Meet Tahira | Small business owner & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tahira and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tahira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I’m a perfectionist and have always been obsessed with my skin. I’ve always achieved for it to look and feel it’s best. It wasn’t until I became a freelance MUA that I learned what a true skincare regimen was and from there my love for skincare snowballed. After 1.5 years or so dedicated to my new obsession I realized that I was spending so much money on product and just decided to make my own. Why? 1) I love a good DIY and experimenting 2) At the time there weren’t many natural brands available with simple ingredients. I started by making body scrubs for myself and my family. At that time I wasn’t selling product, it was more of a hobby. It was my aunt who suggested that I should sell my product. During the years of trial and error and perfecting my formulas, I became extremely health conscious. I learned how beneficial healthy eating habits were to my skin. It’s something I wish I would’ve known when I was younger but like many black people I was never taught. So I thought why not take two my favorite things that I am most passionate about and combine into one brand to sharing with the black community, hence Naked Face & Body.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Aside from being a small business owner I am a model. Modeling is definitely a form of art that I have perfected over the years and I would not want to do anything else as a career. It is something that I’ve wanted to do since I was very young. I got where I am today by being a risk taker, being a free spirit and by having the utmost faith in myself and my journey. I think that’s what I’m most proud of. Just being here, being able to say that I am a successful full-time model making it in LA, I am literally living out my childhood dreams and it’s such a blessing to be able to say that. I’ve learned so many things while working in the industry but one of the most important things that I’ve learned is to not take everything personally. Also know that what is for you is for you and can’t nothing or no one get in the way of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

In no particular order we’re hitting up El Matador Beach in Malibu

Griffith Park for a hike and beautiful views.

Mama Shelter for some of thee best Brussels sprouts I’ve ever had in my life, I’m mad they don’t do takeout but the view is cute.

Brunch at The Griddle for more views

Cafe Gratitude BH because I’m vegan and I force everyone who visits to try vegan food at least once 🙂

Century city mall

Nobu Malibu

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to GOD first and foremost because without GOD I wouldn’t be where I am today (physical, mentally & financially.) I wouldn’t have the amazing, inspiring & supportive group of friends that I have in a city where I have no family, big shoutout to them! And shoutout to my family who inspires and encourages me everyday 🙂

Two books I highly recommend:
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel
Ruiz & The Magic by Rhonda Byrne.

Website: Gonakd.com

Instagram: nakedfaceandbody