How The City Girl Beauty Project Is Empowering Women Today

Women’s  empowerment as a movement has always been something that is worth shedding light on. This is why when I encountered the City Girl Beauty Project in a google search for women’s rights organizations I was immediately drawn to their enigmatic presence . 

The city girl beauty product is a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit organization that is based in the greater New York City area that was inspired by “real moments” and “actual events” witnessed by the CEO, Andrea D. Charles during her childhood. With this, she founded the project back in 2011 to provide a safe space for young women and girls who have been survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, allowing them to recognize their worth as a woman and their inner beauty —- creating a wonderful life of beauty and leadership within their communities.

I had the utmost pleasure  speaking to Ms. Charles about the organization and her promising vision to make women recognize that past circumstances don’t define them and that they are capable of feeling their absolute best no matter what.

Tell us a little bit about the organization?    

City Girl Beauty Project (CGBP) is a non-profit organization which seeks to help survivors of domestic violence or abuse, sexual harassment, human trafficking, and sexual abuse. Our focus is directed to women ages 18-30. We seek to provide a platform where women can share their experiences with others and help make a change.

What inspired the name of the organization?  

I usually work in Los Angeles, and when I get back to NY, I have a girls get together with all my close friends. We not only “catch-up,” but as a part of our ritual, we would donate to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. And I told my nieces about this project and they told me, ”Aunty, you are a city girl. Keep doing it.”

Andrea D. Charles pictured above - CEO of The City Girl Project

You are also a makeup artist yourself. How did you transition makeup artistry into the nonprofit sector?   

As a makeup artist, I worked with not just women with various facial structures, tones and shades, likes and dislikes, but also with women who have had different life experiences. I have worked with clients who have scars which I had to cover up. One day, a client who was also a survivor of domestic violence sat in my chair and she shared her story on how she acquired her scars. When I finished, I saw a change in her demeanor, and she was more confident and happier. Upon seeing her reaction, I realized that there may be other women like her with not necessarily the same experience but relatable ones. Therefore, CGBP came alive.

This organization has been around for over a decade and continues to raise the bar for women’s empowerment. What are some of the most rewarding things you’ve experienced while creating this organization?   

This organization makes me smile. It is the most fulfilling thing in my life. It’s simply my child. The most rewarding things are seeing this organization blossom, how this platform has changed women’s and their families’ lives, and witnessing the victims transforming victors through workshops, makeup, and more.

What is a typical day like at the foundation for women who have experienced these hardships?  

A day at this organization consists of phone calls between volunteers and the public body, seeking donations, spreading the word about our goals and future events. We engage in various conference calls discussing new ideas and ways to help and get other survivors involved. We call the survivors who are involved with the organization to hear their ideas so that we can make it better for them and encourage others to speak out and share their experiences. We also keep them informed about any upcoming events which might interest them. Social media plays a big role in this organization. We update our page on Instagram daily with inspiring quotes videos and pictures to provide support to individuals who are in needs but are afraid to come forward. We also talk about any new ventures and ideas the organization is involved in, to keep our public updated.

As a volunteer, what does a typical day look like when providing these groundbreaking services?   

As a volunteer, the day is filled with interaction. From phone calls with anyone willing to listen to our ideas and support us, sharing their stories, attending workshops and events to seeking funds necessary to keep our platform up and running. Volunteers discuss ideas with executive board members and me, to help women who have not discovered their lioness as yet.   

via @cgbeautyproject

You run various workshops from self- empowerment to make-up lessons. Can you explain the process behind setting up these inspiring events?  

Organizing these workshops and classes require precise planning. First, we develop ideas which make workshop and classes interesting and empowering. We seek donations and individuals interested in our ideas and events. We locate sponsors for the venues catering services and evaluate candidates to be our hosts to keep the events organized. We set dates and times which are reasonable for majority, our supporters and survivors. When “all our ducks are in a row,” we advertise our events on our social media pages and encourage others to share.

Speaking on some of the inspiring events, back in October the organization held the Beauty for a Cause. What was the process and outcome like?

For the Beauty for a Cause event, we teamed up with Beauty Fix Medspa, who is a sponsor of ours, as well as raising funds and garnering new allies who support the organizations goals. We also had a few influencers as well ( Lifestyle Influencer Melissa Frusco and Dr. Yetunde A. Odugbesan-Omede, Ph.D) which turned out great. 

At the event, the organization raised some funds, and we were able to partner with a few allies who are supporting the organization.

You also have applications up for the Heroic Beauty Workshop this year. Can you explain what this event will be like? 

The Heroic Beauty Workshop is a workshop that we are offering to 10 young women annually. The program will be facilitated by a professional makeup artist, wardrobe/image consultant, entrepreneur/small business expert, professional coach.

What are some necessary steps to feel more empowered?

I think this feeling is linked to happiness. I believe once women are happy, they feel empowered. As women, standing together and helping everyone in your community gives us a great feeling.

What advice would you give to a woman who is facing issues of domestic abuse and human trafficking to feel more confident in her worth as a woman?

Women who are victims of domestic abuse and trafficking, generally suffer from a lack of self-love. I would encourage them to leave their abusive situation and find a haven. I know it is hard to do and they result in negative outcomes. But I encourage them to find something that makes them happy, strong and worthy. For some of them, it might be makeup, and for some, it might be reading. I believe they should focus on activities that make them happy. If there is anyone they trust or feel protected around, they should discuss their feelings with them and avoid “bottling them up.” And I know it is very challenging, but these women are strong. They just need to find something that helps them discover that.

Any lasting remarks?

At City Girl Beauty Project, we invite everyone to protect victims and survivors, and provide a foundation for victims to become victors. We are asking for donations, volunteers and any forms that can help our public extend to us. Visit our social medias at Instagram (@CGbeautyproject), Facebook (@Citygirlbeautyproject), Twitter (@CGBeautyproject) and our website ( www.citygirlbeautyproject.org). And we want to tell the survivors and their families is that you are strong, and you can make a change no matter what you have been through.