Multi Grammy Award-winning artist Erica Campbell, of the gospel singing duo Mary Mary, and her mother, Thomasina Atkins, just couldn’t say no when tapped to collaborate on My Black is Beautiful’s “Beautiful Reflections” program and with brands Olay, Pantene and COVERGIRL to celebrate African American beauty during Black History Month.
“Last year my husband and I did a partnership with them. It was a great relationship. I’m always willing to be a part when promoting the idea of being better from the inside out. When they called again this year and asked for my mom and I, we were thrilled,” Campbell recalls of why she agreed to participate.
Atkins, who’s affectionately called “Honey,” has always taught her daughters and son that “a first impression is definitely a lasting impression and to do the thing right the first time.”
For Campbell, doing the right thing is, “I have learned it’s important to always take care of yourself and to look like you take care of yourself. Looking beautiful isn’t to prove anything to anybody but it’s important to smell good, look good, keep your hair healthy and walk into a room with confidence.”
Campbell continues, “Olay, Pantene and COVERGIRL are literally a part of my every day life. I use the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream daily; it’s in my toiletry bag. Pantene’s Truly Natural Clarifying shampoo and Deep conditioner are in my shower. And the COVERGIRL Queen Collection Luscious lipstick and False Lash Drama Mascara are in my purse. It’s another reason why we said yes. They are all products that we truly use. I didn’t have to make up or create an answer.”
Campbell reached a milestone — becoming the first gospel artist to hit one million followers on Instagram. Along with her sister Tina Campbell, she recently received the honor of BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music for 2016 at a live event in Atlanta during which the giants of gospel music paid tribute to the duo by performing a number of their hits.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Campbell admits it’s both her “flawless and beautiful” aunt and her mother that she most resembles in looks and attitude. What has been passed down in their family through the generations? “Faith was passed down; making good choices; being kind to people; being thoughtful; and remembering family legacy. I remember coming home from high school after making a bad choice and [my mom’s] response was ‘We don’t do that.’ It’s why my sisters and brother are in this position now. We are a loving family, not perfect by any means. We learned from our mom.”
BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music airs on TV One Feb. 19, 2016, at 8 p.m. EST.
