Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, a Colombian by birth, entered the music scene in the early to mid-1990s, showcasing her exceptional musical talents and remarkable vocal range through performances in school plays and musicals. Although her first two albums were not successful, Shakira made the bold decision to part ways with her producers, recognizing the importance of developing her own signature style for more fruitful musical endeavors.

It was her release of the album “Pies Descalzos” in 1995 that garnered Shakira widespread acclaim as a talented singer and songwriter, particularly in South America and Spain. Following this success, her subsequent album, “Donde Estan las Ladrones,” reached exceptional heights, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

However, it was her English-language debut song, “Whenever, Wherever,” that skyrocketed Shakira to international stardom overnight. Topping the sales charts in numerous countries, the accompanying English album, “Laundry Service,” surpassed 20 million copies sold. Notably, her hit single “Hips Don’t Lie” became the best-selling single of the 2000s.

Throughout her career, Shakira has collaborated with renowned Spanish singers from South America and continued to release albums and singles. Beyond music, she has also ventured into television, featuring in small roles such as her portrayal of Luisa Maria in the Colombian telenovela “El Oasis” in 1994, as well as appearing as herself in the popular U.S. show “Ugly Betty” in 2009.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Shakira utilizes her fame for philanthropic endeavors. In 1995, she founded the Pies Descalzos Foundation, which focuses on providing education to underprivileged children in Colombia through specialized schools. She has performed at numerous charity concerts worldwide, using her successful pop hits to raise awareness and contribute to various causes. Shakira’s commitment, compassion, and determination to assist those in need earned her the role of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and recognition as one of the Most Charitable Celebrities according to OK Magazine.

Expanding her reach, Shakira ventured into the world of fragrances in collaboration with the renowned house of Puig. Her debut fragrance, “S,” is an oriental-floral scent that prominently features notes of jasmine, sandalwood, benzoin, vanilla, and amber. Building on this successful endeavor, her second fragrance, “S by Shakira Eau Florale,” offers a floral-fruity composition with dominant accords of blackberry, raspberry, redcurrant, heliotrope, and vanilla. The esteemed designer now boasts an impressive collection of 43 perfumes, showcasing her ongoing passion for fragrance creation. Shakira’s perfumes have been developed in collaboration with esteemed perfumers Fanny Bal, Sophie Labbe, Marion Costero, Sonia Constant, Olivier Cresp, and Elisabeth Vidal, with the brand continuously evolving since its inception in 2009.