Toni Garrn, born in Hamburg, has been one of the most successful German supermodels for many years. The 28-year-old has walked on many major catwalks such as Victoria Secret, can be seen on many Vogue covers and is used for campaigns by major beauty and fashion houses. such as Prada, Dior or L'Oréal Paris.
But Toni Garrn is not only an internationally known supermodel, she is also very committed to girls and young women around the world: When she first travelled to South Africa around 13 years ago, she felt that as a public figure you should help those who are less fortunate. In 2008, she took on her first sponsorship of a girl in Vietnam, worked with Plan International and then finally founded the " Toni Garrn Foundation " in 2016 to support the development of girls and young women, primarily through education.
Thanks to the organization, 100% of the donations actually go where they are really needed. And that's why we have decided to donate 19% of our daily income to the Toni Garrn Foundation today on Equal Pay Day, together with other beauty brands like Und Gretel . Why 19%? In 2019, women in Germany earned an average of 19 percent less than men.
On this occasion, we spoke to Toni Garrn about her work and foundation, but we also couldn't resist asking her a few beauty & makeup questions.
Hi Toni, many people want to help but fail to actually do something about it. And you have been supporting the weaker and especially girls since the beginning of your career. How did that come about? And what motivates you not only to support financially but also to get involved actively?
I had success early in my life, but I also knew that my school education was important. In many African countries, parents often do not have the money to send their children to school. Girls are often forced into marriage, become pregnant early and have to work very hard at a young age. Education enables them to break this cycle of poverty.
During my travels to Africa, I met many young girls and families and gained an insight into their lives. This made a lasting impression on me and strengthened my desire to get actively involved.
Was there a key moment that led you to found the Toni Garrn Foundation in 2016?
The more you travel to the projects, the more you see how development work can also be a business – with high costs and many who want to profit from it.
I wanted to help directly. I always knew my donors and I knew the girls in the projects, or at least the people in charge, very well. So why not set up my own organization where I can promise that the money will actually reach the girls who need it.
Together with the natural cosmetics label Und Gretel, we donate 19% of our daily income to your foundation with JACKS beauty line. What are the proceeds used for?
We are currently actively supporting projects in four countries: Burundi, Uganda, Ghana and Rwanda. All of our projects rely on donations, both for individual projects at the facilities and for scholarships for the girls to pay for their daily needs and school fees.
We will communicate with our partners and use the donations where they are currently most needed.
What do you think is the biggest challenge of being a woman today?
With the multitude of currents, public opinions, different images of women and possibilities, it is difficult for women to stay true to themselves and courageously follow their own path.
For us, beauty is not a superficial topic. What do you think, what meaning can it have for a person?
Beauty and makeup is a way for women and men to express themselves and try things out. It's a way to show the world how you feel most comfortable.
What are the best makeup tips you've ever received?
Always use an eyelash curler before applying mascara and fill in your eyebrows. I have very light hair, so the little hairs on my face are important to give my face some contour. I wouldn't have thought of that without the fashion world. And above all, how to do it right for myself.
How can we imagine your makeup routine?
Pretty simple: always cream first, then mascara, always lip balm, eyebrows – and if I feel like it, a little colour on the lips.
