Naomi Campbell on pausing world travel, the spirit of New York, and self-care in crisis

Through the power of virtual meetings, LionTree CEO Aryeh Bourkoff is continuing his renowned intimate and personal conversations with thought leaders in media and tech. We hope that this #TogetherApart edition of KindredCast will inspire you in these uncertain times.

This week’s KindredCast guest is nothing short of an icon. Naomi Campbell is considered one of the most iconic supermodels in the world, but she’s also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, with plenty of wisdom to share. Here’s what we learned in our #TogetherApart chat:

1. While her jet setting is on pause, Naomi remains connected to the world.

Naomi Campbell is accustomed to traveling the world nonstop, yet this jetsetter has been able to adapt pretty easily to quarantine life. She attributes her adaptability to the many moves and transitions she faced in childhood. “Born in London, raised in Rome, raised into Geneva, back to London, I traveled to see my mother who lived within Europe and part of the Middle East,” Naomi said. Having been on the move, she feels that the cultures she has come to know remain a part of her spirit even when she’s stuck in New York.

“Talking to the continent of Africa today, I felt so close and connected and I speak to London every day,” Naomi said. “I speak to one of my aunts in Jamaica, so it’s … And I’m here in New York City. New York City is the melting pot for every culture. We all fit here, you know? We all fit.”

2. Naomi believes New York is in for a new renaissance.

While New York City is bracing for high unemployment rates, shuttered businesses, and a continued health crisis, Naomi looks back to another difficult period in New York history for inspiration: the 1970s. “It’s almost reminiscent of how the 1970s must have been like in New York, where yes, it was not necessarily pure and gentrified, but it was bohemian and full of energy and creativity and wasn’t just a one industry town,” Naomi said.

Whether it’s a pandemic, a fiscal crisis, or another moment of trauma, Naomi believes New Yorkers will bounce back. “I feel like there’s so much of the human spirit that’s embedded within New York City that is really itching to come out again,” Naomi said. “And as soon as we can get outside and really engage with each other and find new ways of gathering in safe ways, I think you’ll see New York come right back.”

3. Like the rest of us, Naomi is treating herself to home baked goods and self-care.

While Naomi Campbell sticks to a regimented fitness plan, she also likes to indulge in vanilla cakes. “Definitely vanilla, hands down,” Naomi said. “Vanilla frosting, hands down. I love banana, so there’s a bit of banana in there. And I love cupcakes. I love cakes. And I love ice cream, whipped cream.”

Since Monday to Friday is so regimented, Naomi thinks everyone should take the weekend for some self-care. “Saturday, Sunday is chill day, relax day,” Naomi said. “It’s beauty day. It’s pampering day. That’s what it is.”

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Check out our interview with Naomi Campbell on KindredCast, embedded below or available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. To view the video edition of this podcast, visit us on IGTV.