Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
The events related to anti-Black racism and the ongoing police brutality in the US, including the senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, among many others – as well as similar systemic issues in our hometowns of Toronto and Halifax – have left us deeply saddened and outraged. As we stand with the Black Lives Matter and anti-racism movement, we feel compelled to speak out in support. What to say and how to say it has been a challenge, but silence is not an option. So, we’ll talk about what we know for sure.
And it’s this: we launched The T-Zone because we wanted to create a space where we could, well, do whatever we damn well pleased. And at the top of that list was to have the freedom and authority to create images of beauty that spoke to us – not because the models looked like us, but because they looked like an expanded definition of beauty we desperately need to see more of. That starts with all aspects of inclusivity and diversity by showing different ages, body shapes and sizes, skin tones and genders, and it starts by seeing beauty in Black women. Seeing it in faces that are often dismissed because a skin tone is considered too dark, a hair texture too kinky, or lips too full (despite the fact that plenty of non-Black people are paying good money to fill out their own pouts). It seems like a simple act, and something that shouldn’t be a big deal in 2020. But we know how the story usually goes: As editors who have been tasked with casting models in photo shoots for various mainstream outlets and commercial campaigns, we’ve both had multiple experiences in bringing diverse talent to the table only to have higher powers whittle down the final choice to a Eurocentric look. Repeatedly not having an intent match an outcome was disappointing and frustrating. Because nothing changes if nothing changes.
As we strive to be change-makers and continue to work on amplifying Black women in the beauty biz from every aspect, we wanted to shine the spotlight on nine incredible Black women who have graciously collaborated with us in the past. Please read on to learn why we love them, then go on to support them with follows and likes individually. Your lives will be better for knowing them. And know that from here on out, we will work even harder to include Black women’s faces, voices, experiences and entrepreneurial goals in our content, whether that’s through creating breathtaking photographs, being nosy about the beauty routine of strangers on the street or otherwise, or talking with experts in our industry. It’s a matter of beauty.
xo,
Ingrie & Emily
P.S. Anti-Black racism awareness and becoming an ally for Black people is a work-in-progress practice that includes education and action. At the end of this post we’ve included links to a few resources we’ve found helpful recently, such as thought pieces, charities and insightful booklists, podcast and film suggestions.
Faces
Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Hair and Makeup: Brittany Sinclair. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Alakiir (@ala_kiir)
We first spotted Alakiir at a major beauty event at the AGO last year, where she was part of a gorgeous Canadian campaign to announce an expanded foundation shade range. The statuesque beauty stood out in the crowd of mingling models and media folk. Weeks later, we began planning The T-Zone’s first photoshoot and thinking about models we hoped to cast for it. We knew featuring women that could not only flawlessly showcase the beauty looks we had in mind but who would also represent a diversity of skin tones and hair textures that’s lacking in the beauty biz was key for us. Cue our a-ha 💡moment! When we talked further about what faces should be central to representations of beauty right now, Alakiir was *it* for us. The stars aligned, and we were able to work together in the final days of her summer stay in Toronto before she returned to Vancouver, where she’s currently working towards a bachelor of commerce degree at the University of British Columbia. Since then, we’ve been so grateful she was able to squeeze in time with us because she took our beauty shoot dreams to the next level and was essential to the important beauty statement we wanted to make. The photos speak for themselves – she is pure joy, no? And we know we aren’t the only ones eagerly anticipating what Alakiir does next.
Photographer: Colin Gaudet. Hair and Makeup: Brittany Sinclair. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Truth (@truthalexis)
A makeup artist friend of ours (shout out to Amy Harper!) recommended we check out Truth for upcoming casting and put her name forward with a singing recommendation. While planning our first shoot, we promptly went to Truth’s Instagram page and one look at her perfectly scattered freckles and g-or-geous, shoulder length copper curls, and she was cast on the spot. We wanted the images we created with her to really put her freckles on display and highlight her impeccable, filter-free skin (seriously, she’s wearing barely any base makeup in this shot).
