Little Green Shop Grows Up

 

           

In 1976, it was just Anita Roddick opening a little green shop in Brighton. Today, it is one of the world's largest cosmetics companies, and it continues to spread a message of sustainability, ethical behaviour and "smashing beauty industry standards". There are so many things to love about this high street classic, both as a business and a shop- and here's just what makes it so amazing. 

After extensive research and careful scrolling through their 'about us', one of the things that stuck out to me most was their beliefs. Not only do they think business can be a force for good, they fight to empower women and girls. Whether its by smashing beauty standards or celebrating female leadership, this company is doing the most to make a difference. In a society where feminism has somehow become synonymous with man-hating, it's nice to see the fight for true equality gaining such strong allies. Labelling themselves as "a feminist brand' despite all of the misguided stigma around the title feminist proves that this company is prepared to take a stand. 

Something else that really stood out to me was the fact that they are a B Corp- essentially meaning that they use business as a force for good. In an increasingly consumerist and capitalist society, seeing such powerful corporations committing to harnessing their power, profits and growth to create a positive impact gives me hope. Across the globe, B Corps are responsible for healthier environments, lower levels of poverty, stronger communities and so much more. Body Shop got it right when they said "The Body Shop has joined the best club on the planet". 

I couldn't do a blog on The Body Shop without mentioning Natura &Co, four iconic beauty brands that are connected and indeed united by their purpose. Natura, Avon, Aesop and The Body Shop form the fourth largest beauty group in the world, and with a shared commitment to sustainable and ethical business practise, I can only hope they continue to grow. To quote The Body Shop; "We want to be a driving force in the beauty industry; taking action against the climate crisis, fighting animal testing and committing to fairer, more sustainable sourcing, as well as using our global voice to campaign for causes and bring about real, positive change." I couldn't have put it better myself. 

Running a business in such a competitive industry is difficult, and it would be easy for them to cut corners and take the easy (less ethical) way out. But thats what makes The Body Shop so special, they don't take the easy route- they do the difficult thing today to make a better tomorrow.