Iman Quotes

Powerful Iman for Daily Growth

About Iman

Iman Quotes (born December 4, 1955) is an influential American author, public speaker, and self-help guru who has made significant contributions to personal development literature. Born in New York City as Eva Marian Macaulay, she later changed her name to Iman, meaning "faith" in Arabic, symbolizing her spiritual journey. Raised by a single mother in Harlem, Iman's early life was marked by poverty and adversity. Despite these challenges, she developed a strong sense of self-reliance and resilience, qualities that would later become the cornerstones of her teachings. After graduating from high school, Iman worked various jobs before entering the fashion industry as a model. Her striking beauty and unique appearance quickly propelled her to international fame, landing her on the covers of major magazines and walking for prestigious designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Halston. In 1983, Iman married musician David Bowie, further cementing her status as a global icon. The couple's marriage was marked by mutual respect and admiration, and Iman became a vocal advocate for women's rights and interracial relationships. Following their divorce in 1990, Iman continued to carve out an impressive career in the fashion industry, founding her own makeup line and cosmetics company, IMAN Cosmetics, which caters specifically to women of color. In 2008, Iman embarked on a new chapter as an author, publishing her first book, "The Autobiography of Iman." In this memoir, she recounts her tumultuous journey from poverty-stricken Harlem to international supermodel stardom, while also addressing issues such as race, identity, and self-empowerment. Since then, she has published several more books, including "I Am Iman: Life Lessons for a Stylish Woman" and "Stepping into OUR Power: How to Embrace Your Inner Light to Lead and Succeed in Life." Through her writing, public speaking engagements, and philanthropic efforts, Iman Quotes continues to inspire women around the world to embrace their authentic selves, overcome adversity, and achieve success on their own terms.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am not a beauty; I am a woman."

This quote, by Iman, emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting women as complex individuals beyond their physical appearance. It suggests that while beauty may be one aspect of a woman, it does not define her entirely. Instead, she is multifaceted, encompassing strengths, talents, emotions, and experiences that make her unique. The quote serves as a reminder to treat women with the dignity they deserve, recognizing their worth beyond aesthetics.

"To all the little black girls who don't want to be stereotypes: May you be wild and free, may your minds run riot, may you be exactly who you are. And if that ever makes you feel uncomfortable, remind yourself that one day, someone will embrace the wildness you have contained."

Iman's quote is a powerful affirmation of self-expression and individuality for young black girls, urging them to break free from societal stereotypes and embrace their true selves. By encouraging them to be "wild" and let their minds run free, she empowers these young women to explore their unique identities, interests, and talents without fear or limitation. The quote also acknowledges the discomfort that may come with self-expression, but reassures them that their authenticity will be valued by someone who appreciates their wildness and individuality. Ultimately, this quote serves as a source of inspiration for black girls to confidently be themselves, challenge stereotypes, and embrace their full potential.

"Always choose what you passionately love. There will be obstacles, but insurmountable if comparing to the opportunity for happiness and self-realization."

This quote emphasizes the importance of pursuing what one is genuinely passionate about in life, despite potential challenges or obstacles. The author suggests that these difficulties are surmountable when compared to the opportunities for personal growth, happiness, and self-actualization that such passions offer. It encourages individuals to take risks, follow their hearts, and find fulfillment by pursuing their passions.

"Being a model is not just about your appearance; it's about your personality, your style, your poise, your professionalism, and your ability to adapt to any situation."

This quote by Iman emphasizes that the role of a model extends beyond physical appearance. It suggests that a successful model possesses not only an attractive exterior but also a unique personality, personal style, grace under pressure (poise), professionalism, and adaptability to various situations. In essence, it underscores the importance of a well-rounded individual who can effectively communicate a brand's vision through their image and demeanor.

"The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence."

Confidence in a woman, as per Iman's quote, is not just an attractive trait but also the most enticing one. It embodies a strong self-assuredness that radiates charm and charisma. This self-belief empowers women to embrace their individuality, stand tall against societal norms, and inspire others. Confidence, in essence, is a beacon of empowerment that transcends physical appearance and captivates the hearts of many.

That is something that my mother instilled in me at a very young age - to know my self-worth. And I have had times again and again in the fashion industry where all of that was tested and I rose to the occasion because I was told that I am worthy and I should be able to walk away from something that is not worthy of me.

- Iman

Away, Occasion, Very, Worthy

I was under 18, and to leave Kenya to come to the United States, to get a passport, you had to be 18. So I lied and said I was 19 to get the passport, because otherwise, I had to have permission from my parents, and my parents would never have let me come.

- Iman

United, Had, States, Kenya

I suffer from low self-esteem. I had horrible self-esteem growing up. You really have to save yourself because the critic within you will eat you up. It's not the outside world - it's your interior life, that critic within you, that you have to silence.

