theSKIN x Kiki Ransom

In 2019, after quitting my financial recruitment job, I knew I needed a mental, physical, and emotional shift otherwise I was heading to a dark place. I was fortunate enough to be living at home so I could focus the next few months on re healing the damage I had done to my body and mind without the pressures of jumping into a new career for the sake of money; In this time of getting to know myself, I discovered my love for wellness. 

First it was pilates, then cooking, and preparing my own meals, and finally skincare after a life-changing Dr. Barbara Sturm Facial experience. Not long after, I got scouted for modeling, specifically beauty campaigns and after 3 years in the space, went to social media to share my love specifically for glowing skin; As a major advocate of lifestyle efforts and not just the products you use, I fill my audience in on the day to day of what ultimately makes me feel my best self and of course, working (as much as one can) to a place of true alignment and happiness. 

Totally! I grew up in a household of only woman; it was my mom, grandma and I until my brother was born when I was 12, so early on I was introduced to the importance of caring for your body and skin. My grandma honored her own skin care/morning and evening routine and I think indirectly it was laying my own foundation for self care. There's just always throughout the many generations in my family, been an emphasis on taking the necessary steps to feel your best self. It was in my childhood home that I learned the value of sleep, water, and peace of mind, which I might add are all free. I personally, have now ventured into the luxury side of wellness, via facials, pilates, cryotherapy but it's been cool to share these new experiences with my mom and grandma and see them expand their own wellness routines. It's a daily privilege that I can give back to the woman who gave me everything via my passion and career.

Sleep + Stress 1000%. I am good to no one if I don't get enough rest and I genuinely believe it is one of the most transformative wellness habits people can practice, yet many don't. I'm continuously evolving my nighttime routine to ensure I am getting 8 hours of the best sleep of my life, and I have to say, currently, I have cracked the code. My secret is bedding, a routine, and minimizing technology hours before you fall asleep to calm the mind. As for stress, it's inevitable and will always find a way to creep into our lives, but I've worked hard to know my limits, and honor them as much as I can. Nobody's perfect though.

To be patient, take your time, and be intentional about curating a routine that works for you. We live during a time where access to information and other people's lifestyles is overstimulating and super accessible, and there can be a lot of pressure, especially in the wellness world, to adopt expensive habits that many people can't afford. (I mean, I personally am blessed to get invited on a work basis to the latest wellness innovations, but those average activities would also be out of my tax bracket if I had to pay and consistently maintain them). I always say, look at all practices as a trial period. Test it out, see how you like it, see if it serves you, and if so, that's a habit worth prioritizing in your life. If not, let it go. In addition, don't feel like you need to adopt 10,000 new wellness habits at one time. I see it all the time; people feel this urge to elevate their wellness and change their lives, yet they go full force in the beginning, which is never going to be sustainable. I'm a firm advocate of adopting one new habit, giving it a month of trying it out, and testing it out. If it works, eventually, it'll become your new routine and will naturally feel like a part of your day-to-day routine, so when you decide to adapt a new habit, it's super approachable. 

I'd also encourage people to view their self-care the same as physical care. I'd personally never miss a doctor's appointment to ensure I'm in my most optimal state, so the same goes for my wellness practices... No pilates for an extended period of time is an absolute no for me, and I treat movement the same way I would a doctor's appointment. You have to get yourself to a mindset of understanding that we have one body and should show it love and treat it as such.