J'nae's Truth

Tell me about yourself. 

J'nae: My name is J’nae and I am an African American woman. I am really passionate about helping people. I want to help bring out the best of in people. I am interested in beauty and hair. My friend Kelechi and I currently run the Youtube account 50 Shade of Chocolate. We hope to reach young women who may not feel as confident in their skin.

What are your beauty struggles?

J'nae: When I was little, I always struggled with being dark skinned. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that I embraced my melanin. I used to think that only lighter skinned and looser curly hair was beautiful. I used to see my darker skinned as negative. Also, I  have always been thicker than a snicker [laughs]. There’s this image of what women are supposed to look like. It makes you think you have to look like that but come to realize most of these women have had surgery to make themselves look like they do. I remind myself that God made us all different.

Another beauty struggle I have is the lack of shade matches for makeup. There is NEVER enough shades. MAC is my favorite makeup company but all black women should not be NW45 [eye roll]. 

What does beauty mean to you?

J'nae: Beauty is your inner glow not just your physical appearance. If you have an ugly spirit then you are not truly beautiful. Regardless of what others say, everyone is beautiful. One of my favorite quotes is “If you don’t see beauty in the next person you meet then you’re not looking hard enough.” That saying is so true because everyone has something unique about them.

What was your first experience with beauty? 

J'nae: It was in middle school. I was chunky and dark-skinned and I hated being dark skinned because I didn't look like anyone else. I remember watching a documentary by Oprah about being dark skinned. I told my mom that I didn’t want to be dark skinned and my mom was like "I love being a dark-skinned Black woman and you should too. Hearing my mom say that made me think, "Well if my mom had confidence then why couldn't I?" Role models are really important for young kids because it gives them someone to look up to. 

What is your self-care routine? 

J'nae: Growing up I never had to take care of my skin because I didn't have any blemishes, but now I exfoliate and do face masks regularly. I love doing my hair and going on hikes and dancing. Those things make me feel good about myself. When I’m in the mood, I love to do a beat face of makeup. I also love to cook. It feels good to make something and have other people enjoy it. I am always listening to music. My favorite song right now is Gang Over Luv by Brent Faiyaz.

Keep up with J'nae on her journey:

Personal Youtube: J'nae Nikole

Personal Instagram: @JnaeNikole

Instagram: @50shadesofchoc

Youtube: 50 Shades of Chocolate