- Iman

Self-Esteem, Save, Had, Critic

On a Friday night in 1983, I was in a taxi in New York riding home from dinner with friends. A drunk driver ran a red light and hit the cab, and I was thrown toward the glass partition. I tried to duck, but my face hit the glass, and the impact fractured my cheekbone, my eye socket, my collarbone and several ribs.

- Iman

Cab, Friday Night, Several, Duck

I had never seen 'Vogue.' I didn't read fashion magazines, I read 'Time' and 'Newsweek.'

- Iman

Never, Had, Read, Newsweek

As I always said: I fell in with David Jones. I did not fall in love with David Bowie.

- Iman

Love, Always, Fell, David

I speak five languages besides mine. I went to school in Egypt because girls weren't allowed to go to school in Saudi Arabia. It's very restricting, especially for girls; we're not allowed to go anywhere.

- Iman

Very, Mine, Languages, Restricting

Change makes you find your calling, your legacy, and God's divine plan for your life. Don't run from it.

- Iman

Change, Legacy, Makes, Calling

I have no intention of ever writing beauty tips on how to make an African-American nose look slimmer or Asian eyes look bigger. That's degrading. Asian eyes are what's beautiful about you and what makes you different.

- Iman

Beauty, Eyes, About, African-American

Looking good is a commitment to yourself and to others. Wigs, killer heels, Pilates, even fillers - whatever works for you, honey.

- Iman

Commitment, Heels, Works, Killer

I have been a muse to Mr. Saint-Laurent, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Versace.

- Iman

Been, Mr, Versace, None

If I feel frustrated in a situation, I take a deep breath and walk away.

- Iman

Deep, Away, Frustrated, Deep Breath

There are some people who have helped to advance me and other girls, but the fashion industry is always behind popular culture. They think they understand the zeitgeist. They don't know anything about the zeitgeist.

- Iman

Behind, Some, Other, Popular Culture

I believe in glamour. I am in favor of a little vanity. I don't rely on just my genes.

- Iman

Believe, Genes, I Believe In, Glamour

My ritual is cooking. I find it therapeutic. It comes naturally to me. I can read a recipe and won't have to look at it again.

- Iman

Again, Read, Ritual, Therapeutic

I vowed to myself when I got married that I would cook every night. I find it very therapeutic.

- Iman

Myself, Cook, Very, Therapeutic

Eliminating the things you love is not wellness. Wellness feeds your soul and makes you feel good.

- Iman

Love, Soul, Makes, Wellness

I was admittedly comfortable with Iman Cosmetics being identified as a beauty brand that filled the gap for black women because it was deeply personal for me.

- Iman

Beauty, Black, Admittedly, Identified

Modeling gave me so many experiences, like traveling and being exposed to global cultures, but the most valuable lesson has been working with designers who truly are visionaries in their field.

- Iman

Modeling, Been, Designers, Visionaries

My mother was an activist; so was my father. They came from a generation of young Somalis who were actively involved in getting independence for Somalia in 1960.

- Iman

Generation, Young, Activist, Actively

There are highlights when you become irreplaceable as a model, like when you become a muse to designers. They look at you differently; you're not a coat hanger for hire.

- Iman

Hire, Like, Designers, Highlights

I was born in Somalia, which is in East Africa. My parents started with nothing: poor, poor, poor. They eloped, which was unheard of in my country, when my father was 17 and my mother was 14.

- Iman

Country, Africa, Which, Somalia

When my daughter Zulekha was born, I was at the pinnacle of my working life as a model, and I pulled myself in two trying to cope with being both a mother and a career girl.

- Iman

Career, Born, Pulled, Cope

You want a career? Do that first. You don't want to have kids? Then don't. You don't want to get married? Then don't. But once you do something, you've got to know that there is compromise.

- Iman

Career, Want, Then, Get Married

I would go to cosmetics counters and buy two or three foundations and powders, and then go home and mix them before I came up with something suitable for my undertones.

- Iman

Go Home, Before, Buy, Mix

I am the face of a refugee. I was once a refugee. I was with my family in exile.

- Iman

I Am, Face, Once, Refugee

I thought at 46 years old, I've been removed from the fashion industry for 10 years. I couldn't possibly write a model's book. That's for a 20-year-old. But I could say what I want to say without chastising the industry.

- Iman

Book, Thought, Been, Possibly

After the bones mended, my left eye was smaller than my right, and my eyebrow never grew back. But you know what? Big deal. I think I became beautiful after the accident. I became kinder, more aware. I gained respect for other people.

- Iman

Big, Became, Smaller, Kinder

I have a certain manner of speech that is unique to me. I tried once to have my staff tweet for me, and it was a disaster! People knew right away that it wasn't me.

