Anita Bhagwandas is an award-winning journalist and beauty culture expert, recognized for her impactful writing in The Guardian and Vogue. She discusses her career journey, from passionate intern to celebrated writer, while sharing valuable pitching advice. Anita opens up about managing ADHD in her writing process and coping with rejection. The conversation dives into her book, "Ugly," unveiling the history of beauty standards and urging listeners to challenge societal ideals. Her insights blend personal narrative with cultural analysis, making a compelling case for redefining beauty.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Catchy First Sentence
Make your first sentence catchy to grab attention.
Attention spans are short, so you only have seconds to hook readers.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Internships
Anita Bhagwandas interned at local papers at 15, driven by her love for magazines and writing.
Despite a family background in medicine and not excelling in English at school, she pursued journalism.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Finding Unique Angles
Look for intersections of beauty with other societal concepts and cultures for unique angles.
Consider the wider implications and hidden stories within beauty trends.
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In 'Fearing the Black Body', Sabrina Strings presents a meticulously researched history of the transformation of Euro-American ideologies toward fat from the Renaissance to the present day. She argues that fatphobia is an extension of anti-Black racism, tracing its roots through various historical factors including the Atlantic slave trade, Renaissance art, scientific racism, and Protestantism. Strings demonstrates how the ideal of slenderness is racialized and racist, and how Western medicine has historically relied on the brutalization and dehumanization of Black people to validate these ideals. The book highlights how assessments of body size and shape have been used to justify systems of oppression and how contemporary fatphobia is deeply connected to the historical processes of racialization and objectification of Black bodies[1][3][4].
Ugly
Ugly
Why the World Became Beauty Obsessed and How to Break Free
Anita Bhagwandas
Anita Bhagwandas's "Ugly" delves into the historical and societal factors shaping our perceptions of beauty. The book explores how unrealistic standards have impacted individuals across various demographics. Bhagwandas combines personal anecdotes with rigorous research, examining the influence of colonization and media on beauty ideals. She challenges readers to question ingrained beliefs and encourages a more inclusive and self-accepting approach to beauty. Ultimately, "Ugly" empowers readers to break free from restrictive beauty standards and embrace their unique identities.
The secret garden
Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in Yorkshire after the death of her parents. At Misselthwaite Manor, Mary discovers a secret garden that has been locked away for ten years following the death of her uncle's wife. With the help of a friendly robin, Martha Sowerby, and her brother Dickon, Mary sets out to restore the garden. This journey transforms Mary from a spoiled and ill-tempered girl into a kinder and more independent person. The garden also has a rejuvenating effect on her sickly cousin Colin, and ultimately brings healing and reconciliation to the entire family[2][3][4].
Award-winning journalist Anita Bhagwandas on her journey from ambitious intern to a celebrated writer with bylines in The Guardian, Vogue, and Condé Nast Traveler. Anita shares practical advice on pitching as a freelance journalist, crafting impactful articles, and how she finds the hidden angle for a topic. She opens up about her experiences as a neurodivergent writer, offering insights into managing ADHD, navigating rejection, and staying creative. We delve into the research behind her groundbreaking book, Ugly: Why the World Became Beauty Obsessed and How to Break Free, revealing the hidden histories of beauty standards.
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ABOUT ANITA BHAGWANDAS
Anita is a renowned journalist and a leading voice in beauty culture. As a former Beauty Director at top publications like Stylist and Marie Claire, she has built a distinguished career spanning print, digital, and broadcast media. Her critically acclaimed book, Ugly explores the origins and impact of unrealistic beauty standards, blending personal narrative with insightful cultural analysis.
London Writers' Salon 
