Self-care in different ways

Yewande Masi is the founder of Ornami Skincare, a Black-owned, toxin-free skin and body care line that Yewande began after a breakup. With the support of friends and family, Yewande founded Ornami on the idea that sometimes finding happiness is a process of elimination. I am a strong believer that sometimes you need to make the wrong decision to find the right one.

I love Yewande’s desire to design luxurious, toxin-free skincare that encouraged women to take the time to care for themselves as a daily ritual. We all need that!

NMFit: Self-care is so important, how are you encouraging this practice in different ways?

Yewande: One of the things I am learning most in this season of my life is first discerning my inner voice and being still. The first part of self-care is “self” and for a very long time I defined myself by what others expected out of me. I am much more comfortable with myself these days so I am able to have the courage to do what I need, even if that means someone else may not be able to get what they want.  Being “still” is a practice for me that takes a bit more effort. I have to put time aside where I am just resting and the phone is on the other side of the room so I am not tempted to go into research mode. In order to create, we have to re-charge, and rest is a necessary part of recharging. It can be easy to stay on the hamster wheel for fear that something won’t get done, but the funny thing I’ve noticed is that I’ve accomplished more when I am resting than when I’m just in work mode. It seems things come way easier to me when I am resting. My mind appreciates it and my body definitely does as well. 

NMFit: BIPOC statistically aren't taking care of themselves the way we should be. Why do you think this is such a challenge for BIPOC?

Yewande: While I can only really speak for myself as a BIPOC woman and the challenges I have faced, I think in general it can boil down to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and identity.  Historically speaking, BIPOC communities have been on the short end of receiving resources, which can keep people in a loop of survival mode - with only enough energy to have physiological needs met, which makes self-care much more of a nice to have than a need to have. Something else to consider is that some BIPOC face a very real pressure to actively upend untrue stereotypes associated with work ethic. This can lead to committing to too many things and conflating work with one’s identity and value. If we allow work to consume our identities, how likely is it that we will be able to give ourselves the permission to stop and take care of ourselves without feeling guilty or lazy?

NMFit: How do you go about prioritizing yourself?

Yewande: Learning how to say “no” has been one the most effective ways I prioritize myself. Before taking something on, I ask myself if it’s something I want to do and if I have the capacity for it. Also, giving myself the permission to change my mind has been helpful so I don’t burn out.  Having a deeper understanding of how valuable my time is as a resource makes it easier to make these decisions. Last but not least, I am a big fan of solo vacations. You are really able to unwind and be free in a different way when you take trips by yourself. It’s very liberating.

 To learn more about Yewande visit: https://ornamiskincare.com/