The desire for quality all-natural skin products has increased in demand since the pandemic. Black consumers are searching for options made with the Black experience in mind by brands with direct ties to the community. While mainstream corporations scarcely line shelves with shallow definitions of “Black” products, this has inspired change for some frustrated by these slim offerings.
Devoted couple Brandon and Selena Parker are the energy and love behind the Socialite Body Essentials brand. This all-natural skincare and body care brand is a joint effort of the pair, who started making body butter in their home to combat their daughter’s eczema outbreaks. After creating an effective product using all-natural ingredients, the couple’s inquisitiveness led them on a journey of self-awareness and enlightenment. Selena said learning that most skin problems started internally sparked a personal inventory check within herself, catapulting her journey into health and wellness.
“We got in touch with our mental health and our internal body. That then translated into the herbal tea, the safe skincare, facial care, and hair. We just wanted to make good products without chemicals, and it just evolved from there. As we evolve, the company evolves too.”
Although the brand began as a skincare line, the Parkers quickly realized that their impact could expand beyond skin essentials and provide a complete wellness experience. Currently, Socialite Body Essentials offers a wide range of products, including body care, natural deodorant, haircare, herbs, and fragrances. The couple advocates for their customers to get in alignment with themselves by listening to their bodies, learning about their well-being, and reconnecting with nature. Selena said by connecting with nature; she could get back to herself with a better understanding of who she is.
“It wasn’t until I reconnected back to nature that allowed me to find myself. Reconnecting back to nature can rejuvenate you. And I think in our society we’re not balanced. We’re eating too much; we’re not working out enough. So, our products and what we offer can help spark a light in people because sometimes by the time your skin has a reaction there’s a lot of damage that has been done internally. That’s why it’s so important to know what you are putting in and on your body.”
The couple prides themselves on knowing that their products work. Not only have they seen the results working on themselves and close family and friends, but they have also received numerous testimonies from their customers with positive updates and tearful messages of gratitude.
“You can look at our labels and read everything that’s in it [our products]. You can go to the store and buy everything that’s in [it]. There are not any big scientific words that you don’t know. So, outside of the fragrances, everything is all natural. That’s a huge thing for us in terms of customers who are looking for clean, natural ways to nourish their hair and skin,” said Brandon.
Brandon and Selena moved their operation from their home to a warehouse in Taylor, Mich., where they currently house their photography and gym studios. JMTPD Photography and A.W.O.L.F Fitness are two other passions the couple use to exercise their creative side and give back to the community. Selena started JMTPD after her grandfather passed to carry on his legacy of photography and family. Brandon, who has always loved fitness, offers personal training and online coaching.
“Our purpose is in this business. We’re touching people and we’re helping people feel better. And that’s invaluable to both of us. I know we become better people because the energy that we put into our products and with communicating with our customers is so much better. It’s so much calmer, it’s creative, and that reflects in our business. So, when you have one of our products it should make you feel like we do, which is good,” said Selena
Socialite Body Essentials are available online for shipment at www. socialitebodyessentials.com. Actual products are available at Authentic Roots of Detroit and Hair Goals 313. For updates or to learn more about the product line, follow them @socialitebodyessentials on Instagram.
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