Anita!
The Woman Behind the Body Shop
Who would have guessed that Anita Roddick, founder and CEO of The Body Shop cosmetic stores, once dressed in rags and chains and screamed at the top of her lungs for a school talent show? And won first prize? Anita! The Woman Behind the Body Shop includes this and many other anecdotes from the life of one of the most unconventional and successful women entrepreneurs today. Fifteen short chapters chronicle her journey from a somewhat impoverished childhood to a millionaire and socially active businesswoman. Being evicted from a “blacks only” club in South Africa, getting married while pregnant with her second child, and renting the first Body Shop storefront while her husband was on a 2,000-mile horse trip are only a few of Anita’s adventures described.
Written in a breezy, conversational style, this light biography also contains tips on looking your best and a sampling of environmental suggestions. Colored-pencil illustrations by Lisa Kopper are a cheerful accompaniment. Young girls, ages 9 to 14, looking for strong role models will appreciate this portrayal of a new kind of businesswoman: one who can combine financial success with an awareness of global social responsibility.
Reviewed by
Leigh Forrest
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
