Supermodel Jodie Kidd discusses her hectic life as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for environmental sustainability amidst her various business ventures.
Jodie Kidd, a well-known supermodel celebrated for her work with high-fashion brands and lifestyle publications, is currently navigating a multitude of responsibilities, including preparations for a summer wedding, managing her own pub, and promoting her sustainable beauty brand, Skin & Tonic. At 45 years old, Kidd admits her schedule is hectic, likening her busy life to “Dee-dee- diddle-iddle,” as she gestures with her arms to indicate her frantic pace.
Kidd balances her professional ambitions alongside her duties as a mother to her 13-year-old son, Indio, whom she affectionately calls Indie. In addition to her endeavors in the beauty industry, she oversees several businesses, including an eco-friendly fashion line called Manava and a sustainable food product range. Reflecting on her role as a parent, Kidd acknowledges that her son has inspired her to prioritize environmental issues. “I’ve learned so much from Indie,” she stated, attributing this shift to the awareness fostered in schools that teach children about caring for the planet “in a non-terrifying way.”
In a recent collaboration with Kia, Kidd participated in a striking campaign to launch the brand’s new electric vehicle, the EV9. This involved a high-stakes stunt in which she donned protective gear while interacting with a coil emitting over a million volts. “We obviously had mega health and safety on the shoot,” she recounted, describing the experience as both “terrifying and fun,” and noting, “I had full-on lightning bolts coming out of my fingers. It’s definitely something I will remember forever.”
Kidd’s transition into entrepreneurship marks a significant shift from her previous career as a model, which she described as “chaotic.” She was discovered at just 15 and quickly became a sought-after figure in the fashion industry. However, this success came at a cost, as she faced severe anxiety and panic attacks, including notably one that occurred on the runway. After a decade in modeling, Kidd reassessed her priorities, returning to the English countryside to find solace and rebuild her mental health.
As the Creative Director of Skin & Tonic, Kidd’s vision is closely tied to the brand’s commitment to clean beauty, which she perceives as essential in a world saturated with harmful chemicals. “We are bamboozled by chemicals these days, whether you’re swimming in it or opting for toxic beauty products. Brands using organic ingredients are the way forward now,” she emphasized in an interview with The Ethicalist.
She promotes several products from her line, highlighting favorites like the Plump Up Hydration Serum and the Calm Down Face Oil, which are all cruelty-free and non-toxic. As a shareholder and active decision-maker within the company, Kidd plays an integral role in product development and marketing.
Despite her commitment to clean beauty, Kidd acknowledges the contradictions of her lifestyle, such as her passion for motor racing and frequent flying. She aims to strike a balance by offsetting her carbon footprint through tree planting and conscious recycling efforts at home. “I am always looking for new ways to be as environmentally friendly as possible as a family,” she noted.
Among her daily practices to support the environment, Kidd and her family grow their own vegetables and prioritize local produce, even if it comes at a higher cost. Their proactive stance includes participating in community beach cleanups, emphasizing the importance of educating future generations about ecological responsibility.
In a candid discussion about the fashion industry, Kidd expressed concern about fast fashion’s environmental impacts and the need to be vigilant about purchasing habits. “The dyes, the processes, the way that they are doing things in fast fashion now is simply terrible,” she said, urging a reconsideration of consumer choices in the fashion realm.
Kidd’s multifaceted career and deep commitment to environmental sustainability illustrate the evolving nature of her influence, both as a businesswoman and as a public figure concerned with the state of the planet. Through her various initiatives, she is actively shaping her narrative while engaging with pressing social issues, leaving room for public reflection on her dual pursuits of beauty and environmental stewardship.
Source: Noah Wire Services
