Meet Dakota Townson and Reginiece Smith | Founders of Body ReElle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dakota Townson and Reginiece Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dakota and Reginiece what inspires you?

Throughout this journey, our relatives have been our biggest inspiration. Their unwavering support has fueled our determination to make a difference.
Growing up, we witnessed firsthand the challenges and frustrations from various relatives’ and their constant battle with dealing with eczema and other dry, itchy skin conditions that also affect numerous people of color. We saw how these conditions not only caused physical discomfort but also affected their self-esteem and overall well-being. Their struggles ignited a deep sense of empathy, which was a motivational factor to find a solution that could help not only our loved ones but also countless others who share similar experiences.
We realized that people of color often face unique challenges when it comes to skincare. Many skincare products on the market fail to address their specific needs, leading to ineffective results and exacerbating existing skin conditions. We took a chance and created Body ReElle and decided to make all natural skincare products that are specifically formulated to cater to the diverse range of skin types and concerns within the communities of color. We wanted to develop products that would not only provide relief from discomfort and smell amazing but also promote healthy, radiant skin while celebrating the beauty and diversity of all skin tones.

We hope to empower individuals to embrace their unique skin and feel confident in their own beauty. It is our sincere hope that our products will not only alleviate discomfort but also instill a sense of self-care, self-love, and empowerment within those who use them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

First and foremost, Body ReElle prioritizes using natural and nourishing ingredients that have been intentionally selected to address specific skin concerns while promoting overall skin health. However, what truly sets us apart from other skincare lines and what we are excited about is our strong dedication to sustainability. We recognize the environmental challenges that our planet faces, and we believe in being part of the solution. As a conscious brand, we have made a commitment to transition to more sustainable packaging materials. We have minimized using plastic and taking steps to reduce our ecological footprint by adopting eco-friendly alternatives, such as using glass to minimize waste and prioritize recycling. Our transition to more sustainable packaging aligns with our core values of promoting holistic well-being, not only for our customers but also for the environment we all share. Body ReElle believes that small changes can make a big impact, and we are continuously exploring new ways to enhance our sustainability practices.

We have had many challenges and being business owners is definitely not easy. Each day we continue to learn something new. Such as, suggestions on budgeting for a virtual assistant so we can better serve and engage with our customers. We continue to persevere and go after opportunities that will lead us to a path of greater success. Networking is key and marketing the business is crucial. We know we have to stay consistent and hold each other accountable when it comes to running a business. Some of the lessons we have learned along the way are to be more selective with our time. We have to be careful to not overbook ourselves and be more discerning in choosing opportunities that are of value to us. Overall, navigating running a business, being mothers’ and still juggling 9 to 5 work schedules can be hectic. We enjoy creating and formulating products that help to improve skin health and help to boost a person’s confidence. It’s definitely hard work, but not only is it rewarding, it is worth it. Our hope is that Body ReElle will one day be the go-to skincare brand for all

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being born and raised in Los Angeles, specifically Inglewood. We have some local favorite spots. The beach is always a must when coming to visit Los Angeles. A day would consist of having Breakfast at the Red’s Flavor Table. Definitely, would recommend the Peach Cobbler French Toast or the Shrimp and Grits. After, breakfast we’ll head down to Venice Beach. If you are not from SoCal it’s definitely a site to see; from BodyBuilders to street performers, plus the one of a kind artwork one may come across, there is truly something for everyone. After, the beach will head to Inglewood to get a tour of the New SoFi Stadium and all the new development in the area. We’ll make a stop to grab drinks at Martins Cocina. The Mangoneada Margarita is a must. We’ll also stop at Our Culture Hub to support some local black owned businesses. There is just so much to do in Los Angeles, we’ll probably visit DTLA Arts District and check out some art exhibits and perhaps find a spot to go wine tasting.  Lastly, taking a hike at the Baldwin Hill Scenic Overlook is an absolute must to capture some amazing photos of the city and take in the gorgeous views of Los Angeles. A week may not even be long enough to indulge in what Los Angeles has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We actually have several people that deserve a Shout Out. Big Thank you to Vanessa Punche – Owner of LA Grind Coffee and Tea Bar in Los Angeles
Her dedication to her business and the passion she brings to her work inspire us. She leads by example, demonstrating the resilience, perseverance, and innovation necessary to thrive in a competitive market. Her entrepreneurial spirit is infectious, and it encourages Body ReElle to push beyond our comfort zone and explore new possibilities.

Big Thank you to Rashunda Rene – Owner of Our Culture Hub – Retail Shop in Inglewood
Her vision of having a retail store to showcase over 30 plus Black Owned Businesses has allowed Body ReElle to have a space where customers can physically get their hands on our product and not have to wait for items to ship, which is an excellent option for local customers. Her genuine enthusiasm for our success, no matter how big or small, has reinforced our determination to continue to strive and overcome obstacles to achieve our goals. We want to express our deepest gratitude for her ongoing support, advice and encouragement she provides to us.

Lastly, super big shout out to Ayn Howze who is the Head of Advocacy and Communications at Deutsch LA an Ad Agency which offers their Blackness in Full Bloom Program (BiFB) to assist small businesses of color with resources and expert knowledge that can help elevate a business to the next level. Body ReElle was encouraged to participate and we are so glad we did. We are honored to have her as a motivator and a mentor.

Website: www.bodyreelle.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bodyreelle

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bodyreelle

Other: bodyreelle@gmail.com

Image Credits
Alton Arnold and Soona Studios