**Selena Gomez Honoured with PEOPLE’s Inaugural Beauty Impact Award for Mental Health Advocacy**
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Selena Gomez, the founder of Rare Beauty, has received the inaugural Beauty Impact Award from PEOPLE for her substantial contributions to mental health awareness among young people. This recognition comes as Gomez reflects on her own experiences with mental health and the significance she has placed on supporting others through her brand.
Launched in 2020, Rare Beauty was founded on principles that extend beyond the typical celebrity beauty line. Gomez aimed to create a platform that prioritises mental health advocacy alongside its product offerings. Over the past few years, the brand’s commitment to this mission has only intensified, resulting in the establishment of the Rare Impact Fund, which has successfully raised over $30 million to support mental health initiatives for youth around the world.
During a recent photoshoot in Los Angeles, Gomez accepted the award from PEOPLE’s General Manager and Editor-in-Chief, Charlotte Triggs. “If there’s one thing that I’m most proud of, it’s our message and what we stand for as a brand,” she expressed. The Beauty Impact Award acknowledges figures in the beauty industry whose efforts extend beyond mere commerce, advocating for meaningful societal change.
Gomez’s personal narrative has played a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and understanding among her followers. Having openly shared her struggles with bipolar disorder, she has helped demystify discussions around mental health that can often seem daunting or isolating. Her candidness has enabled countless individuals to connect with her on a profound level.
At the heart of Rare Beauty’s mental health advocacy is the Rare Impact Fund, which Gomez launched with a pledge to raise $100 million over a decade. Additionally, the company dedicates 1% of its product sales to the fund. The initiative has already reached an estimated 3.5 million young individuals annually, collaborating with respected organisations such as The Trevor Project and Child Mind Institute to provide crucial mental health resources.
Elyse Cohen, Chief Impact Officer at Rare Beauty and President of the Rare Impact Fund, notes that while the fund was inspired by Gomez’s personal journey, it has grown to address the broader needs of mental health support. Cohen emphasises Gomez’s genuine desire to make a difference, stating, “Her focus is on the process and the understanding that many young people may share similar challenges.”
The fund aims to fill gaps in mental health care for youth, concentrating on suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and educational solutions in schools. The interconnection between Gomez and her audience stands out, as her ability to make herself approachable and relatable plays a critical role in her outreach and connection with fans.
Cohen draws parallels between Gomez and prominent figures such as Michelle Obama in their capacity to genuinely connect with people. “Selena cares more about the individual’s story than superficial details,” she explains. This authenticity allows her to resonate with a diverse demographic, including both younger fans and their parents.
Gomez, while dedicated to using her platform to help others, remains realistic about her mental health journey. She acknowledges the difficulties individuals face when struggling with mental health, stating, “When you’re in a mental health cycle, you can’t hear advice. What I encourage is to hold on and know that it’s okay to feel all your feelings.”
The singer-actress credits her close friendships and family relationships with providing her the much-needed support during tough times. “Having people in my life who love unconditionally has made all the difference,” she shares, highlighting the importance of simply being present for someone in distress.
Gomez views her mental health journey as an ongoing process rather than a challenge to be conquered. “I’m continually learning about myself,” she remarks, noting the significance of therapy and self-care in maintaining her mental well-being.
As the Rare Impact Fund continues to evolve, Gomez believes in its mission to strengthen the organisations it supports. Cohen envisions a future where partnerships flourish and mental health initiatives are enhanced through collaborative efforts. With upcoming events, such as their fourth annual benefit on October 14, which aims to raise further funds for mental health initiatives, the future looks promising.
In conclusion, Selena Gomez’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy demonstrates how personal experiences can lead to expansive community impact. Her philosophy remains straightforward: “Even if we were helping ten people, it’s the best feeling in the world.” As Gomez and her team focus on nurturing connections and supporting young people globally, the influence of Rare Beauty transcends conventional beauty standards, fostering a movement centred on understanding and compassion.