Embracing Authenticity: An Interview with AYỌ TOMETI
Photo credit: Tinko Czetwertynski
*AYỌ Tometi
*AYỌ Tometi
AYỌ TOMETI, co-creator of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, is a name synonymous with courage, compassion, and impactful change. Recognized globally and celebrated by major media outlets like TIME Magazine, Forbes, and Vanity Fair, AYỌ’s influence extends far beyond activism.
In this conversation, AYỌ shares her personal journey, revealing how pivotal moments in her life have shaped her views on beauty and wellness. From her decision to embrace her natural hair as a teenager to her thoughts on the beauty industry's strides towards inclusivity, Ayo offers a refreshing perspective grounded in self-expression and health.
Join us as we delve into AYỌ TOMETI's daily skincare routine, her favorite products, and the rituals that keep her grounded. Her story is not just about beauty—it's about embracing one's true self and finding joy in the journey.
AYỌ, could you share the story of your journey and how it has shaped your perspectives on beauty and wellness?
Absolutely! Beauty and wellness are such personal experiences for each of us. For me, the most transformative experience was deciding to go natural with my hair when I was 14 or 15. I stopped using chemical straighteners and embraced my natural curls. This decision was deeply personal and quite the journey. Growing up, my mom never criticized my appearance, so I was a confident young person. Choosing to rock my curly, kinky hair made me realize I wasn’t competing with conventional beauty standards. In a predominantly white school with a mix of Latino, Arab American, and Black students, I carved out my own definition of beauty. It was empowering to embrace my natural look and invite others to appreciate it too. This approach to beauty—authentic and self-expressive—still shapes my views today. Plus, we now know the chemicals in hair relaxers can cause health issues, especially for Black women, so embracing natural beauty is also a wellness choice.The beauty industry has seen a shift towards more inclusivity; in your view, how far has it come, and what remains to be done?
I love seeing the industry become more inclusive. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with beauty products even more—I'm a bit of a beauty junkie. I test everything to find what works best and get gifted a lot too. The broader range of colors in cosmetics is fantastic, but I also appreciate the diversity of founders. It brings innovation and variety, which is always exciting. I’m constantly on the lookout for the next best thing! Not many know this, but I’m also into personal development and biohacking, which spills into my beauty routine. If I love a product, I’ll use it for years but always stay open to new improvements or changes that benefit my skin.Could you walk us through your daily skincare routine and the products that are essential for you?
My skincare journey is all about listening to my body. I follow the Wahls Paleo Protocol, eating lots of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and colorful fruits, mostly berries. I also eat salmon daily and other seafood like mussels, shrimp, and crab. Beef organ supplements, Armra colostrum, and bone broth have transformed my skin, along with prebiotics like Bulletproof’s Inner Fuel.
For my topical routine, I keep it simple. At night, I use an over-the-counter hydrating face wash to double or triple cleanse, starting with Biossance squalane oil cleanser if I’m wearing makeup. Then, I apply retinol or prescription-strength tretinoin, followed by a rich night cream. Occasionally, I’ll use a mask like Shea Moisture’s black clay mask. During the day, I use a nourishing face wash, Beauty Stat’s vitamin C serum, and their under-eye formula. When traveling, I stick to Barbara Sturm’s kit for darker skin tones and her clarifying products. I’ve also started using SABLE Labs by Idris and Sabrina Elba—they’re fantastic.
I’m a skin tech enthusiast too. I use the MZ LED Skin Mask for breakouts and fine lines, and Shani Darden’s sculpting wand for facial inflammation. If I don’t have my devices, I use my hands for a similar effect.Rituals often hold a significant place in our lives; could you describe the rituals that are most meaningful to you and their impact on your daily routine and mental health?
My daily rituals are all about setting up my day for the ultimate state of flow. I see myself as an artist, even though my work isn’t traditionally understood as being “artistic”. I’m involved in high-stakes projects and need my best thinking. My one-hour morning routine includes 20 minutes of prayer and meditation, 20 minutes for supplements and planning, and 20 minutes of light exercise. This primes me for the day. I wind down with a podcast and a 20-minute meditation. Throughout the day, I listen to jazz, classical music, or specific frequencies depending on my tasks.
I prepare my meals in advance to avoid distractions. Once a week, I take a walk or hike in nature and enjoy a candlelit bath. I attend church services on Sundays and have a supportive community of deep thinkers and healers, which makes social time feel like a meaningful communion.
Yoga is also a part of my routine, with 30-minute sessions a few times a week, enhanced by candles and intentions. I pray and journal whenever I need to, making these practices integral to my day-to-day life.