In an era of changing beauty standards, major brands are tuning in to the evolving perceptions of beauty at every age.
Beauty retailer Sephora has introduced a unique initiative known as the ‘Sephora Squad,’ where a select group of online beauty influencers are recognized as ambassadors each year.
For 2023, the Sephora Squad boasts an impressive roster including notable influencers, among them two remarkable women from the Chicago area in their 50s.
ABC7 Chicago’s Tanja had the chance to speak with the women, exploring how beauty and self-confidence resonate from within.
Tracy Reed, a 56-year-old Englewood native, has a multifaceted background that includes roles as an FBI analyst, a stay-at-home mother, and a school teacher.
However, she never envisioned herself as a social media influencer until she embraced her natural gray hair.
“I’ve been gray since I was 22; it’s hereditary,” Tracy shared.
During the pandemic, she decided to document her journey of letting her gray hair grow out, which led to a viral photo that showcased her authenticity.
As her audience expanded, it became clear that many resonated with her experience.
Claudia Fabian, at the age of 57 and hailing from Bolingbrook, has always had a passion for beauty.
However, like many, she grew weary of trying to conceal the visible signs of aging.
In 2020, she made a bold decision to embrace her age, despite warnings from colleagues who cautioned that age might hinder her career.
“I have a bigger purpose here, and I’m going to do it,” Claudia declared, reflecting on how her choice rejuvenated her professional path.
The two women found common ground as they were selected as part of the exclusive group for the 2025 Sephora Squad, standing out as two of only three women in their 50s.
This partnership, lasting a year, allows them to create content and represent Sephora as brand ambassadors.
“I’ll take it,” Claudia quipped, acknowledging their roles as ‘tokens’ for visibility of women in their forties, fifties, and beyond.
Tracy affirmed that being a token is worthwhile if it disrupts societal narratives surrounding aging and beauty.
Together, they feel they are paving a new path for future generations.
In an inspiring conversation, Tanja asked the women about the significance of their visibility and being celebrated for their authentic selves.
Claudia responded, noting it feels liberating not to be tethered to the idea of looking significantly younger.
“There’s so much beauty in accepting yourself,” she emphasized.
Tracy mirrored this sentiment, stating, “I never equated aging with not being beautiful… age is just beautiful because it represents another day of life.”
Coining the concept of ‘aging in peace,’ Claudia and Tracy are discerning in selecting brands for partnerships, opting to promote those that resonate with their values.
For them, the term ‘anti-aging’ doesn’t align with their message; they’re redefining what it means to embody beauty at every stage of life.
image source from：https://abc7chicago.com/post/sephora-squad-2-chicago-influencers-team-beauty-brand/16664160/