- Iman

Away, Knew, Staff, Right Away

On my 50th birthday in 2005, my discount-wielding AARP card came in the mail. I hurled it in the trash, put on something fabulous, and had a decadent meal. Just the thought of putting it in my wallet felt like a concession.

- Iman

Birthday, Thought, Mail, Card

I have a 15-year-old daughter who thinks that I always had this self confidence that I have now at the age of 60. And I always tell her that what she is going through - the low self-esteem as a teenager - that is a right of passage.

- Iman

Self-Esteem, Through, Teenager

When I lived in Egypt, we always wore kaftans. I had cashmere kaftans from Halston. You put on a kaftan in your backyard, and it's like you're in Ibiza.

- Iman

Egypt, Always, Like, Backyard

I can enjoy what I'm engaged in and be fully present rather than planning my answers to questions while someone else is speaking or thinking about my next appointment while my current engagement is still in in progress.

- Iman

Next, Engagement, Engaged, Fully

I wanted a bronzer so I could look like I just came from Ibiza everyday.

- Iman

Like, Could, Wanted, Everyday

Granted, I've changed internally as I've gotten older - I take it easy, I know when to stop and take care of myself, I laugh much more and with my belly and soul - but this comes from the confidence and acceptance that comes with maturity.

- Iman

Soul, Belly, Gotten, Changed

My looks have changed. I have laugh lines - not wrinkles.

- Iman

Wrinkles, Looks, Lines, Changed

My given name was Zahra, which is the 'flower of the desert.' I don't look anything like the flower of the desert. My name was changed by my grandfather to Iman, which means 'have faith.' And it meant to have faith that a daughter would come.

- Iman

Meant, Which, Given, Changed

I wasn't a major in political science for nothing, so I understood the politics of beauty and the politics of race when it comes to the fashion industry.

- Iman

Beauty, Politics, Race, Understood

People talk about the miracle of birth. No. There's the miracle of conception. I did IVF, but nothing happened. So I began to think of adoption, and then I got pregnant. It was definitely a miracle.

- Iman

Think, Nothing, Began, Conception

We are very private, so we decided from early on that we will keep the press and editors and everybody out of our house.

- Iman

Private, Everybody, Very, Editors

We never do Valentine's dinner, because everybody, they look. On Valentine's, imagine me and David going to a restaurant! Like, everybody's going to say, 'Did they talk? Did they hold hands?' Twenty years. We've been married twenty years!

- Iman

Been, Everybody, Imagine, Twenty

I'll be truly happy when we're not counting the number of ethnically diverse models on a fashion runway or campaign, when having a representation of the entire human race is the norm and not an exception.

- Iman

Exception, Counting, Models, Diverse

When I was in high school,we were, like, 4,000 or 5,000 students, and 50 girls - and I didn't have a date for my prom. My father paid my cousin to take me.

- Iman

Father, Date, Like, Cousin

I was raised to treat my body as a temple, but even as a little girl, I had a major issue with self-esteem. I thought there was something wrong with the temple.

- Iman

Treat, Self-Esteem, Issue, Temple

Bowie is just a persona. He's a singer, an entertainer. David Jones is a man I met.

- Iman

Singer, Persona, Entertainer, Bowie

Multicultural markets are nuanced but not alien.

- Iman

Alien, Markets, Multicultural

I keep on 5 to 10 pounds above my jeans weight, as the ultimate no-filler-needed refresher, and buy a size up on jeans.

- Iman

Weight, Buy, Ultimate, Pounds

I was a very nerdy child. I never fit in, so I became laboriously studious.

- Iman

Never, Fit, Very, Studious

The difference between rearing a child in your 20s and one in your 50s is one of patience.

- Iman

Patience, Difference, Your, Rearing

It's really not a good idea to forecast or double guess the fates; you will always be fooled.

- Iman

Will, Always, Idea, Forecast

The women I gravitate to are the ones who defy convention and reinvent themselves - hence, they reinvent the world around them.

- Iman

Reinvent, Them, Convention, Defy

I like to get up around 5:30 or six - that's my favorite time of day. My family is still asleep, and the office is still closed, so I can start my day slowly.

- Iman

Like, Six, Still, Slowly

We all want what every girl wants: to look fabulous while we're out there ruling the world.

- Iman

World, Want, Ruling, Fabulous

I arrive in New York on October 15, 1975. On my own, by the way.

- Iman

New York, New, My Own, October

At the end of the day, my legacy will not be modelling but my cosmetics line.

- Iman

Legacy, Will, Line, Modelling

There is a lot of noise out there. I don't want to follow the trend - I want to create the trend.

- Iman

Want, Trend, Lot, Noise

I'm lucky in some ways in that I really don't need more than five or so hours of sleep.

- Iman

Lucky, Some, Hours, Five

I'm against a signature look, as that can be very outdating. But having said that, I also know my best qualities, so I'm not going to foolhardily give away my power.

