I was, am, and have always been here to tell authen-
tic and thought-provoking stories, the types of stories that
made others feel seen—whether that be in front of a cam-
era, on-stage, or through the written word—all of which take
time and thoughtful consideration. The same can be said
about creating a meaningful beauty routine. I had to remind
myself that Yes, I was both here to take up space profession-
ally, And make space for myself to bloom by prioritizing
true self-care. But how could I pour from such an empty
cup?
While it can sometimes be easy to forget in such a
fast-paced world, beauty has always been about more than
just the never ending cycle of product launches and chas-
ing fleeting viral trends. It’s inherently emotional, intimate,
and deeply personal. It’s holistic. How we look affects the
way we feel, which impacts the way in which we show up in
the world. Indulging in beauty is supposed to evoke joy—not
leave you feeling drained. Knowing this, I had to step back
and reassess what exactly it was I was doing here. I could
not be an authentic storyteller or even begin to think I could
be of service to others in this space if I wasn’t immersed in
the true essence of what beauty is really all about: Showing
love to oneself.
So slowly but surely, I started pouring back into my-
self. I stopped rushing through my routine, I took my time.
I let go of the guilt associated with having a full 30-minute
getting-ready-for-bed wind-down regimen, which included
a double cleanse in the shower, a red light mask, and face
massage. Was this all meticulous? Yes. But I was deserving
of just that. This was my own little self-reminder that I am
that girl. It was a reminder that I am a priority—always. And
showing that type of love to myself is one of the truest acts
of self-respect there is. It’s a daily reminder that I am exact-
ly who I think I am, and whether in public or private, I will
always show up for myself first.
The type of radiance I have today can only come from
honoring true self-love and self-care, while forgiving the
former versions of myself who thought it was ok to put Kay-
la at the bottom of the list.
My inner light—the one that grew increasingly more
dull over the years—has turned back on, and she’s shining
bright. I feel the most attractive I’ve ever felt in my life, and
I mean that in every sense of the word. It’s that exact feeling
that has helped me to draw in new opportunities and live in
true abundance. I no longer worry about what my next gig
will be, I trust that everything is working out for me in per-
fect alignment. And with every story I write and every stage
I step on, I show up 100% as me.
But when those moments of self-depreciation arise,
as they always do, or when life gets so busy and I want to
forgo my beauty rituals to satisfy every need but my own,
I remind myself that I am all that I have. Yes, I am the love
of my life, like you are the love of yours. And I am nothing
to anyone—or anything—else if I am not first pouring into
myself.
The type
of radiance
I have today
can only come
from honing
in on what
beauty is
truly about:
Honoring
self-love and
self-care.
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SHEAMOISTURE