Certain women dont even have to speak to communicate with you.
You feel their effervescent presence as soon as you enter their space.
Its what differentiates a woman who truly knows herself from others.
This compelling, strong energy is what supermodelAdwoa Aboahexudes.
The room is decked out with a red carpet and red velvet couches that sink into the floor.
The moment I stepped foot into this opulent space, I held my breath for a few seconds.
Emily Soto
She greeted me with a big smile, flashing her signature tooth gem.
Pure dopeness encapsulated her entire demeanor.
Her platform means so much in the rocky racial climate of our society.
Emily Soto
Shes inspiring everyone to just do whats right for them, even if others deem it unconventional.
However, the nerves quickly faded when we eased into our conversation.
She shared her honest thoughts on diversity, mental health, self-confidence, and more.
Emily Soto
How did Gurls Talk come to be, and what inspired you to create this community to give back?
There definitely wasnt a space like this when I was growing up.
Were the safe space to talk about more stigmatized, taboo subjects.
Emily Soto
It was a responsibility I felt I owed to my community.
With that, you feel less alone.
Our last Gurls Talk event was completely intersectional, and it really advocated how lovely all the ladies are.
If Im with friends, theyre like, You always have the coolest girls coming up to you.
How do you prioritize your mental health?
I definitely have to take a moment for myself every day.
I need my own space, and I need to be able to process things.
I move really fast and work sometimes probably too much.
I definitelyexercisea lot, but thats because it sorts my head out.
If I have a free day, Ill be at the gym.
I read that you wore braids and a hat for two years because of these insecurities.
How did you get past this?
I dont know if I really got through it when I was younger until I hit rock bottom.
I stopped wearing a hat, but then I started relaxing my hair.
My hair was never perfect for me because I wanted it to be what it would never be like.
I wanted a fresh start, which inspired me to cut my hair.
I cant care too much about what people think because thats so detrimental to how I live my life.
I get stuck when I think about other peoples opinions too much, but its amazing not to care.
Whats your experience been like with self-love?
Im definitely proud of myself.
But moving to America where everyone is more supportive of each other has helped.
My self-love comes from other things though.
My confidence comes from all the work I throw myself into.
YourBritish Voguecover was iconic and meant so much to women of color everywhere.
How does it feel to be such a powerful example of representation?
Its quite scary sometimes.
But its one of the things Im most grateful for.
Ive got to do it for my community.
Whats your message to women who are struggling with loving themselves?
You cant run away from anything.
I did that for a long time, and it always just comes and catches up with you.
Its going to be difficult, and its going to be up and down.
Theyll feel more capable of everything thats coming their way.
Youve mentioned that there isnt enough diversity in beauty, and its detrimental to self-acceptance.
How do you want to use your platform to bring awareness to those issues?
you’re free to see changes.
Look at that amazing cover Edward did forBritish Vogue.Iconic.
You wouldve never seen that.
I never looked through a magazine and saw images like that.
I could be on the cover ofBritish Vogue.
All of these amazing things that are happening to me are things I wouldve thought are completely inaccessible.
What are your thoughts on the state of the beauty industry when it comes to diversity and representation?
The youth really needs to be taken into account in these conversations.
Theyre really paving the way for change.
Theres definitely still lots of work to be done.
What do you do to lift yourself back up when youre not feeling like your best self?
I like to walk on set and be there, and not just be this walking zombie.
Whats your beauty secret?
What are your favorite beauty indulgences?
I love a glossy eyelid, a face mask, and lavender oil.
I wear face masks all the time.
Theres this GlamGlow SuperMud Mask that I love.
Its one of the face masks I get instant gratification from and see an immediate change in my skin.
I also wear a lot of oils, like lavender oil.
I always use a mixture of things.
I used to have loads.
My nighttime routine is more elaborate.
Read more about Adwoas inspiring journeyhere.