- Iman

Give, Very, Having, Qualities

Nobody has ever said to me that I was pretty, 'til I met Peter Beard.

- Iman

Beard, Pretty, Ever, Peter

One afternoon, on my way to the campus - I was majoring in political science at Nairobi University - a photographer by the name of Peter Beard stopped me in the street and asked me if I'd ever been photographed.

- Iman

Political, University, Been, Peter

I didn't start exercising until the end of my modeling career. When you're young, you eat and drink what you want and stay up all night and still look good.

- Iman

Career, Modeling, Still, Exercising

I don't love eating meat. I really only like chicken and fish.

- Iman

Love, Chicken, Like, Meat

I can't stand my legs, for a start, and you rarely see me in skirts.

- Iman

See, Legs, Skirts, Rarely

My father... gave me a positive connection with men because he is a gentleman.

- Iman

Father, Men, Me, Connection

We never wore burkas because Somalis had our own culture.

- Iman

Culture, Never, Own, Wore

I was studying political science; I was adamant that I was going to follow in my father's footsteps.

- Iman

Studying, Going, Adamant, Footsteps

I don't look like a white woman. I look Somali.

- Iman

Woman, White, Like, Somali

I'm always criticised by other Somalis and Muslims for what I'm doing as a model and married to a white man and all that.

- Iman

Doing, Always, Other, Muslims

When I started modeling, they tried to pay black models less than they paid Caucasian models. I turned down those jobs because I knew what I was worth.

- Iman

Modeling, Models, Turned, Paid

Mrs. Obama is not a great beauty. But she is so interesting-looking - so bright. That will always take you farther.

- Iman

Beauty, Will, Always, Mrs

When everyone is telling you, 'You're so beautiful, there's nobody like you,' you begin to think it's true. But of course there is nobody like you.

- Iman

Think, Everyone, Telling, Begin

People called me 'Iman the black model'. In my country, we're all black, so nobody called somebody else black. It was foreign to my ears.

- Iman

People, Black, Country, Model

Italian was my first foreign language. I speak it better than English.

- Iman

Better, English, Than, Foreign

People get numbed when they see picture after picture, year in and year out, of people starving.

- Iman

Year, See, Starving, Picture

The truth was I felt ugly growing up. I only really started feeling comfortable in myself when I was 40.

- Iman

Myself, Ugly, Felt, Growing Up

I don't do anything by myself. I have a whole crew to get me ready every day.

- Iman

Myself, Every Day, Get, Ready

I was never a practicing Muslim. But I do consider myself a Muslim.

- Iman

Never, Practicing, Muslim, Consider

I did not want to get involved with a rock star. No way. It is not a sane thing to do.

- Iman

Rock, Rock Star, Sane, Involved

I started the cosmetics in 1994 after I stopped modeling, out of my frustration as a woman of color not finding what I needed.

- Iman

Woman, Modeling, Stopped, Finding

Beauty is being comfortable and confident in your own skin.

- Iman

Beauty, Confident, Own, Comfortable

We all have friends and loved ones who say 60's the new 30. No. Sixty's the new 60.

- Iman

Loved, New, Loved Ones, Sixty

Intelligence is sexy. Don't play dumb, especially young girls. Don't play dumb. And let people see that you are intelligent.

- Iman

Play, Young, Young Girls, Intelligent

I beg you, don't use the verb, 'discover', I hate it. What does it mean, that I didn't exist before?

- Iman

Discover, Before, Beg, Verb

I believe the universe has great plans for us. When you are young, you don't learn that.

- Iman

Believe, Learn, Young, I Believe The

Life is too short not to have pasta, steak, and butter.

- Iman

Life Is Too Short, Steak, Butter

I would rather Google other people than Google myself.

- Iman

Other, Rather, Would, Google

I tell all my younger friends, 'Don't be afraid of change. That is when you truly see what your destiny is.'

- Iman

Change, Destiny, Tell, Younger

I was not considered beautiful at all. Really. And this is what all models say. But I'm still not considered that beautiful in my country. I don't know the beauty ideal where I come from - but it's not me.

- Iman

Country, Still, Ideal, Models

I am so far more secure and more grounded and more know who I am than when I was in my 20s.

- Iman

More, Secure, Am, Grounded

The day you settle for less is the day you will get less.

- Iman

Will, Get, Less, Settle

I'm a very political person, and I think things through clearly, even when I was 18 years old.

- Iman

Think, Through, Very, Clearly

At the end of the day, a 34B doesn't give you self-esteem.

- Iman

End, End Of The Day, Give, Self-Esteem

The people who are the most successful in life are not stopped by fear.

- Iman

Life, People, Most, Stopped

There is no age better than another. The commitment to give of yourself and the knowledge that the time is right are what's important.

- Iman

Give, Right, Another, Commitment

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