by Keech Combe Shetty
Executive Chair, Combe, Inc. and
Board Chair, Personal Care Products Council
This Thanksgiving, like so much this year, will be different than those most of us have experienced before. Our friends and family may not be with us in person. Our feasts may be smaller. While it won’t be normal, we can all be thankful that we may be able to see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel. But, as we have since our first president called on us to celebrate Thanksgiving, we, as a nation will reaffirm our values. We can see the future of our country—no matter how far away it may seem—and it looks bright.
This year’s events caused significant economic uncertainty, tragically took too many lives, made many of us work from home and learn to teach our kids in new ways. As we continue to struggle with the “new normal,” there are glimmers of hope as we witness the generosity of spirit and the kindness of others.
The beauty and personal care industry is grateful to front line workers, including medical professionals; nonprofit and relief organizations working to ensure the well-being of those less fortunate; and everyday citizens looking for ways to protect themselves and their families from this horrible pandemic. All of those who put their lives on the line to protect us makes all of us better people.
Throughout our history, personal care products and cosmetics companies have put safety at the forefront of everything we do. This year, safety took on a new meaning. The Personal Care Products Council and I are very thankful for the families who trust and use our products every day. It is an honor to produce safe products that support people’s well-being and provide comfort and normalcy at a time that is anything but normal.
Writer Alice Walker once said, “’Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say…Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility and understanding.” On behalf of the Personal Care Products Council and its member companies, I thank you and wish you a happy, safe Thanksgiving. Most of all, I hope you can take some time and remind yourself of the things you are thankful for and thank those around you who make a difference in your life.
