PUBLISHER'S NOTE
What's Going On
T
hough I am founder and publisher of Gazelle, I tend to
shy away from being the focal point. However, I have
heard all the social media requests for me to be a cover
story, and I give in. Hope you enjoy getting to know me
better in Vicki French Bennington's Q&A on page 86.
And I am particularly excited about this edition because it focuses on
embracing beauty in all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and all things that
make up the beauty landscape.
It is hard to find fashion or beauty spreads that show diversity. The fact
is, as much as the industry is evolving, it remains the same. How I wish
we had an abundance of brands to pick from with inclusion for all. My
commitment is to always make Gazelle representative of our readership,
with a bit of that Gazelle sass, of course. As you browse through this
edition, notice the diversity within the pages. If there is something you
would like to see more of, drop me an email.
On another topic that I hope you can relate to: Sometimes we find
ourselves going down a path that was unplanned, but still feels right
- like it was destined to be. I have traveled
many paths over the years, but lately, I seem
to be unconsciously drawn to philanthropic
endeavors.
As I get older, I feel an urgency to make a
difference. I find myself being asked to serve on
committees like Laumeier Sculpture Park’s The
Big Dinner in September. I am also delighted
to serve as honorary co-chair for the Women's
Foundation of Greater Saint Louis' 2018
Making a Difference event on Sept. 20 at the
Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. The event honors
Build-A-Bear founder Maxine Clark and
Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
On Aug. 18, I am excited to attend the
Martin L. Mathews Awards Program & Benefit
Concert, where I will receive the Hubert
“Dickey” Ballentine Excellence in Media and
Cillah Hall
with Jackie
Joyner-Kersee
6
GAZELLE
Publications Award, a huge honor for me and my Gazelle team. I support
this organization because I want to help empower minority girls to reach
for the stars.
Here’s a little interesting fact about my connection to Mathews-
Dickey: On Aug. 10, 2003, I was sitting in the crowd of excited undergrads
at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, waiting to go on stage to accept
my diploma. At that same ceremony, a St. Louis legend was receiving an
honorary doctorate degree. That great man was Martin Mathews, co-
founder of the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. I only realized the
connection last year as I was scanning through my graduation program
guide, while cleaning up to move to a new house. It was a full-circle
moment, and inspired me to do more.
On Aug. 23, I will be participating in Saint Louis Crisis Nursery's
Celebrity Waiters Night. I care about this nonprofit because as a busy
divorced parent of two, I am fully aware of how overwhelming things can
get. Crisis Nursery is a supportive resource for parents who are stressed
out and need a few days to catch their breath. Join me at J. Gilberts, with
a dinner reservation between 6 and 8 p.m. If
you can’t attend, I would appreciate it if you
could contribute to my “tip jar,” either in person
or online at crisisnursery.com. All the money
helps Crisis Nursery prevent child abuse and
neglect. Please let me know you are coming so I
can drop by your table and say hello.
If you can relate, please take a moment to
find and help support a nonprofit that aligns
with your interests.
Cillah Hall
Founder and Publisher
[email protected]