Age is just a number, but anyone who has worked in Hollywood knows that women tend to "age out" of the industry. So, in an industry — and a society — that values youth over age, and naivete over experience, 'older' women — especially older Black women — are often overlooked in favor of their peers.
But that's not the case with Nicole Murphy. With a calm, welcoming aura, a timeless and ageless beauty, and a business mindset that demonstrates an acumen on par with comparable corporate male counterparts, the model, mother, and now mogul is hoping that women of all ages, and from all backgrounds, find their "fountain of youth" with her new cruelty-free, vegan, and organic skincare line, YFOY (Your Fountain of Youth).
21Ninety had an exclusive opportunity to have a chat with Ms. Murphy, where we talked about the beauty of maturity, her new YFOY line, and her plans for the future.
21Ninety: Tell us a little bit about your entrepreneurial journey – and specifically, how you came up with the YFOY skincare line?
Nicole Murphy: Once I became an empty nester, I realized that it was time to express my style, taste, and the experiences I learned through years of modeling and traveling around the world. When I would travel, I would collect beads from all over the world. Then I started making jewelry by hand. I would wear the jewelry and people would ask if they were for sale! I initially started a jewelry line called FLP which stood for FRIENDSHIP LOVE PEACE. I also love decorating houses. I know what I like, and it happens to come naturally for me. So I started my interior decorating business Nicole Murphy Designs. I have decorated quite a few houses and would eventually like to have my own line of furniture.
I started a skincare line called Zobela, that I named after my two daughters Zola and Bella. I found that even though the products were good, they were more expensive than consumers were willing to pay, and they did not have all-natural ingredients. I thought, why not come out with new products that are natural, affordable, and really work?
That’s when I began working on YFOY, which stands for YOUR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. I wanted to make sure that I can stand behind and believe in my products 100%.
21N: Let's talk a little bit about the mission statement of YFOY: you mentioned the goal of the company is to "embrace who you are," and to own it. Obviously, that seems to speak to older women (such as myself!) who have lived a few years and been through a few things. But we're in a society where older women aren't embraced as beautiful, active, and vital. How do you push back against that messaging with YFOY, and what are some tips you'd give to women who struggle with the discontentment in getting older?
NM: YFOY is about embracing who you are. We can’t push back Father Time, but we can still look fresh and feel good about ourselves. I’m not trying to look 21 again — I just aspire to look good as I age. So why not embrace it?
I don’t mind telling people my age. I hope to inspire other women to tell their age and feel confident. That’s what YFOY is all about. Women need to stop getting caught up thinking everything is over just because they’re older. It’s not.
You’re smarter, more experienced and if you realize it, you will be more confident. You can still be a beautiful, classy, confident, sexy, grown woman.
It’s time for us grown women to realize this and stop getting caught up thinking it’s over. I am a grandmother now but I’m not the typical stereotype of a grandmother we were taught to think of. I’m still young at heart while embracing being a grandmother.
21N: Let's talk a little bit, too, about beauty being more than "skin deep." Clearly, it's essential to take care of yourself both inside and out to really "reverse" (for lack of a better word) the effects of aging. What are some mindful dietary practices, and other "inside" practices (prayer, meditation, etc.), do you practice to look so young, beautiful, and glowing?
NM: I love staying active. No matter what, I make time to go to the gym and lift light weights. I enjoy hot yoga, I love going on long walks, swimming, and bike riding. I feel that it’s very important to stay active in some kind of way, even if it’s through a hobby. It’s okay to take some “me” time for yourself. A lot of us women get caught up taking care of everyone else and we forget about ourselves. Even if you start off with 30 minutes of self-care, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s okay to love yourself.
I try to stay aware of what I eat. I’m still learning new things all the time as I grew up with some bad eating habits! My mother is British so she would cook with a lot of butter, lard, meats and potatoes. I learned later on in life what is good for your body and what’s not. So now, of course, I’m not perfect and have my days where I splurge and eat whatever I want, but for the majority of the time, I try to eat healthy, incorporating lots of vegetables, proteins, water, and juicing into my meals.
As they say, you are what you eat!
21N: Walk us through a daily skin routine using YFOY products (FYI, I'm trying the facial cleanser now, and I just love it!).
NM: My daily routine with YFOY is: In the morning I wash my face with my Super Glow Face Cleanser ($28) which I love because it’s full of antioxidants. It is not stripping to the skin, makes my skin feel nice and soft and it removes any makeup residue.
After I rinse my face, I leave my face damp and apply my A.M/P.M. Hydration Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($17) which helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, retaining moisture to the skin and creating a plumping effect. When the skin is protected and hydrated, increased skin cell production can take place, as the skin isn't busy fighting for hydration. This leads to smoother, plumper skin cells. I apply this in the morning and at night.
Then I apply the All Day Glow Vitamin C+ Serum ($23). This serum acts as a barrier, helping protect the skin from everything from sunburn to photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and an uneven skin tone. Additionally, it also helps boost collagen.
Finally, I apply a moisturizer and sunblock no matter if it’s raining, snowing, windy, or the sun is shining. As of now, I am working on a Moisturizing Sunblock by YFOY that will be available soon.
21N Any plans to expand the line, especially into retail stores? Or, perhaps, with some more products?
NM: With YFOY expect more to come! As the company grows I would love to have YFOY in stores and spas, and eventually, maybe have my own store. I am just so excited that I can share my tried and true secrets with everyone through YFOY. I plan on adding more products to the line to allow everyone to love themselves, and to find their youth! YFOY will be more than just a brand; it will become a MOVEMENT! WHAT'S YOUR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH?
21N: And finally, what's the one thing you'd love people to remember you by?
NM: I would love for people to remember me as a woman who is strong, confident, and an inspiration for other women.