Shakira on Innovation, Community, and a Lifelong Pursuit of Knowledge
Shakira’s career began at a young age, and her connection to her hair has been a constant throughout her life. This personal journey, marked by years of experimenting with styles and battling the complexities of her multi-textured, color-treated curls, ultimately fueled her latest venture: a hair care line born from a desire for solutions she couldn’t find elsewhere.
The advancement of the line wasn’t a solitary process. Shakira emphasized the crucial role of community, stating she rigorously tested each formulation with a diverse group – friends, family, professionals, and individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds and hair types. “We tested with my friends, my team, my family, professionals, experts, latinas, non-Latinas, women, men… Everyone was part of the perfect creation of thes formulas with their comments. We were committed to offering real solutions to real people.”
This collaborative spirit reflects a broader beliefs that drives Shakira’s work. When asked how she balances her many roles – artist, mother, businesswoman, and now, beauty brand founder – she highlighted the importance of surrounding herself with a talented team. But beyond delegation, shakira revealed a genuine enthusiasm for the process of creation itself.”With any new project, there are always challenges. Its natural. I am lucky to be surrounded by a team with some of the brightest scientific minds. I love exploring new frontiers and breaking boundaries. I find it exciting to be constantly learning and growing.”
This sentiment – the joy of continuous learning - is central to her approach. She described the launch of ‘isima‘ as representing “true innovation, with clinically proven results, for a community that has been underserved.” The brand’s name, ‘isima’ (meaning “most” or “superlative”), embodies this ambition to push boundaries and encourage consumers to demand more from their hair care.
Shakira sees the line as more than just products; it’s a recognition of a previously overlooked demographic.”It’s about feeling heard in the everyday struggles with your hair and the confidence it gives you when it looks amazing. It may seem like a small thing, but that feeling of being recognized by an industry that has long overlooked women like me, with intricate hair like mine, was very notable to me.”
Ultimately, the project is a gift to her devoted fanbase, who have long admired and emulated her style. “They are at the heart of everything I do, so I look forward to listening to them and continuing to work to give them exactly what they are looking for.” For Shakira, the launch of ‘isima’ isn’t just a new chapter, but a continuation of a lifelong journey of exploration, innovation, and connection with her community.
