Scaling Impact Through Partnerships: The Face Equality & Sephora UK Story with Phyllida Swift

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Scaling Impact Through Partnerships: The Face Equality & Sephora UK Story with Phyllida Swift

Representation in beauty and fashion is evolving, particularly in the UK. Face Equality International (FEI) is leading this movement, advocating for individuals with facial differences through impactful campaigns, strategic partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.

FEI partnered with Zebedee Management, an inclusive talent agency, to increase media representation of individuals with facial differences. They also collaborated with Sephora UK for Face Equality Week, an annual awareness campaign in May, promoting inclusive beauty.

A Personal Journey That Sparked Change

FEI’s CEO, Phyllida Swift, experienced societal biases firsthand after a car accident left her with facial scarring. Frustrated with media portrayals of facial differences as either villainous or pitiable, she became a passionate advocate, determined to change the narrative and empower others to share their stories authentically.

FEI is a global support network advocating for:

✨Awareness Campaigns – Engaging the public on face equality.

✨Human Rights Advocacy – Working with the UN to position face equality as a rights issue.

✨Education & Training – Supporting businesses, schools, and institutions in fostering inclusivity.

FEI collaborates with influencers like Tonya Renee Meisenbach (Burned Beauty 2018) to normalize facial diversity and empower individuals through digital storytelling.

Brand Partnerships and Campaigns for Inclusivity

FEI’s “My Face is a Masterpiece” campaign with Sephora UK encouraged self-expression and inclusivity. Sephora is also implementing staff training programs to ensure beauty professionals provide supportive experiences for individuals with facial differences, with plans to expand globally.

Visibly Invisible Campaign Key Issues:

✨Digital Inclusion & AI Bias – Ensuring facial recognition technology accommodates diverse faces.

✨Policy & Legal Recognition – Advocating for facial difference to be recognized as a disability where needed.

✨Workplace Inclusion – Combating hiring discrimination and workplace bias.

 

Resources & Links

This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here.

Learn more about Face Equality International on their website and Instagram, and connect with Phyllida on LinkedIn. Phyllida also references the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.

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