Dame Anita Roddick was born in 1942 in Littlehampton, UK. Her plan was to teach, however she got married in 1970 to Gordon Roddick and they soon became pregnant. Soon after, she founded The Body Shop, a successful and well known corporation that stretches across the world. Anita got her inspiration from traveling when she witnessed trading, and saw things that made her question the way retail was presented to the world. Her business is founded on her desire for human rights. Anita spent her life advocating for human and environmental rights – priorities that were the founding principles to The Body Shop.
The Body Shop
The simplicity in her message, rooted in community and family, helped Anita build a strong brand that is now recognized world-wide. Founded in 1976, The Body Shop was simply a way for Anita to provide for her family. The company’s mission is “to enrich not exploit” – this slogan is seen throughout their campaigns and carries through each aspect of the business. The website is very transparent, and gives consumers a look into what the products are made of and where they come from. The company is based in the idea that business can do good in the world. They are strongly against animal testing, and are invested in community trade as a model to benefit the countries and people that they get their supplies to make their beauty products. The company was sold to L’Oreal in 2006.
Children on the Edge
Anita was able to reach out beyond the scope of her company and start an organization in response to the Romanian Orphanage Crisis. The independently recognized charity helps marginalized children throughout the world with things like basic rights to assisting with education. These resources the charity provides are vital to children across the globe who are escaping conflict situations in particular. Children on the Edge supports different regions in the world depending on where there is need, however they currently support children in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Uganda, Lebanon, India, and Nepal.
Anita Roddick exemplifies an entrepreneurial success story. She came from little means and built a company that is not only strongly branded, but carries the same message and philosophies through and through. While Anita’s company has grown exponentially and is highly regarded all over the world, she has not lost sight of the integrity of her business model. Across the board, Anita embodies many traits that align with great entrepreneurs – creativity, and passion shining above the rest.
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