About KARLA ORTIZ
In Beauty Voices, we dive into an inspiring conversation with Karla Ortiz, General Manager of Clarins Mexico, a woman whose vision of beauty has been transformed by her leadership experience. For Karla, the concept of beauty has evolved far beyond superficial standards: it’s a reflection of confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. “Today, for me, beauty is the essence of what I do every day,” she confides, “and I strive to convey that to my team, connecting with the end consumer through innovation and the brand’s values.”
From the moment she stepped into her role, Karla has been determined to break stereotypes, understanding that true beauty arises when we stay true to ourselves. “The most significant lesson has been breaking the established norms of supposed physical beauty,” she explains, “creating authenticity and inclusion.” This commitment has driven her to empower women with a clear message: every mark on our skin tells a valuable story. In a world that often pressures us toward perfection, Karla defies those expectations.
She reminds us that the experiences shaping our bodies, from wrinkles to blemishes, are symbols of strength and growth. “Every wrinkle, freckle, or spot tells a story of our life,” she says with conviction, “and it is essential to learn to cherish those signs of strength and beauty.” But her approach goes beyond leading a global brand. Karla also shares how, each night, her personal skincare routine becomes a sacred ritual of connection and self-care. “My skincare moment frees my mind and gives me peace,” she reveals, emphasizing that beauty is also about well-being and balance. In this conversation, Karla Ortiz not only redefines what beauty means but also invites us to reflect on the power of authenticity, the impact of leading with purpose, and the art of celebrating every experience that shapes who we are.
How has your perception of beauty changed since taking on a leadership role, and how has this evolution influenced your professional decisions?
For me, since I took on this role and entered this world, my perception has changed greatly. Today, beauty for me is not just a product or superficial appearances. For me, beauty is confidence, authenticity, and self-acceptance. Beauty is the essence of what I do every day, and I try to convey this to my team to integrate different generations and connect with the end consumer through innovation and the brand’s values… All of this has led me to firmly believe that beauty inspires!
What strategies do you use to balance external pressures about appearance with your personal values of beauty and authenticity?
The most important strategy for me is to connect with myself starting from self-love, being consistent with who I am and my convictions. I am convinced that an authentic person radiates beauty beyond any stereotype, creating genuine connections with everyone around them.
What is the most significant lesson about beauty that you have applied in your life, and how has it shaped your approach to empowering others?
The most significant lesson has been breaking with the established norms of supposed physical beauty and the stereotypes related to it. Not only applying it personally but also towards empowering others. When you break these norms and set aside stereotypes, you create authenticity and inclusion, and true beauty emerges.
How do you use your influence to redefine beauty in a way that empowers women and promotes authentic representation?
Women experience many changes that reflect our growth and experiences. Every wrinkle, mole, or spot tells a story of our life, and it is essential for women to learn to treasure and celebrate these changes as signs of strength and beauty. In a world that often pushes you toward perfection, true empowerment lies in accepting and taking pride in what we see in the mirror.
What challenges have you faced in attempting to change the beauty narrative in your environment, and what were the keys to overcoming them?
Maintaining the commitment of my work team has been a great challenge, as well as integrating the different generations that make up our company. With a lot of dedication, we have managed to connect with the end consumer, who today is notably different from what we used to see in previous years. It is crucial to understand and, above all, listen to them. Personally, I aspire to lead the innovation and transformation of the brand’s culture and values, fostering an environment of love and passion for what we do.
How do you think beauty standards are evolving, and what role should the media play in shaping them?
The sociocultural influence associated with beauty is experiencing an increasingly significant impact. The pressure surrounding beauty standards and stereotypes in the media, especially digital platforms, is challenging, but it has also allowed the beauty industry to target more specific markets and establish much more personal communication with customers.
Today, the beauty market moves at a dizzying pace, with a wide range of options. Consumers have access to more information, pay attention to brand and product recommendations on social media, and seek experiences, service, credibility, and sustainability. This requires brands to constantly evolve and adapt to make the consumer’s life easier.
The media needs to be more mindful of the information they share. Their responsibility is to educate consumers about ingredients, effects, and application methods to help them make more informed decisions about the products most suitable for their age, skin, and needs.
How do you incorporate your personal values into your beauty rituals, and how does this influence your well-being?
Having a beauty routine to pamper yourself is an infallible way to connect with ourselves and give ourselves a moment of self-love. Taking the time to care for ourselves is not just a matter of appearance but also of well-being and self-esteem.
My skincare moment, especially at night, frees my mind from problems; it is a moment dedicated solely to enveloping my senses, creating a feeling of peace through the care of my skin. It is the perfect setting for calm, and right there, in that small space of self-care, a way to honor my body is born.