beautyBEAUTY EDITORIALExclusiveEXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWfashionFASHION EDITORIALFashion ModelfeaturedinterviewsROBERTA WHITNEYWomen EmpowermentWomen In Business
Redefining Beauty and Empowerment: An Exclusive Interview with Roberta Whitney
Fashion Model Roberta Whitney graces the fashion cover of OTS Magazine's 'Beauty & Empowerment Issue'. The cover was skillfully captured by the renowned photographer Michelle George, with makeup artistry by Paige Marie. Styling for the shoot was provided by the distinguished Lambdens of Woburn Boutique. Prior to the shoot, Roberta’s beauty preparation included a rejuvenating facial treatment by Oras, and body sculpting treatment by Hera Studio ensuring her skin was radiant and flawless for the feature.
With over 30 years of experience in fashion, wellness, and advocacy, Roberta Whitney has become a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity. From her early days as a model challenging rigid beauty standards to founding the pro-aging skincare brand BIOBEAUTY, Roberta has redefined what it means to thrive in the beauty industry.
Her mission goes beyond aesthetics. As the first spokesperson for Models of Diversity, she advocates for representation across race, age, and body type, envisioning a world where diversity is the norm, not the exception.
In this exclusive interview, Roberta shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the challenges she overcame as a Black female entrepreneur, and her vision for an inclusive beauty future.
Get ready to be inspired by a woman who’s not just breaking barriers but rewriting the rules entirely.
What inspired you to launch BIOBEAUTY, and how does it reflect your vision of beauty, empowerment, and inclusivity in the modern skincare industry?
BIOBEAUTY was launched as more than just a skincare brand—it is a movement, a redefinition of beauty that embraces inclusivity, authenticity, and the power of self-care. Rooted in over three decades of experience in fashion, wellness, and advocacy, the brand was born from a desire to challenge outdated beauty standards and celebrate the evolution of beauty at every stage of life.
BIOBEAUTY is a response to the industry's long-standing lack of representation, particularly for mature skin. It was created to empower individuals to embrace aging with confidence, offering luxury, natural formulations that nourish and enhance rather than conceal. At its core, BIOBEAUTY stands as a testament to the belief that beauty is not about perfection—it is about radiance, resilience, and self-acceptance. Beyond skincare, the brand is a platform for advocacy, ensuring that diversity in beauty is not a fleeting trend but a lasting commitment.
Your career spans over 25 years, blending fashion, wellness, and advocacy. What pivotal moments shaped your path into these interconnected fields?
My journey began as a model in my late teens, where I experienced both the glamour of the fashion industry and its glaring shortcomings, especially the lack of diversity. A pivotal moment came when I was turned away from a major opportunity because my look and height didn’t align with the narrow beauty standards at the time. That rejection didn’t defeat me—it inspired me to challenge and redefine those standards. Later, my personal exploration of wellness revealed that true beauty starts with health, self-care, and a clean, natural approach. These experiences—rejection, self-discovery, and resilience—shaped the foundation of my brand, BIOBEAUTY, and my mission to champion inclusivity and holistic, natural beauty.
As a proud Black female entrepreneur, what challenges did you face breaking into industries that have historically lacked diversity, and how did you overcome them?
The lack of representation in the beauty and fashion industries has always been painfully clear. I often had to fight for my voice to be heard in rooms where no one looked like me, where my ideas were dismissed as being for “niche” markets. My agency at the time labelled me as “exotic” which ultimately led to fewer bookings. The skepticism I faced was disheartening, but it never silenced me. I overcame these challenges by staying rooted in my vision and surrounding myself with mentors and supporters who believed in me. Building BIOBEAUTY as a pro-aging brand for mature skin was my way of proving that diversity isn’t a limitation—it’s an advantage.
Your work with Models of Diversity is transformative. What inspired you to align with this movement, and how do you envision its impact evolving over the next decade?
Models of Diversity struck a chord with me because it addresses the very challenges I faced early in my career. The organization’s mission to promote inclusivity across race, age, body type, and ability perfectly mirrors my own values. I became their first Spokesperson because I wanted to be part of something that could create real, lasting change in the fashion industry. Over the next decade, I envision a world where diversity is no longer a trend but a baseline, with authentic representation woven into the fabric of the industry.
Your holistic approach to beauty and wellness goes beyond aesthetics. Can you share your philosophy on how self-care and health intersect with confidence and empowerment?
To me, beauty begins with self-respect and self-care. When we prioritize nourishing our bodies and minds, confidence naturally follows—it radiates from the inside out. At BIOBEAUTY, we focus on clean, natural formulations that nurture mature skin, because I believe beauty evolves with time. Empowerment comes from recognizing that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Self-care is an act of reclaiming your power and setting the foundation for confidence and strength.
Many people struggle with achieving balance in their lives. What practices or routines do you recommend for cultivating both inner and outer beauty?
Start small but be consistent. For inner beauty, I recommend daily mindfulness practices like journaling or meditation, even if it’s just five minutes a day. For outer beauty, hydration, a nutrient-rich diet, and clean, effective skincare are essential. Movement is also key—whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk is my favourite, or dancing, it helps keep your body and mind aligned. Most importantly, listen to your body and give yourself grace.
What’s your secret to maintaining such radiant and youthful skin?
As a reverse-aging consultant and founder of BIOBEAUTY, my skincare routine revolves around my luxury natural products. These are my daily go-to for nourishment and maintaining a radiant complexion. However, when I want to elevate my glow, I trust Oras at ByOras Aesthetics.
For me to achieve the youthful glow you see in these photos from my recent photoshoot exclusively for OTS magazine UK, Oras worked her magic with a bespoke combination of microdermabrasion, microneedling, and mesotherapy infused with her signature hydrating serum cocktail. The results were instant—plump, glowing skin with a youthful radiance that was perfect for the camera.
