Today we’d like to introduce you to Salma Zepeda.
Hi Salma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up I always had a passion for all things creative and beautiful. By the time I was in college I double majored in English Literature and Theatre from UC Berkeley. Prior to this, I went to community college in order to save money and prioritize my health. It really wasn’t until community college I began stepping into my own and finding my voice. I was never afraid to try anything creative because as a kid I didn’t really have much opportunity and had little to no outlets. I was also painfully shy and felt college was a bit of a now or never moment. My parents were wonderful, but coming from an immigrant household creativity wasn’t much of an emphasis, much less could we afford it to be. I took the opportunity to finally explore my passions throughout my college career — I knew I was a creative but didn’t exactly know what in just yet. But I am proud to say I have tried almost everything under the sun. Never be afraid to be a novice is my advice. This is when I began to realize my passion is storytelling. Whether it was acting, modeling, photography, writing, directing, or content creation — I knew I would spend the rest of my life as an artist telling stories and creating snapshots of life.
It was also during this time period that I began working in skincare at a retail capacity. At the time, around 2017, the term “clean beauty” wasn’t even around. Given my previous health issues that have plagued me much of my life I started studying hormone disruptors and the ingredients we put in our skin daily. I was shocked. Our skin is our biggest organ and it was absorbing these toxic ingredients daily. That was when I began my idea for my skincare company. I wanted it to be centered upon holistic remedies and ingredients — my mother immigrated from Nicaragua and my father from Jordan. Often times I realized when talking about beauty tricks and tips with my friends they didn’t know what I was referring to in terms of herbs, benefits, and practices. I came to realize this is because they were often culturally specific and not widely used. I named my company Najma, which means “star” in Arabic. Yes, we all want our skin to shine like the stars we are but I also thought it was symbolic of my journey. From being someone who was afraid to take up space in a room into someone who is a creative powerhouse aiming to reimagine beauty, elegance, and divine femininity for everyone.
I am now currently pursuing a Master’s in Cinema and Media Studies from UCLA. Najma Skin has been on hiatus since this past fall, I hope to relaunch under a new name — Najma Cosmetics. We may even branch out into hair, makeup, or fragrance soon ;). I have opted to take an accelerated Master’s program, which means I will earn my degree within one year. So far, I keep up with my content creation the best that I can and am signed to two modeling agencies (one in the Bay Area where I am originally from and one out here in Los Angeles). I have had a very busy schedule this past year but, I am excited to see what is to come after graduation! I am itching to re-launch Najma Cosmetics and get back into acting!
I dream to show the world with my journey that anything is possible no matter the circumstance. I constantly joke that my greatest acting role is portraying a beautiful confident woman. Projecting to others that things have always come easy to me in life. This is because I have always wanted people to focus on my positivity, humor, and radiating warmth rather than my past struggles. I wanted to be carefree, vibrant, and healthy all my life until finally, I became it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest struggle has been my health. It is a constant roller-coaster. If there is any social media hiatus I am most likely attending to it. Even when I have flare-ups as an adult I am still grateful because as a kid I honestly didn’t know if I was going to make it this far or what the future held. Past my initial struggles as an early teenager, everything in life has been whipped cream and sprinkles, even if I am “struggling,” nothing really is as dire as what I have already been through. A perspective and outlook on life given to me through a trial of fire it seems. At my worst, I used to pray every night to God to give me champagne problems. With tears in my eyes, hands clasped so tight they were white on the inside, I would open my window and gaze at the stars. I would ask please let my worst problem be my grades, let me wonder whether or not ‘he’ liked me, let me worry that ‘she’ had the same outfit as me, instead of what I had to face in reality. I think my life experiences has given me a wisdom few have until later in life. There were always confidence issues I had about speaking up and taking up space but oddly enough, I never had issues with self-worth or identity. I know who I am at my core. I know what I am and am not willing to accept. I think my inclination towards self-preservation, constant striving towards happiness, and motivation to succeed in whatever I choose are a part of my life purpose, a purpose that is as hard as steel. Truly this is unable to be moved even a centimeter by anyone or anything. I also never really judge my feelings as a result. If I’m mad, I’m mad. If I am ecstatic, I am ecstatic, and everything in between. Although we might not want to broadcast every issue we have or every thought, there really isn’t any feeling or “negative” thought that can exist that others haven’t experienced as well. Integrate your shadow self so well it just becomes a part of yourself — I just can’t stand suppression of any sort. I am very self aware. I am incredibly honest with myself while still being gentle. I am constantly aiming to improve my character and quality of life. I am my own best friend and the best company I keep. I love being alone and I love creating but, of course I know the importance and value of connection as well!
The perspective, balance, discernment, wisdom, and clarity of an 80 year old was given to a young girl at the age of 13. It took me quite a few years to practice but I think I wield it well now.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently I am the most proud of my company: Najma Cosmetics, my social media presence, my academic progress, and modeling. I wish to get back into acting soon but it has been difficult balancing it all. Overall, I want to spark joy, light, and limitless possibility. Through my company, social media, and modeling I want to help those feel healthy, capable, and beautiful! I aim to create that which is both timeless and transformative. A mixture of aesthetic, ethereal imagery that romanticizes life with relatable and advice style content is my focus.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love how unique, diverse, and big Los Angeles is! It feels as if at any time of day you can meet somebody of any age, any background, with any career and have the most inspiring and engaging conversation. I have heard the saying that ‘Los Angeles is a city made up of different neighborhoods’ and it’s fun exploring each vibe that different neighborhoods bring. They are all so distinctly different yet, all have their own charms and unspoken energy. The city feels surreal and never ending for sure!
My only dislike is a cliche that rings true — the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.najmacosmetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salmaxzepeda/
- Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@salmaxzepeda
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@salmazepeda/featured
- Other: https://in.pinterest.com/salmaxzepeda/
Image Credits
Barbara Ve (@bybarbarave)
Tim Marsolais (@t.marsolais)
Winterhawk (@winterhawk_art)
