Mariam's Truth

Tell me about yourself.

Mariam: My name is Mariam Guessous. I am from Marrakech, Morrocco. I am a creative entrepreneur—I create solutions that make an impact. I left my job as a creative director in corporate America because of the lack of representation. I left the industry because I realized that they didn't care and that we wouldn't see any change if we didn't take ownership and take our power back. I run a creative agency for creators of color called Majorité, and we only work with other brands owned by people of color, or brands that want to speak to communities of color. I launched I See You Wellness as a beauty and wellness company. It kind of just happened, but I needed to take my power back through self-care. I felt like I had given so much to others and needed to reset. Through that journey, I started writing and sharing affirmations with other women—creating a community. It led to creating a beauty self-care line. I realized that all along I was always one to transmute negative energy. Letting go and creating from within was something that resonated with me, and became I See You Wellness. It is our journey, intertwined together. Women of color are the biggest consumers. We have the largest buying power, and if we spend our money more consciously, that creates opportunities for not only us, but for all oppressed communities.  

What are your beauty struggles?

Mariam: One of my biggest struggles is finding products that I can continue using. What happens is: I buy products and they work once, and then don’t work anymore. I waste so much money and my skin suffers because it still needs nourishment. I continually ask the questions, “How can beauty be authentic?” I also noticed the toxins in beauty brands. That is particularly important to me. The beauty industry is not regulated in any way. You can start a beauty brand and call it all natural, all organic, and they can still legally sell it, even if it’s not.

What does beauty mean to you?

Mariam: Beauty starts from the inside. It comes from within. I take time for self-care because I understand that my beauty begins on the inside. Beauty encompasses the inner as well as the outer. Beauty is self-expression. It can be a creative outlet. We can control our power with beauty. Beauty is what we present to the world.

Do you think beauty is political for people of color?

Mariam: Yes, of course. There have been beauty standards set by people who have no business setting standards. It creates this society that excludes us. When women of color reclaim their beauty, they reclaim their power. We can see this through the self-care and natural hair movement. Technology has made us connected and allows us to love ourselves for who we truly are. We connect with other women because they empower us to love ourselves. We are able to raise everyone's vibrations. It's like sending signals through the Interwebs for everyone to rise.

How has community been important to you?

Mariam: Community has been extremely important to me. It's important to know what’s on the other side. The world wants us to feel isolated and like we are alone. When you meet a community, you realize there is a collective struggle against it. Community is all about individually doing your part and it coming together to create a giant fire that cannot be put out. Community is sisterhood. It’s how our ancestors lived. We are not supposed to live alone. We are supposed to share and help each other. We have to continue this to raise communities out of darkness. Our strength is definitely in community.

What is your self-care routine?

Mariam: Self-care is prioritizing myself, period. No matter what my calendar looks like. Meditating is like measuring my home frequency. I start my day by drinking water and meditating. I check in to my source and check what my soul needs that day. From there, I can know what I need to do to thrive. I sit and eat mindfully. I moisturize my skin and do my hair. I turn everyday tasks into rituals. I love listening to Moroccan music and taking dance breaks. Self-care is the way you live. I always ask, “How can I use every day to be mindful?” It's as simple as brushing your teeth in the morning and saying affirmations. Self-care is not something you do, it’s a way of being. It is my state of being.

Keep up with Mariam on her journey:

Instagram: @iseeyouwell

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/iseeyouwellness/

Website: http://iseeyouwellness.com/

Zen Day, the first ever community wellness conference is only two weeks away! Zen Day brings Movement, Mindfulness, and Modern Spirituality to communities of color at the historic @weeksvilleheritagecenter on May 19th, 2018 @ 2pm in Brooklyn.

With talks from @iwildflower, @readingsbyvida, @brujasofbrooklyn, and @liananaima, the wisdom will flow! There will also be acupuncture, trapaerobics, eyebrow threading, mocktails, vegan bites, giveaways and so much more.

Tickets are going quickly, grab yours at zenday.splashthat.com #zenday #wellness #spirituality