Selena Gomez recently did a candid interview with Fast Company, revealing the reasons behind her 2018 Instagram departure, shedding light on a tumultuous period following her breakup with Justin Bieber after their 8-year on-off romance. The pop sensation, who was the most followed woman on Instagram at the time, handed control of her account to an assistant, citing the need for distance from the post-breakup noise and the negative impact of Instagram on her body image.
Selena recounted the emotional toll of her changing body, exacerbated by unrealistic beauty standards on social media. “None of the sample sizes fit, which would make me feel embarrassed. Although how unrealistic is it to expect a normal woman’s body not to change?” she questioned. The singer also disclosed her 2018 diagnosis of bipolar disorder, reflecting on the challenges of growing up in the public eye and the burden of being a people pleaser.
The narrative shifted when Selena returned to Instagram, and her outlook on life transformed, “I had just gotten my heart broken. I didn’t need to see what everyone was doing,” she said of her social media hiatus. However, the platform’s obsession with her appearance continued, with trolls targeting her body after revealing scars from a kidney transplant (warning: Graphic content). Selena responded boldly, addressing the “beauty myth” in an Instagram post that resonated with fans, highlighting societal pressures on women.
Selena’s influence extends beyond music and social media. Her makeup line, Rare Beauty, launched three years ago, is expected to exceed $300 million in sales in 2023. The brand has carved a niche in the beauty industry by promoting inclusivity, with Selena emphasizing that makeup is for everyone, meant to enhance uniqueness rather than conform to a homogenous standard. The brand’s success and mission-driven approach have positioned it as a trailblazer in the industry.
Rare Beauty’s impact goes beyond cosmetics; it serves as a platform for discussions on mental health. Selena, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020, aims to destigmatize mental illness through her brand. The Rare Impact Fund, a nonprofit division, is on a mission to raise $100 million in 10 years to expand access to mental health services for young people globally. Rare Beauty’s commitment to mental health is not just a marketing strategy but a core aspect of its identity.’
Selena Gomez’s journey reflects the trials of fame, the complexities of mental health, and the transformative power of authenticity. As she embarks on a new chapter, working on her first album in three years, Selena remains open about her experiences, providing solace and inspiration to millions of fans who find a friend and a mentor in her journey of self-discovery.
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