Iman

Iman Abdulmajid was born in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 25, 1955. Being the daughter of a diplomat, Iman was raised in a comparatively privileged home, where she was quickly taught the basics of global politics. That interest not only stayed with her for the rest of her life, but it led her to Nairobi, Kenya to study Political Science at the local University. It was there that she crossed paths with fashion photographer, Peter Beard. Instantly entranced by her strong features, beautiful eyes, and model figure, Beard begged her to come to New York. After some initial skepticism, Iman crossed the Atlantic and made an instant impact on the global fashion scene. In 1979, Iman made history as the first African (or African-American) woman to appear on the cover of Vogue. Soon afterwards she made more history when she became the first woman of color to sign a cosmetics contract.

Iman became as big a star as a model could become in that era, and quickly turned her attention to film. After some small roles in some truly terrible films, Iman got her breakthrough in the Oscar-winning Out of Africa with Robert Redford and Meryl Streep. From there she moved on to roles in films like House Party 2, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and a cameo in the Michael Jackson "Remember the Time" video. Having grown weary of promoting cosmetics, Iman decided that the major brands were not doing enough to address the needs of women of color. In 1994, she launched her own line of cosmetics aimed exclusively at this often overlooked and underrepresented consumer group.

So far, the company has been extremely successful and in 2000 the company launched the I-IMAN Makeup line of cosmetics for use by all women. In May 2007 Iman launched her signature line, IMAN Global Chic, on HSN. She is CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare & Fragrances, a line she launched to market a selection of products towards women of color.