LOVE IS THE MESSAGE Love is more than a feeling—it’s a way of seeing, a process of uncovering, a journey of becoming oneself. For the debut issue of @notes_on_beauty_, we asked: What does it take to truly see yourself? To love yourself? To unlearn the myths we’re told—and reclaim beauty on your own terms? “Beauty isn’t just about appearance. It’s about the internal transformation. It’s the courage to be visible, to take up space, and to honor the body that I’m learning to love more every day. My beauty is in my authenticity, my ability to move through the world as my true self despite the challenges I might face. It’s in the joy of seeing myself grow into who I always knew I was. It’s in making peace with the parts of me that others may not understand and finding strength in the freedom to be fully myself. It’s in the healing process of loving the parts of me I used to reject. Every scar, every change, every step I take towards self-love is part of the beauty that’s uniquely mine. It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing the messiness of being human, the rawness of being real, and the freedom in showing up as myself without apology.”—@richieshazam @richieshazam photographed by @inezandvinoodh with @yad1m using @valentino.beauty, Style Director @ronbreezy, and @jimmypaulhair. Richie is wearing Very Valentino foundation, V-Lighter primer in Ambra, and Twin eyeliner in Black & Nero by @valentino.beauty. Bracelet by @cartier. Available for pre-order soon. Photography by @inezandvinoodh. Editor-in-chief and Creative Director @nickvogelson. Beauty Director @yad1m using @valentino.beauty. Style Director @ronbreezy. Hair @jimmypaulhair at @susanpricenyc. Manicure @theguythatdoesnails @seemanagement. Lighting technician @jodokusdriessen. Art director @makroop. Digital technician @akabriananderson. Production Director @lisaolssonhjerpe.