Three strong and inspirational women covered Essence’s July/August issue and shared stories on how they paved their own path to success.

Iman:

The Somalian beauty, Iman graced the cover with Essence with her power and her elegance. She doesn’t appear in front of the camera often. However, this moment is a special one since this marks the 25th anniversary of the Essence festival.

The celebration of this cover also meets with the exact date when Iman launched her infamous beauty line, Iman Cosmetics. Before Fenty Beauty, Iman paved the way for all other lines to be inclusive with multiple shades to choose from.

 

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All hail the queen! One can stand in awe of @the_real_iman and not just because of her timeless beauty. Iman is a philanthropist, beauty mogul, mother, wife and fashion influencer—this legend is royalty in our eyes. At 64, the Somalian stunner is still thriving. The July-August issue of ESSENCE hits stands 6/21. Tap the 🔗 in bio for more. #IssaEssenceSlay Photographer: @itayshaphoto Hair: @vernonfrancois Makeup: @reneegarnes Stylist: @mariellebobo Set Design: @margueritewade @walterschupfermanagement

A post shared by ESSENCE (@essence) on Jun 20, 2019 at 8:28am PDT

Teyana Taylor:

The once Super Sweet 16 star is currently tearing down barriers by creating her own lane. Teyana Taylor is a creative and is not afraid to show the world her skills.

She has her hands in everything from releasing her long-awaited album K.T.S.E., building her own nail salon, a fitness program based off the Fade music video and an all-female production company.

 

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@TeyanaTaylor may already be a household name, but according to her, she’s still got more to do. She’s not only grinding for her name, but her last name. “Once I had Junie, I realized I was living for so much more.” With her music career, a nail salon, a production company and more—Teyana’s grind isn’t your average, it’s in her DNA. “My nana’s got five girls, so I’ve always been around strong women.” The July-August issue of ESSENCE hits stands 6/21. Tap the 🔗 in bio for more. #IssaEssenceSlay Photographer: @itayshaphoto Stylist: @mariellebobo Hair: @vernonfrancois Makeup: @beautybychrisc Manicure: @whitneygnails Set Design: @johngearystudio @celestineagency

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Ciara:

Ever since her days of “Goodies” and “1, 2, Step” Ciara has been elevating to the best of her ability. Her happiness is contagious.

After her public split with rapper Future, she has been keeping the faith then was soon blessed with her husband Russell Wilson. The couple raise two children together; Future Zahir and their new addition to the family, Sienna Princess.

 

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@Ciara’s still-unfolding journey is proof that everything “ultimately works itself out, if you believe.” After tasting success at 18, Ciara has been through many ups and downs. “My faith has carried me through every challenge and triumph.” Now as the CEO of Beauty Marks Entertainment, a two-time mom, a wife, and a student at Harvard Business School—Ciara is the ultimate proof that you are in control of your own destiny. The July-August issue of ESSENCE hits stands 6/21. Tap the 🔗 in bio for more. #IssaEssenceSlay Photographer: @itayshaphoto Stylist: @mariellebobo Makeup: @yolondafrederick Set Design: @johngearystudio/ @celestineagency Hair: @cesar4styles

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Featured Image:  (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)