Taya's Truth
Tell me about yourself.
Taya: My name is Lataizsha, but I go by Taya. I'm a junior in college studying social work. I am originally from New York City. I am about to launch my own lash company and start a Youtube channel.
What are your beauty struggles?
Taya: Accepting my skin tone has always been a struggle. Since I started wearing makeup, I have realized that there are not that many colors out there for people of color. I have a lot of discoloration and I can't find an exact shade that matches my skin tone. Props to Rihanna though! She has definitely come through for your girl. I'm also currently breaking out. I have oily combination skin. I'm trying to find products that work for breakouts. I've recently been using the Mario Badescu skin care line and it's been working!
What was your first experience with beauty?
Taya: It was right around sophomre year of high school. Other girls started wearing makeup and wearing hair extensions and that was just something I wasn't really in to. I always felt out of place because of that. That's when I realized that girls find a lot of self-worth in makeup and hair extensions.
Do you think beauty is political for people of color?
Taya: If you're not wearing what everyone else is wearing then people look at you differently. Women of color have to fit themselves in with other people. They can't openly be themselves in the workplace because people don't accept them. Women of color often times have to make themselves digestible for others. I think this creates a barrier that women of color have to face.
What's the best advice you have ever received?
Taya: Love yourself! You have to learn to love yourself in order to live your BEST life! Especially when it comes to beauty, you have to come to terms with what you like about yourself and who you are as a person and not feed off of what other people think about you. With social media, people feel like they are constantly being watched so they conform to what their followers want to see. When you love yourself, no one can change who you are!
How has community been important for you?
Taya: Sisterhood is important because it feels good to have a group of women who support you. I'm really close with my cousins. We try to have cupcakes and cousins at least once a month. We call each other and try to figure out adulthood together. It's hard to go through things alone so it's nice to have people who have your back.
What makes you feel unstoppable?
Taya: The endless possiblities of life! Every day is a different day. One day, you can have a bad day, the next day could be amazing. Just because you have 1 bad day that doesn't mean you have a bad life. You're alive and not everyone has that privilidge. That keeps me going!
What's your self-care routine?
Taya: On my days off, I do my whole wash day routine. I love reading a book while taking a bubble bath. I take time to reflect on my work week to see what I have accomplished and what goals I am still working towards. I keep a journal to track my progress so I never forget how far I've come.
Keep up with Taya on her journey:
Instagram: @taya.gonzalez
Twitter: @doseoftaya
Snapchat: taya.gonzalez