We were lucky to catch up with Anissa Rochester recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Anissa, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Beauty Within started as a local TV program focused on fashion to promote diversity and inclusion before all these other brands. The TV show, and the magazine blog focus on Beauty, Fashion, Red Carpet events, and Music bits, Beauty Within magazine has seamlessly mixed beauty and invigoration with lifestyle and inspiration. It sets itself apart by encouraging women from every cultural background to discover, develop, and embrace their true beauty from within. BWTV makes it possible for true diversity, inspiration, and entertainment to coexist. Currently Beauty Within podcast “Find Your Beauty Within” provides the guidance people need to develop their self-worth, recognize their value, and love themselves. With Anissa’s positive energy and insights from her guests, you will dust off the negative cobwebs in your mind and see yourself and all your potential in a new, positive light. The mission is to help women progress in their everyday lives to enhance self-confidence, professional growth, good health, recognize and acknowledge their self-worth, and be uplifted and motivated to achieve their goals and aspirations in life.
Anissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Beauty Within began with the desire to break into the fashion industry, but as a black woman, I struggled with confidence. I didn’t fit the traditional mold of a model and doubted my beauty despite my deep passion for fashion. In the early 200’w, I purchased a camera for $800 and posted an ad on Craiglist looking for a TV host and videographer. In the beginning, I would film and edit the program.. Being a single parent pursuing my dreams made things challenging, but receiving a press pass to interview numerous designers and celebrities was the start. I encountered Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Pharrell, Jay Z, and designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Donna Karen, Oscar de la Renta, and many more. What sets me apart is I started Beauty Within when there weren’t many black models, media, or designers. Today you see many influencers covering fashion week, all races and sizes. This was a challenge in the 2000s. I am especially proud of taking the first step with a restricted budget to establish Beauty Within as a magazine, organizing Black Fashion Matter fashion show featuring Fat Joe as a guest, launching a podcast, and educating elementary students on film and fashion.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I faced rejection numerous times, being criticized for having a small camcorder, not having a white host, and not wearing much makeup. Despite working retail and freelance work as a brand ambassador, I still had to juggle taking my daughter to various activities and managing my career. I remember going to fashion week on my lunch break. Eventually I was fired from G-shock. I stayed focus on Beauty Within, against all odds.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I am transforming my life into a project where I mentor and educate children in the fields of film and fashion. I am now focused on revamping Beauty Within Forever, a lasting endeavor where I show old footage from NYFW Bryant Park clips on YouTube.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beautywithinmagazine.com/
- Instagram: Beautywithinmagazine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyWithinMedia/about
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anissa-rochester-1844b95
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/beautywithintv
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYUAQGyBwzJ0COild2bvpUQ
- Other: https://youtu.be/678f1wGoN44?si=RFk7yeumdFXU_nV2 Black fashion matters