Storytellers’: Najah Elessie’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Determination

Najah Elessie has emerged as not only a powerful voice for authenticity but someone who inspires empowerment for women and people of color. As the host of LATV’s “Shades of Beauty” and an entrepreneur, Najah’s journey is a testament to the life-changing power of embracing one’s heritage and overcoming adversity.

Born to a Dominican mother and a father from Zambia, Najah navigated the complexities of her dual heritage from a young age. Growing up as an Afro-Latina, she found herself caught between two worlds, feeling like she didn’t fully belong to either the Latino or African communities. This struggle for acceptance fueled Najah’s academic pursuits, driving her to graduate early at the remarkable age of 16. Education became her refuge and her way to escape societal expectations.

To Najah, storytelling means “Community, connection, vulnerability, empathy, and connection.“  As a woman of color, Najah understands how important representation is and know the power of storytelling has for marginalized communities. “Know who you are through your own lens,” she encourages, urging others to embrace their stories and defy stereotypes.

Although she fuels positivity and light, Najah’s journey has been marked by profound challenges. Five years ago, she experienced a devastating loss when her brother, who was her best friend, tragically ended his life. The grief was overwhelming, threatening to consume her positive light, one that she admits was dimmed for some time. Although having dealt with an unfathomable tragedy, Najah found her inner strength to rise. She channeled her sorrow into action, taking control of her life and creating her own destiny.

O’daraEwa Exotics was birthed through this self realization. O’daraEwa embodies Najah’s journey of healing and self-discovery. Inspired by a transformative trip to the island of Bali, where natural ingredients like volcanic ash rejuvenated her skin and nourished her soul. O’daraEwa is more than just a skincare line; it’s a testament to resilience and self-love. She created the brand to take what she experienced in Bali, both the mental health aspect of it and the self-care aspect of it and turn it into a skin care line.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by O’daraEwa Exotics (@odaraskin)

At the forefront of O’daraEwa’s identity is the celebration of melanated skin and the promotion of inclusivity. As Najah put it “I feel like anything luxury is black.” Through striking photoshoots that showcase diverse beauty, Najah challenges conventional standards and empowers individuals to embrace their own unique selves. For her, empowerment extends beyond skincare, it’s about embracing one’s identity and owning one’s narrative.

Najah’s journey is also reflected in her personal style. A lover of suits, she understands the importance of self-expression and the impact of one’s appearance. Whether hosting a show or leading a business meeting, Najah exudes confidence and grace, redefining beauty on her own terms.

The significance of Najah’s name, was given to her by her grandfather. The name, meaning “success” in Swahili, speaks to her unwavering determination and resilience. For Najah, success is not measured in material wealth or accolades. Instead, it’s about taking chances, pursuing passions, and living authentically. Through pain and hardships, Najah had bounced back to become of the most inspiring stories of resilience and determination, a story that will inspire many for generations to come.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by O’daraEwa Exotics (@odaraskin)