A key component to loving the skin you’re in is taking great care of that skin. In a world that’s becoming more green and clean conscious, the natural route is always an excellent path. Eight One Face + Body, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an all-natural, gender-neutral company that stands for promoting healthier lifestyle choices, starting with the products you use for your skin. Temara Payton, the enriching owner of this brand, strives to be act as an agent of positive change in her community. She is using her brand to not only greatly improve the skin and health of others, but to build awareness and connections with those within her community. Temara’s biggest take on self-love? It’s a true gem: validate yourself before you allow others to validate you. Start where you are, and make a conscious effort to nourish yourself before you can bloom for the benefit of others. When she’s not mixing up miraculous skincare products, Temara is catching up on a few of her favorite books: “The Thing is..” by Alecia White, “The Esther Effect” by Arionna Anderson, and “Becoming” by our forever First Lady Michelle Obama. We are in awe of your natural craft, Temara. We’d like to introduce you to Temara, Queen of Skincare!

What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I was inspired to start my business to be an agent of change in my community. How can All-Natural, gender neutral skin care perpetuate change? Well, the more people understand that our skin tells a story of our overall health the better! There are so many products on the market that include toxic ingredients creating issues with our skin and health and we need to know the cleaner, more effective alternatives. That’s what made me want to be a part of the solution so that’s what we do. I had skin care issues of all kinds for the first half of my life. Then I realized it was what I was putting in and on my body that was the problem, and the temporary fixes I was prescribed or given was not the solution. 

 What motivates me the most is the connections I make with our customers. The days I want to give up, there’s a dm or an email that testifies how our skincare is helping them or their loved one. 

Then there’s the woman who posts a selfie makeup-less, glowing and tags us. Or the man that testifies that they love our Body Bars and how they have improved their skin after shaving..that confidence is bigger than skincare. I can’t give up after that!

What does your company stand for?: Our company stands for awareness and the use of clean, quality ingredients in every product. We stand for community building and education of healthier living and clean skin care practices for our families we serve. 

We stand with and for women and girls especially those of color who want to start their own business or cultivate ideas and solutions.

How do you create the life you want?: I create the life I want by being able to control HOW I use my time. I am happier when I have time to nurture the passions and causes that are important to me. Also, being able to spend quality time with family and friends and not missing out on pivotal moments in loved ones life because I’m too engulfed in work is the life I want to lead. So in short balance.

What makes you HUMAN?: What makes me human is my ability to experience every emotion in a 10 minute span. Or maybe that’s entrepreneurship but it happens! I make mistakes and I’m imperfect and I get an attitude if I’m not properly fed. Lol! Being human to me is about identifying with the human experience and giving grace and support to others when needed.

(On Black) What are three things your want people to know about self-love?: Self love is a pre-requisite for any healthy relationship. Don’t expect anyone to validate you before you have validated you.

3. You have to practice it everyday. Love on you everyday. Someone else will forget, so we are responsible for ourselves first.

What's something we can incorporate today to start loving ourselves more?: First thing that comes to mind is be more kind to ourselves. Don’t rush or put unreasonable deadlines on things we can’t control, adding unnecessary pressure on ourselves.

Also, let go of comparison. They say comparison is the thief of joy. No one can do what you do the way you do, so don’t compare your skill or journey to anyone else’s.

What has been your own journey with self love?: My journey with self love began when I realized who I was. It was like seeing myself in the mirror for the first time. I became confident at my own table AND what I bring to the table. I had given up a lot of my power by waiting for people to validate me. I got tired of that. The second half of that was me putting more energy and time into others endeavors than my own. I will always help others but in order for me to help you, I have to help me first. I can’t ask people to do what I have to do for me. The moment that was revealed to me I was free. I practice self love daily, I check in with me. Some days are better than others but at least know I’m on the right path.

Leave an affirmation for readers.....: No one can do what you do, like you do, period.

Email Address: eightyonefaceandbody@gmail.com

Website: http://www.eightyonefaceandbody.com

Social media handles?: @eighty_one_face_and_body

@temarapayton

FB: Eighty One Face and Body

Temara Payton

Any books or apps recommendations?: The Thing is..by Alecia White 

The Esther Effect by Arionna Anderson 

Becoming- Michelle Obama