiful woman can wear anything Kimia and that’s you.”
She was the first person to call me beautiful or make me feel special. Because of Maggie, being bold and assertive was celebrated.
A conservative Persian father, and a mother who wasn’t around much, Maggie was a guiding light into how I unfolded as a woman. To this day I don’t think twice about wearing orange lipstick or bending fashion rules of the time. There were set rules and guidelines Maggie taught me, but all revolved around how I must carry myself in this world as a lady with integrity and pride.
Later, I learned that style is a walk, grace, and an alignment with our authentic character.
Style should be timeless, like Maggie, now an angel and testament of the boldest beauty.
To Maggie