The Inner Beauty Project 2012!

It's hard to believe that a year has passed since we started The Inner Beauty Project. And what a year it's been! Because of your letters and your feedback, I realized that we were missing an important aspect of discourse in our society. EVERYONE has trauma and trials that almost break them. Everyone needs to know that even in our darkest moments, we're not alone. Sharing is what makes us feel alive and part of something bigger.

This led me to start a magazine. On February 1st of this year, I decided to honor The Inner Beauty Project with a social revolution. We need a magazine that teaches us how to share our burdens and lift each other up. You will NOT see derogatory images and captions about celebrities. We won't teach you how to love him, or how to please your boss.

We will teach you how to love yourself and see your own beauty with value. We will show you women who have pushed past social taboos to talk about their struggles. We will lift you up and help you feel less alone.

We are also opening the letter writing for the second year! It's time to stop waiting for someone else to say the perfect thing you need to hear. It's time to be your own strength and say it yourself. For Valentine's Day we want you to be your own Valentine, put yourself first. Write yourself a letter acknowledging how amazing you are. Don't wait. Even if you don't submit it to us, write it for yourself, remind yourself of your triumphs.

The campaign will run through March 31, 2012. We have a panel of amazing women who have overcome their own difficulties who will vote and choose winners. Yes, that's plural winners!

Five lucky women will get a glamorous photo shoot with Iman and be featured in the May issue of Stark Beauty Magazine!

Other winners will win an empowerment package including a self defense class with Doris Rivera of Never a Victim. Desiree Galvez of Gaiam is donating a stunning handmade Peruvian necklace perfect for summer. Kate Hart is donating a haircut plus a color service at Arvada Hair Company. Donna Levan of Pure Romance is donating a $25 gift certificate with the option to double if you host a party. Danielle with Cheesecake Skin Therapy Mobile Spa is donating a Ultra-Senstitive RX kit. Melanie Piek of Vertical Fusion Studio is donating a three class pole dancing package. I'll update this blog as more donations come in!

Our greatest hope is that this feeling of sisterhood and empowerment grows as it is shared. So please share this project with the women you love. Change is coming and you can help make it happen!