Today we’d like to introduce you to Latisha Jones.
Hi Latisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My father named me Latisha “Mo’Shea” Jones; little did I know that my name would serve as the beginning of something bigger than myself. After being bullied because of my beautiful dark skin complexion, it became my mission to change the narrative of what it means to have dark skin. Having dark skin does not equate to being “ugly”, “masculine”, or “uneducated.” I created Mo’Shea at the age of 16 to heal my community from the pain that colorism has brought. Most importantly, the pain that I felt. Being called “ugly”, “darkie,” or being told “you are pretty for a dark skin girl” hurt, especially because the people that said those look just like me- and II know that I am not alone. Mo’Shea is a skincare line dedicated to fighting colorism with love. Through self care we promote self love to change the narrative of what it means to have dark skin. Our Artisan whipped body butter uses ethically sourced Shea butter from Ghana and organic oils like jojoba, argan, and aloe vera, creating a radiant glow that everyone will notice. Using our products, you can’t help but feel beautiful, confident, and ready to tackle the day.
In 2023, we launched a series called “Conversations on Colorism” for students in the Atlanta University Center. Through these conversations, we were able to provide a safe space for students to express themselves and relate to others through having difficult conversations. Mo’Shea’s mission is to heal black and brown people’s trauma caused by colorism through skin care products that encourage self-care, boost self-love, and reinforce that having dark skin is beautiful. We believe that skincare is more than just a routine – it’s a transformative act of self-care and self-expression. Our mission is to challenge societal norms and prejudices surrounding skin color by fostering a sense of unity, self-acceptance, and love through our skincare products, Conversations on Colorsim, and Nourish- a women’s personal development group.
I grew up in the resilient city of Flint, Michigan I have always been, a creative soul with a a heart as strong as the city that raised me. Growing up in Flint wasn’t easy, but I never let the challenges that I faced weaken my strength and determination to make a difference in this world, which is why I chose to attend the illustrious Spelman College.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of my many challenges is getting people to believe in my mission of fighting colorism with love and funding. Being that colorism is mostly a lived experience rather than a spoken one. It’s one of those issues in the Black community that happens at home and stays at home- except everyone knows that skin tone bias exists. My goal is to bring awareness to what colorism is so that we can unlearn the self-hate that is ingrained in us when we think about Afrocentric features.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mo’Shea?
At Mo’Shea, our passion is not just about skincare; it’s about making a profound change, a meaningful difference in the lives of the communities we touch. The staggering figure of over 8.6 billion dollars in skin-bleaching product sales in 2020 serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for the work we are dedicated to at Mo’Shea. We are not merely a skincare brand; we are a movement, a force committed to combatting colorism for the holistic well-being of Brown and Black women.
What sets Mo’Shea apart is our unwavering belief that fighting colorism is not just a cosmetic concern; it’s about uplifting self-esteem, transforming lives, and safeguarding the health of the communities we serve. We are here to redefine beauty standards, to challenge the norms, and to celebrate the rich tapestry of diverse skin tones.
Mo’Shea Artisan Whipped Body Butter is more than a product; it’s an embrace, a declaration that you are seen, heard, and loved in the skin you’re in. We stand against the harmful narrative of skin-bleaching products and self-sabotaging behaviors. Instead, we offer a sanctuary where individuals can discover a brand that aligns with their values — a brand that cherishes authenticity, embraces diversity, and promotes self-love.
Our star product, the hydrating artisan whipped body butter, is a testament to our commitment to nourishing and celebrating the skin. A unique blend of organic oils, including Jojoba, Jamaican Black Castor, Argan oil, Aloe Vera, and more, is meticulously crafted to keep your skin glowing all day. Paired harmoniously with raw, unrefined shea butter from Ghana, our body butter is a luxurious experience that goes beyond skincare; it’s a ritual of self-love and acceptance.
Mo’Shea invites you to join us on this transformative journey. Let’s defy societal expectations, let’s challenge the norms, and let’s celebrate the beauty of every shade. Mo’Shea is not just a brand; it’s a beacon of empowerment, a movement fueled by love and a commitment to making a real, lasting impact in the fight against colorism. Together, let’s radiate confidence, embrace authenticity, and love the skin we’re in.
What are your plans for the future?
Mo’Shea’s future is not just skincare; it’s about creating a lasting legacy of empowerment, inclusivity, and love. We envision a world where beauty is diverse, celebrated, and unapologetically authentic. Together, we will continue to grow, evolve, and positively impact the lives of those who choose to embrace the radiant beauty of their unique selves. Our next step is to expand our product line and brand awareness. We are going to expand our team and create a women’s personal development program centered around self-care and self-love. In addition, we are searching for a Black women’s wellness organization to donate 1% of sales.
Pricing:
- All body butters are 20 dollars
Contact Info:
- Website: lovemoshea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemoshea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lovemoshea
Image Credits
Krystal Ortiz @kokreationsstudios Ryan Mathis @yeah._ryan Kevin Brown @mooke__
