Conversations with the Inspiring Charis Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charis Lee.

Charis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that beauty is subjective and, therefore cannot be defined universally. I would agree with this adage, were it not for the overwhelming consensus in western culture that qualifies a certain set of physical features as beautiful above all others.

Perceptions of physical attractiveness are subject to social forces, and often are stronger than any individualʻs preferences. Growing up, I was hard-pressed to find reflections of myself in popular narratives– from magazines, tv shows, stories, and social media, all I saw were people who were not me. The aesthetic that was prized most did not include my dark brown skin, my full lips, tight curls, nor my curves.

As a result, I grew to dislike all the things that made me, me. This was an exhausting endeavor trying to fit a mold that I could never fit because I cannot be anyone but me. Not only was it exhausting, it was painful. Those who are not included in the dominant narrative (often driven by profit motives and racist sentiment), are in any given moment, rendered invisible or inferior.

After years of self-reflection and healing, I have come to embrace all of me. All of who I am is not only beautiful but is a reflection of my family who came before me. As an adult, my passion is to disrupt narratives that devalue the richness and diversity of beauty found throughout this county and all over the world. I want to affirm beauty that we all inherently possess. Full lips and thick curves may be in now, but at one time, possessing these physical traits, made you physically inferior. Chasing after these definitions are exhausting; and leaves us emotionally and spiritually bankrupt. Our Beauty is Our Beauty.

I provide beauty services that uplift and support those who have, for so long, been devalued because of the ever-changing definition of beauty. You can find me at: lee.charis286@gmail.com

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Though it has not been a smooth road and it is a road that I continue to travel, I know self-acceptance is a necessary and fundamental part of my growth as a woman. To young women starting the journey to self-acceptance, I believe education is key. When I began to educate myself on just the way beauty trends change over time and how they tend to be controlled very closely by media it made it easier for me to wrap my head around this made-up idolization of a certain “aesthetic”. I realized I cannot continue to tirelessly chase an identity that will NEVER be me. All you and I can do is chase the true identity that is OURSELVES. Good luck on your journey to self-acceptance and remember you are special, you are worthy and you are worth it!

What should we know about Our Beauty? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am and have always been passionate about beauty and helping others to feel special. I’m currently in the field of esthetics and I am known for specializing treatments to clients exact skincare concerns, while also educating them along the way. At Our Beauty, I make it my mission to serve HUMANS of all walks of life, shades, shapes and colors. We all deserve to feel at our very best. I make custom skincare (specializing in face masks) and offer other beauty services. I pay very close attention to detail and have a loving touch because I truly care for each person that I get the pleasure of treating and want everyone to leave knowing that.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I really enjoy listening to motivational speakers and Ted talks on Youtube. These often give me the reality check that I often need to keep pushing and take accountability for what I have in life and to dream big to achieve so much more.

Contact Info:

• Email: lee.charis286@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Charis Lee

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