Everybody has a story about beauty. In Rose Inc’s The Profile, some of the world’s most intriguing people share theirs. In this intimate interview series, we get (virtually) up close and personal to explore their definitions of beauty and path to self-confidence. Featuring imagery shot through their own lens, the profile presents these compelling personalities in a new light — one that illuminates their own journey, dreams, and desires while highlighting their unique relationship with beauty.
“I had to let go of the notion that beauty is something I have to see, instead now it’s something I want to feel,” explains content creator and influencer Aysha Sow. For her, the global pandemic acted as a palette cleanser for her beauty routine and how she takes care of herself. “As I get older, I really try to focus more on how I can make myself feel good, whether it is through makeup, food, booking a trip…whatever sparks that ‘feel good’ energy will always result in beauty for me.” It’s a message she believes translates across the world. “When I feel good, I just know it radiates beauty,” she says. “I think this goes for everybody.”
In 2021, Sow feels the most beautiful in the midst of her newly-downsized daily routine. “I usually feel the most confident when I get out of the shower, do my skincare routine, and sleek my hair back,” she says. “I just love that moment of my day so much, because it's when I really see myself the best.” You may have seen her face on the site before and today we are thrilled to welcome Sow back to Rose Inc to discuss her new approach to beauty, plus so much more, ahead.
RI:Welcome back to Rose Inc! How has your 2021 been going?
AS:After the crazy year we had, and being cooped up in my apartment all by myself, I needed to start my year off in a grounding, serene environment. I hopped on a plane and went to a small Island in the Caribbean [called] Vieques. It was intimate, quiet and very serene, surrounded by nature. I was craving that a lot after being in quarantine for what felt like forever. It felt great being away with my close friends and just being still in the moment.
RI:Did you create any self-care rituals for yourself in the pandemic?
AS:During quarantine, I created a few rituals for myself that I really enjoyed doing every day. Decluttering my place, making a cup of tea, and lighting a candle became a ritual of mine every morning all of 2020 as well as doing a very relaxing, spa-like skincare routine every night. These were things that brought me so much peace of mind.
RI:What do you believe about beauty now that you didn’t before?
AS:
Before, I always used to think beauty was one certain thing; that beauty [had] a ‘boxed in’ definition. Now, however, I feel beauty. It is something that I have to feel, that evokes emotion. It could be anything to be honest, a portrait, an art piece, music, food — beauty is everywhere and especially in places and things that make you feel good. It is no longer just ‘looking good’ or having a ‘beautiful face or body’, it's so much more than that!
RI:Do you recall your first beauty memory?
AS:I think it was in high school. I remember seeing a few girls in the restrooms applying their makeup right before class started and I remember being so in awe and intrigued by it. I remember thinking and asking myself what it is like to put on makeup and what it would make me look like if I tried it.
“These were things that brought me so much peace of mind.”
RI:What attracted you to makeup originally?
AS:The fact that it can enhance your beauty! I remember putting on blush for the first time in a Sephora in Paris. I was in awe. For once, I felt like I saw my cheekbones and the color of my eyes. Everything was just enhanced a bit more. Over the years I've loved experimenting with colors and tones and how it can change my entire look from head to toe. Just think about it: Add a red bold lip to whatever you are wearing and you instantly create an eye-catching look. Everyone is going to be staring at you all night (or day)!
RI:Where do you find your creative inspiration today?
AS:Everywhere around me. When I lived in NY, just walking outside I was constantly inspired, because one thing about NY is that everyone is an effortless walking moodboard! Beauty and fashion everywhere. Ever since the pandemic I had been forced to find that inspiration mostly online, and luckily since we were all cooped up inside, we were all creating and drawing inspo from each other.
RI:What are your top five beauty essentials?
AS:A great cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, sunscreen, hydrating lip balm or lip gloss, and a strong hold gel to slick my hair back easily!
RI:What is your skincare regimen like?
AS:My routine changes every now and then depending on what my skin needs the most at that time, but I try to stick to a couple of essentials that I know always work for my skin:
Cleanser, essence, serum, and eye cream when I remember, then moisturizer and sunscreen as my favorite, and final, step. Sometimes I will add a face mist just for the feel-good vibes.
“Everything was just enhanced a bit more…”
RI:What was your first perfume and what drew you to it?
AS:
Chanel No. 5! It was a gift, actually, and I loved how luxurious it felt, looked, and made me feel.
RI:What about now?
AS:
I have a different fragrance for different moods! If I want to smell expensive and mysterious, I grab my Angels Share by Kilian Paris. If I want to smell luxurious and catch everyone's eye and attention, I go for Miss Dior Rose N'Roses.
RI:What would someone never guess about you?
AS:I did Judo for eight years! It's something society considers to be the opposite of ‘beauty’ standards, especially for women, but I really loved those years in my life. I felt confident, strong, and powerful being able to practice Judo...There is definitely beauty in sports like Judo.
RI:Where do you see yourself in five years?
AS:A thriving jewelry business, kid(s), real estate, traveling the world and seeing places I haven't seen before, trying food that I haven't tried before, but mostly being present. Wherever life takes me, I hope I will be present in that moment and truly enjoy it.
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