Instagram: @blthth_
Youtube: Blithe Health
First thing you do when you wake up?
I rise early. Usually before 6am-mornings are my "me" time before I start the school day. The scent of sage signals a sort of ‘renewal’ for me, so I make it a point to smudge each morning. I then pray to God for a few moments- this allows me to ensure that I’ve unpacked any discomfort, or negative thoughts carrying over from the previous day. This is a necessary step to ensure that my mind doesn’t start to wander as I segue into meditation. I meditate for an undetermined amount of time (however long I need, depending on my mood and the level of predicted chaos to come throughout the day).
Any ritual health/beauty/wellness routine or products?
I love to ‘scrub’ my skin, using a dampened towel and hot water- it falls in line with macrobiotic practice which is a big part of my life philosophy. I really love clean brands like “fresh” and "lilah b". I’m mindful of the quality of product that I use on my skin since I wear makeup most days of the week, however, I’m not overly fussy with my choices.
Favorite feature(s) on yourself and why?
I love that ALL of the features on my face are prominent. My nose, my eyes, my lips, my cheekbones. There’s a symmetry there, and it’s the opposite of what society has attempted to convince us is a ‘beauty ideal’. Beauty standards are beginning to shift now, and I’m happy to see multi-cultural beauty being celebrated on various platforms (like The Part!).
How do your job, lifestyle, and background affect your routine? How do your culture/ethnicity and identity intersect and affect your beauty preferences (or grievances)?
On a daily basis, I occupy space wherein I am one of the only Black women around- all the more reason for me to embrace voluminous, highly-textured hair, highlight my full features, and speak fondly of my culture! This confidence can be viewed as a ‘challenge to the status quo’, and can make people feel uncomfortable. This sort of negative response to my hair choices has been a major beauty grievance for me. Black hair has never been ‘just hair’ for Black women. Our natural choices are often mocked or politicized, when all we’re doing is openly embracing what makes us… us.
What do you do to stay healthy?
Macrobiotic philosophy has been foundational to my health & wellness journey over the past few years. It shapes my food choices, my energy level, & my emotions as I interact with others. It truly has been a beautiful gift in my life! Pre-COVID times, I would strength train at least twice a week, but nowadays I'm focusing on improving my range of motion through the use of mobility exercises and a bit of yoga. I’m also a huge proponent of vitamins, adaptogens, and supplements.
Any cultural tips/tricks you've learned from family and/or friends?
“When applying lotion to your face & body, go against gravity by rubbing UPWARD”. I can’t state that it’s a cultural tip, but I still swear by it! So does my mother- she is aging gracefully, and I wish to do same.
How do you choose beauty products?
I wish I could tell you that there’s an extensive, streamlined process… I really just focus on makeup that complements my skin tone, and cleansers that don’t irritate my skin.
What is your cultural and/or ethnic background?
I’m a Black Atlantic-Canadian. My mom is a Nova Scotian of Mi'kmaq heritage, and my dad is Nigerian.
If you were to create the perfect beauty/wellness product for yourself, what would it be?
I’m really tired of foundation and concealer. I would create a BB cream that matches my skin tone perfectly (it’s more challenging than you think), has flawless coverage, a bit of shimmer, lasts all day, and then peels off at night. Oh… and it has to smell like grapefruit.