There’s something about walking into a room and leaving a trail of confidence behind—not just in how you carry yourself, but in the fragrance that lingers long after you’ve gone. For me, smelling good isn’t just a habit; it’s a form of self-love, a statement of presence, and a way to embrace my femininity fully.
But beyond the simple pleasure of wearing a beautiful fragrance, self-care holds deep historical significance for Black women. For centuries, we have been expected to prioritize others before ourselves—our labor, our strength, and our resilience have been glorified, often at the expense of our well-being. Today, embracing self-care, in all its forms, is not just about feeling good—it’s a radical act of reclaiming our time, our joy, and our right to softness… truly deserving of a soft life.
Black women have always found ways to nurture themselves despite a world that often tried to deny them that right. During slavery and segregation, self-care wasn’t just about beauty—it was about survival. Enslaved women used natural ingredients like shea butter, oils, and herbs to heal their skin, protect their hair, and maintain a sense of dignity in the face of dehumanization. These traditions, passed down through generations, remain at the core of Black beauty and wellness today.
In the 1960s and 70s, during the height of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, self-care took on an even deeper meaning. Activists like Audre Lorde reminded us that “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Black women were fighting for justice while also demanding space to rest, heal, and prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
Fast forward to today, and the conversation around Black women and self-care is still evolving. In a world that often expects us to be “strong” at all times, choosing to take care of ourselves—whether by setting boundaries, indulging in luxury, or simply taking time to rest—is a revolutionary act.
