Meet Ja-Naisah Salters | Licensed Esthetician & Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ja-Naisah Salters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ja-Naisah, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision that I had to make was moving to a different state, detaching myself from everything that was holding me back from reaching my full potential. It is extremely difficult to break away from habits, people, and things you’ve associated yourself with for so long, but it can be done. The fear of the unknown and fear of being lonely played a major role in my decision making that prevented me from progressing. For a very long time, I felt like my hometown, Newark, NJ, was not offering me enough. The need to broaden my horizon was very present. I needed to experience living in a different environment that supported my dreams and goals. Initially, being in a new state without my close friends and family was very emotional for me until I realized I am not really alone or lonely. The presence of the Lord is always with me, protecting me, my mind, and heart. Fulfilling my day with experiences that uplift me and contribute to my success has been very essential to overcoming the feeling of loneliness. The South can be very dangerous, so purchasing small items like pepper spray and a pocket knife helped me feel less afraid when out and alone to freely and confidently enjoy my experiences. I have been able to connect and network with very influential people, such as authors, artists, philanthropists, magazine editors and publishers that I may have not been able to meet in my hometown. There is an abundant amount of inspiration and motivation surrounding me that has changed my perspective and mentality. I was able to discover pop-up shops to expand my business that cost nothing to a minimal amount of money. My Beauty Begins Within bookmarks have been placed in the Apex Museum located in Atlanta, GA for shoppers to grab for free with a book purchase. This Atlanta magazine connected with me to share my story during a time they did not know I was yearning to express my story to help other young black Kings and Queens like myself overcome the trials and dilemmas we are faced with as a brown girl or brown boy. The possibilities are limitless. The most difficult decision that I had to make resulted in a sense of peace, complete Self-Awareness, and clarity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a licensed esthetician based in Atlanta, GA. I graduated from Capri Institute in Kenilworth, NJ with my Esthetics license. Healthy skin begins within, meaning making healthier choices pertaining to what you ingest, put on your body, and in your home. Healthy skin is a lifestyle. As an African American woman, it is pertinent that we take extra care of our melanin skin, as it is easy to permanently harm our skin with toxic ingredients. There are so many synthetic, toxic ingredients used in the Cosmetic Industry linked to cancer such as Synthetic Fragrance, Phthalates, Parabens, PEG (Polyethylene Glycol, and the most popular of them all Retinol. In the US, beauty products are largely unregulated, putting our melanin skin at a greater risk to become permanently damaged.

After experiencing the horrifying act of TSA at the airport disposing of my skincare products that did not meet the TSA requirements, I formulated what is now our #1 Best Selling Product today. When I arrived in Cancun, Mexico I had to figure something out quickly to exfoliate and hydrate my skin during my trip. At the hotel, I saw a packet of ground coffee, bought a jar of coconut oil from 7/11 across the street from the hotel, and combined the two to create my #1 Selling All Natural Coffee Exfoliant. I have formulated an entire skincare line of products with 100% natural ingredients such as Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil, Green Coffee, and Premium Shea Butter to naturally treat and maintain healthy, melanated skin.

My skincare brand focuses on healthy living and healthy skin. Healthy skin can be best achieved by a healthy lifestyle, which many skincare brands do not emphasize. It is more than putting ingredients on your skin. but the ingredients that go into your body as well .Beauty begins with your inner beauty, making better choices for yourself and your environment, acting in kindness, using non-toxic products, forming routines progressive to your success in life, and becoming worry-free.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Where to Eat: Buttermilk Kitchen Where to Drink: “Not a drinker”
Best Waterfall: Victory Creek Trail Waterfall
Best Museum: Apex Museum

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to one of my #1 supporters, Hugo Fuego (@live.str), that motivated me just about every day since my big move. We have been friends since college and our bond has been unbreakable. When I’ve felt defeated, he’d lift me up every time.

Website: www.bbeginswithin.com

Instagram: instagram.com/bbeginswithin

Facebook: facebook.com/bbeginswithin

Youtube: https://youtu.be/xNQQ2dmiO4Y