Since keeping in touch post-shoot, we recently spotted on Insta that Truth is now rocking a super short new ’do. A model shaving their head (quarantine or not) is a bold move, but it’s apparent she wears it WELL. We wanted to know more about her new cut (again, we’re nosy), so here’s what she had to say about her decision to get scissor-happy: “This cut has been a long time coming. Working in the modelling industry made it clear that a relaxer was more of a necessity than a choice. Being on set — where more times than not, the hairdresser struggled to style my hair — my hair was often over-processed. Just under a year ago now, I was frustrated and fed up. My hair was breaking and in terrible shape. It was a massive part of my look and helped me gain popularity in the industry. So it was decided, a big chop wouldn't go over well, and I held on to what I had. Flash forward to April 2020, mid COVID-19 lockdown — I snapped. I was tired of looking at my broken edges and struggling to style my hair in a way to hide them. I decided, if I was going to cut my hair off, there was no better time than now. Turns out, I love the look, and it's the most empowering thing I've done in recent times. Hopefully, in the next few years, we'll see the return of the ’fro!” ’Fro or no ’fro, girl is going places and we can’t wait to watch her journey.
Image courtesy of Truth.
Image courtesy of Erin. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Erin (@erinlookdevine)
We got to know Erin, an award-winning makeup artist and beauty influencer, at the very first media event of 2020 held at a swanky hotel in downtown TO. Hanging out in a marble-clad bathroom, the Shoppers Drug Mart beauty pro made taking a microscopic look at our skin way less frightening than it sounds, and introduced us to new skincare essentials. Making fast friends, we loved every minute of it. Seriously, they had to kick us out of there! We parted knowing that collaborating in the future was a given, and then the pandemic changed everything and it seemed like that plan would have to be put on hold. But, once we were a few weeks in and inspiration to create in new and different ways had struck, we started reaching out to people to share how they were taking care of themselves during the stressful time. Instantly we thought Erin would be an awesome contributor and in the midst of working overtime hours, helping the public in an essential services role, she was gracious enough to appear in an episode of Self-Care Club. With her focus on hydrated curls and glowing skin, watch it here to see how she has forever changed the way we think about multi-masking!
Voices
Image courtesy of Natasha. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Natasha (@natashajbruno)
Known for her amazing signature Afro and megawatt smile, Natasha Bruno is the recently appointed Beauty Director of Fashion Canada magazine and has played a significant role in putting Black women front and centre within the conversation of Canadian beauty. Given that her contribution to our 2019 Editor’s Fave list shouted out a luxe hair line designed specifically for natural Black hair, it’s no surprise that one her first orders of business in her new role was to create a weekly online column called Texture Talk. On its debut, Natasha described it as a ‘deep dive into the world of curls, discussing everything from hair care tips for different curl patterns (spirals, corkscrews, kinks – you name it) to the powerful cultural and personal significance curly hair can hold.’ To which we say: more, please! A column of this kind was way overdue in the mainstream women’s media landscape. And by creating change from the inside, Natasha is an inspiring example of how increasing diversity and including Black women at the leadership and decision-making level of media can have a direct and immediate impact.
Image courtesy of Brittnee. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Brittnee (@brittneecblair)
Don’t know where to start raving about this total boss, but when we were working on our story about eyebrows in February we knew exactly which women with amazing arches we needed to call on to tell us all their secrets. And Brittnee Blair was at the top of the list! You can catch her brow essentials here, and trust us you’ll want to have what she’s having. Since then, we’ve looked to the model, actress and self-proclaimed fembot for fitspo during quarantine (you can 100% use your dog for resistance training), an influx of body positivity (say yas to curves) and many an insanely creative and uplifting moment. Give her a follow stat, if only to behold a toilet paper crown so chic you have to see it to believe it.
