O'MARIA AKPATI
Conversations on Identity

Media & Press

Conversations on Identity

Selected publications, podcast features, and broadcast interviews

RECOGNITION

Trusted by global brands

ARCHIVE

Published Works & Interviews

SIMPLICITY

Skinimalism: Paring Down Your Skincare Routine to the Essentials

Self-acceptance is the ultimate beauty secret. It’s the radiance that shines from within, illuminating your unique magic. So, today, let’s talk skin. Real skin. The kind that has pores, maybe a blemish or two (or ten—I feel you!), and definitely isn’t airbrushed. Honestly, I’m so over chasing that “perfect” skin mirage. I remember late nights I could have been getting beauty sleep which I instead spent slathering...

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POP CULTURE

What the Tony and BET Awards Taught Me about True Beauty

Awards season is more than just a parade of glittering gowns and sharp suits; it’s a vibrant canvas where fashion becomes a powerful language of self-expression. As we look back at the Tony Awards and the BET Awards—both of which took place barely three weeks apart—the red carpet offers us a unique opportunity to consider what truly defines personal style and, ultimately, what radiates as genuine...

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BODY IMAGE

Gaining Sixty Pounds: Three Lessons I Learned About True Beauty

The scale once dictated my self-worth. Like many, I equated a specific weight or dress size with feeling “good enough” or beautiful. As a former celebrity makeup artist, I saw this relentless pursuit of exterior perfection firsthand. Despite flawless makeup, the hunger for an elusive ideal often left a hollow feeling...

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HAIR CARE

Luscious Locks, Less Fuss: Embracing a Minimalist Hair Care Routine

When we think of beauty, we often focus on the face, but we can’t neglect the crown of glory that frames it: our hair! Just like skin, hair thrives with gentle, intentional care, and a minimalist approach can bring surprising results. It’s about finding a few key products that deliver maximum impact, simplifying your routine and letting your natural locks shine. Rather than overwhelming your hair with...

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SLEEP HYGIENE

Sleeping Beauty: My Week of 8-Plus Hours of Sleep (and What It Did for Me)

For years, my relationship with sleep has been a tumultuous one. We’d flirt in the evenings, with me promising “I’ll be back soon,” before succumbing to the siren call of late-night work or mindless scrolling. Recently, I decided to try something radical: a week of prioritizing sleep, aiming for eight-plus hours every night. What unfolded was a surprising and transformative journey, proving that sleep is not a luxury but...

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MINDFULNESS

Mindful Mornings: Setting the Tone for True Beauty

In our often fast-paced lives, mornings can feel like a jarring transition from rest to relentless activity. The snooze button becomes our frenemy, and we frequently lurch into the day feeling behind before it even really begins. Even when we avail ourselves of options to ease our wakeup, such as a puzzle alarm clock or a sunlight alarm clock, the truth of the matter is this: mornings can be hard. A mindful morning is about putting first things first – prioritizing a gentle start that nourishes...

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