This original Jo Almeida painting of Audrey Hepburn hangs in my foyer.
It’s the first thing everyone sees it as they walk into my home, and that is no accident. Audrey’s at the heart of my home – in the foyer as you enter, to welcome guests, and in the kitchen, the heart of the home.
In my home, Audrey is at the heart of it: in the foyer as you enter to welcome guests, and in the kitchen, the heart of the home.
While she played the seemingly free-spirited Holly Golightly, Audrey was anything but.
As a child in post-World War II Holland, Audrey never forgot her humble beginnings of carrying smuggled Allied notes in her ballet slippers, and the help she received from UNICEF.
As a UNICEF ambassador herself in later years, Audrey worked tirelessly to help children all over the world, the way UNICEF had helped her.
My painting of Audrey hangs in a corner where it is reflected in an antique mirror, where I can see both her and myself, as I pass by. That, too, is no accident. It’s to remind me that as my dreams come true, my job is to help make dreams come true for others.
I am so thankful to have been introduced to the lady and legend who is Audrey Hepburn at a tender age by my big brother David McCoy, as it taught me early on that your life must be balanced with giving back as much as you get. Every time I see this painting, I am reminded of that as her external beauty was only overshadowed by her beautiful heart. I aspire to give as much.
Later today, I’m announcing a movement that I hope will inspire girls and women all over the world. I don’t think it’s an accident at all, that we’re launching it on what would have been Audrey’s 86th birthday. Happy, happy birthday, Audrey Hepburn. Thank you for inspiring us all with your beautiful heart. May we help others half as much as you did.
xoxo,
Dawn