Image courtesy of Tracy. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Tracy (@tracypmakeup)
A longtime fixture at CityLine as a makeup artist working behind the camera, we’ve loved watching Tracy Peart become a beauty and fashion expert in front of the lens. She’s always one to give us the straight goods on what works, and having her contribute to our 2019 Editor’s Faves roundup of the best beauty finds was a necessity.
Recently, with the rise of conversations in light of the incredibly troubling and heart-breaking events related to racism, police brutality and civil rights, we’ve been blown away by Tracy’s ability and willingness to openly share her experiences as a Black woman while also taking on the heavy-lifting to answer a very important question: How do I become an ally to black people? Her answer is a must-read for all. Period.
Image courtesy of @tracypmakeup
entrepreneurs
Image courtesy of Témi. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Témi (@temi.shobowale)
Yes, Témi Shobowale is an entrepreneur but she’s so much more than that (her achievements read like a laundry list of life #goals). Along with being a sought after and accomplished makeup artist in Toronto (that’s where our paths first crossed), she’s also a business owner who launched a skincare and wellness line Essentials by Temi last year. The line contains luxe everyday beauty musts that are packed with natural ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil. Do yourself a favour and pick up her Sleep Honey Buttercream, it’s as good as it sounds and leaves skin intensely nourished. Témi is also the founder of Herday, a community-driven collective that hosts intimate events on everything from wellness circles to DIY body scrub workshops (sign us up!). That’s just a small slice of who Témi is, along with being a kind, hardworking, ultra-talented woman (we could go on, and on). We asked Témi to share her go-to beauty prod for 2019 in our ‘Best of Beauty’ round-up, and she’s an expert we’ve interviewed for editorial stories as she has the best beauty tips, always. Be sure to check out her multiple platforms (they are perfect for inspiring a little self-love) and treat yourself to some of her delicious-smelling, handmade skincare ASAP.
Image courtesy of Essentials by Témi
Image courtesy of Dr. Liza. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Dr. Liza (@drliza)
To say that Dr. Liza Egbogah is accomplished is an understatement. Besides being a myofascial release expert, chiropractor and manual osteopath who runs her own clinic called The[Fix] and appears regularly as a physical health & posture expert on national TV shows such as CTV Morning Live, Breakfast Television and The Social. Dedicated to true head-to-toe wellness, she’s also the creator of her signature Face Fix treatment and the brains behind her own line of foot-friendly high heels. The former is a blend of techniques and tools designed to de-stress and rejuvenate a complexion and, lucky us, we got a firsthand experience while interviewing her on episode 12 of Talk Beauty to Me. For anyone curious about a non-invasive facial transformation and/or the lowdown on what a gua sha stone, jade roller or vibrating beauty tool can do, it’s an informative must-watch.
Image courtesy of Samantha. Illustration: Rachel Hawkes Cameron.
We 💖 Samantha (@samanthajaneyt)
Not that Samantha Jane needs an introduction! She is a well-known, award-winning beauty blogger and vlogger in Toronto, who moved here from Newfoundland in 2016 (Maritimers, unite!) to continue working on her beauty platforms. While her YouTube videos are funny, informative and a must-subscribe for any skincare and makeup lover, it’s her Instagram stories that made us fall hard for her (and her two cats Emily and Roux). Whether she’s sharing her love for a new eyeshadow palette or the latest meal she’s cooked up, we’re always tuning in. Did we mention, girl is fun-ny? We’ve been running in the same beauty crowd for years but really connected a few months ago when we asked Samantha to share her fave beauty launch of 2019 for our year end round-up. Thankfully for us (and you!), she’s always open to sharing and spilling the goods. Not only does she keep us laughing but she’s also honest, which isn’t always an abundant trait in our industry. In light of the recent tragedies in the US and Canada, and the open and frank discussions of systemic racism in society that are taking place, Samantha has honestly shared her thoughts and feelings on Instagram. Risking her livelihood, she is holding the beauty business accountable for its practices, including how sometimes it’s still (STILL) challenging for her to find the right foundation shade in some lines. We stan this unbelievably hardworking queen and all that she stands for.