What sets Oras apart is her ability to blend cutting-edge aesthetics with a deeply personalized approach. She doesn’t just follow trends; she takes the time to understand your skin’s unique needs and crafts treatments that reverse the signs of aging while enhancing your natural beauty. The results leave you refreshed and revitalized, never overdone. If you’re serious about achieving youthful, glowing skin, Oras is truly a genius and my ultimate secret weapon!
In your coaching, what are the most common misconceptions about beauty and wellness that you encounter, and how do you help clients shift their perspectives?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that beauty is about perfection. Many people believe they need to “fix” themselves, but I encourage them to embrace their uniqueness instead. Another myth is that wellness requires a lot of money or time. I help clients shift by showing them that small, accessible changes—like drinking more water or taking a five-minute stretch break—can have a profound impact. Beauty and wellness are journeys, not destinations.
Starting and thriving in the beauty and wellness industry can be daunting. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to leave a mark in this competitive space?
Know your “why.” Your purpose will be the anchor that keeps you grounded when challenges arise. Do your research and make authenticity the cornerstone of your brand. And don’t underestimate the power of storytelling—your personal journey is your unique selling point and can inspire others to connect with your mission.
Modeling is often seen as a glamorous but cutthroat world. What is your advice to aspiring models, especially those from underrepresented communities, about navigating and thriving in this industry?
Stay true to yourself and don’t compromise your values. The industry can be tough, but knowing who you are and what you stand for will keep you grounded. Seek out mentors and build relationships with people who champion your vision. And remember, your presence in this space isn’t just for you—you’re paving the way for others to follow.
What qualities or mindset do you believe are essential for building a sustainable career, both as a model and as an entrepreneur?
Resilience, adaptability, and authenticity. Resilience helps you weather setbacks, adaptability ensures you stay relevant, and authenticity builds trust and loyalty with your audience. Whether you’re modeling or running a business, your ability to connect with people on a genuine level is what sets you apart.
As an advocate for women’s empowerment, how do you use your platform to inspire and uplift women globally?
I use my platform to share stories of resilience—both mine and those of other women—because storytelling has the power to inspire and unite us. Through BIOBEAUTY and my work with Models of Diversity, I aim to create opportunities for women who feel unseen. I’ve also mentored young women in South Africa, encouraging them to dream boldly and unapologetically claim their power.
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Hair and Make up artist : Paige Marie , Styling: Lambdens of Woburn Boutique |
What does women’s empowerment mean to you personally, and how has it influenced your career choices and initiatives?
To me, women’s empowerment is about creating opportunities where none exist and equipping women with the tools to succeed. It’s also about celebrating women unapologetically. This belief has driven everything I do, from building BIOBEAUTY to advocating for diversity in fashion.
Representation is central to empowerment. What changes would you like to see in the beauty and wellness industry to create a more inclusive and equitable environment?
I want to see brands authentically reflecting the diversity of their consumers. This means expanding product lines to cater to a variety of skin tones, ages, and needs, and ensuring leadership roles within companies are just as diverse. Inclusivity isn’t just good ethics—it’s smart business.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming projects and how they reflect your vision for the future of beauty and wellness?
I’m excited to launch my brand BIOBEAUTY. We are focused on pro-aging, celebrating beauty as it evolves over time. I’m also partnering with Models of Diversity on workshops to empower women from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in fashion and beauty. Additionally, I’m working on rebranding my beauty podcast to highlight stories of women who’ve overcome obstacles to achieve inspirational success and growth in beauty and wellness. The podcast will shine a light on what it truly means to be ageless.
Technology is increasingly influencing the beauty industry. How do you see advancements like AI and personalized wellness impacting how we define and approach beauty?
AI and personalized wellness have incredible potential to make beauty more accessible. For example, technology can create custom skincare solutions based on individual needs. At BIOBEAUTY, we’re exploring ways to harness technology for mature women. However, it’s important to balance innovation with a human touch—beauty is as much about connection as it is about science.
If you could collaborate with any individual or organization to further your mission, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Emma Grede, co-founder of Good American, because of her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. Her ability to merge purpose with profitability inspires me, and I believe we could create something truly transformative together.
What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries and challenging conventional beauty standards?
I’m motivated by the stories of women who feel unseen. I look forward to the day when someone tells me that BIOBEAUTY made them feel valued, and I’m reminded of my purpose. My mission is to prove that beauty knows no age, race, or limit.
Looking back on your journey, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that stands out as a defining milestone for you?
Designing the BIOBEAUTY logo felt deeply personal—it was the moment my vision became real. Another milestone was speaking at a global women’s event, where I shared my story and connected with women from around the world. The moments where I completed a phase of the journey, are the moments that stand out, because I have suffered with procrastination and imposter syndrome which would paralyse me. So moving forward despite all the voices in my head telling me it’s probably not going to work, is something I am extremely proud of myself for.
How do you hope your work will influence future generations in the beauty and wellness industry?
I hope my work serves as a blueprint for inclusivity and authenticity. My dream is for pro-aging beauty to become mainstream, empowering future generations to celebrate aging as a privilege.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Beauty is a journey, not a destination. At BIOBEAUTY, we celebrate individuality, not perfection. Let’s continue to redefine beauty standards, one bold step at a time.
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Team Credit:
Model: Roberta Whitney @robertawhitney
Skin Care Brand Page: @biobeautyofficial
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Photographer : Michelle George - @michellegeorgephotography
Hair and Make up artist : Paige Marie Make up @paigemariemakeup
Styling: Lambdens of Woburn Boutique- @lambdensboutique
Facial beauty treatment in preparation for shoot with Oras -@byoras_aesthetics
Body Sculpting Treatment: Hera Studio @herastudiospa
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