HELENA R

There is one book that I had to read twice last year. Among one of my favourites.

The story of HELENA- who changed her name for something more suitable for life and business.

Polish- Jewish coming from a large family- developed a natural talent for business- no AL.

She refused a customary marriage to a Jewish man- she rejected many marriage proposals-

The father could not provide her a decent dowry to marry a wealthy Jewish.

Strict family-

HELENA started as teenager working with her father- self employed and less sharp than his daughter in everything.

She left with relative’s help her dear mother land Poland, late 19^th century to take a ship to Australia.

New land- harsh- not cold- but dry. From there on a new business started- a new philosophy.

A philosophy that was not new at all- but it was for post Victoria GB- BEAUTY- not the natural one, but the one to be built and improved with love and care with creams, potions, oils, and foams. Many accessories not available to poorer women- BEAUTY –

A new Empire started in 4 different towns in Australia- not very much accepted- a black hole- BEING JEWISH. You have to conquer people with charm, extreme charm.

Quite aware that she was Jewish and not very beautiful-but determined to everything.

Women have the right to be beautiful to please the love one, but most and foremost themselves.

A philosophy uncommon among commoners- only aristocracy had the MOTTO.

She became for business Australian citizen. Her ambition started growing to great extreme. PARIS- LONDON- ZURICH- Met the great love that would eventually become her husband for 30 years- and father of her 2 beloved sons- HE – American and Jewish- journalist- handsome- discreet and real- could tackle her strong allure and personality.

Helped her sisters to get a real job and provided long term jobs to millions of women around the world- independence – and more BEAUTY and DIGNITY.

HELENA- FORMER POLISH- now Australian- had a great princess wedding a took a ship to the USA.

CREAMS- POTIONS- LOTIONS FIRST MASCARA THAT LOOKED LIKE COAL- longer lashes- MANDATORY lipstick- dark or red- meant previously only to actresses and whores of the brothels.

LIPSTICKS now becomedemocratic. ALL LEVELS- PRICES- AND CLASSES.

Jewish- ambition to the extremes- opened business in France- United Kingdom- Switzerland.

A book I had to read more than twice- so many beautiful details I had missed the first time.   HELENA = working like a donkey-young and old.

No rest- only during her 2 deliveries- born in the USA. Affectionate husband. Always faithful? We do not know.

An empire was built in the USA where they purchased a very expensive house 10 rooms- East coast.

HELENA – helping out her less lucky sisters- provided them the dowry to marry a well-off man.

HELENA and the MOTTO extended to commoners- BEAUTY and love for themselves-

First fluid makeups- and mandatory powders for LOVE.

A book- the story of success- many fake friends who used her indeed.

A sister and brother-in-law who gave up the idea of moving to America- cousins many cousins who ended up in NAZI concentration camps – and killed in Auschwitz. Visited their BONES in 1948.

Her nieces helping hand provided to escape from HOLOCAUST. A job, a life.

HELENA = the book of life success- love – beauty and abandon at the end.

The divorce came- too strong temperament to tackle HELENA- too powerful-

She would fall in love at 58- and nice wedding with a 27 years younger man. NOBLE- HELENA- AWARE HE MIGHT BE NOT IN LOVE- BUT HE WAS HERS- YOUNG AND …discreet.

Discreet presence in her bedroom. Grown up sons- no need of her no longer-

Rich enough.

HELENA many details of the late 19^th century Polish countryside- no pavement.

Details of the early 20^th century HARRODS in London.

Struggled to be accepted by many British women- not beautiful- and Jewish.

BANNED in some Chicago and New York areas- Jewish- she wanted the 5^th avenue for the shop.

BANNED- JEWISH. Competing with her great cosmetic competitor in the USA Irish and Catholic.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL.

HELENA had the discreet charm of the Jewish and cunning sharpness of them as well for business. Sweet words and hard heart.

Despite the fact of being surrounded by thousands of people. She left her WILL to faithful servants and properties.

SHE SURVIDED HER 2 MUCH YOUNGER HUSBANDS

HELENA – THE JEWISH – THE PERMISSION TO BEAUTY FOR ALL-

ENDED UP COMPLETELY ALONE IN A NEW YORK HOSPITAL AGE 95.

Great lipstick on – full of make up and love for work.

A book I felt very much- who can really be your friends-the servants – no gossiping faithful until the end.