Anita Roddick died suddenly yesterday and I feel touched by it as I did when Paula Yates died.
The Body Shop was such a part of my early teenage years as I discovered that I could have my own opinion I didn't have to think the same as everyone else. She founded an company based upon principles which appealed to me then, and still do. My values were forming at a time when it became possible to buy products that were not tested on animals, that were available in refillable plastic bottles and ethically sourced. For years I wore their White Musk perfume, used their Vitamin E moisturiser and bought their gift baskets for my friends.
I learnt to think for myself, to decide where I stood and what was important to me. I couldn't stand sitting on the fence. I joined Greenpeace to add my little teenage voice to their Stop the Bloody Whaling campaign and am a member still. I think the beliefs we embrace in those formative years stay with us, as does our taste in music.....long live Yazoo, Spandau Ballet and The Police.