Suesanne Pearl Tusiime is a celebrated fashion entrepreneur who founded Paple Rayn at the age of 23. Paple Rayn is a men’s fashion brand that has both an online store which ships worldwide and a bespoke tailoring brand called Paple Rayn Hub.
Tusiime spoke to us about her self-love journey in this exclusive interview.
The turning point that made me embrace self-love and acceptance
There’s no single moment. It’s been a constant process of affirming and validating my feelings and thought processes every time I needed to truly stand up for what I want. Leaving formal employment to do something I believed in, leaving friendships or relationships that didn’t resonate with my needs, establishing my feminine role in what you would call a male dominated type of business etc.
I believe self-love has been a constant personal decision to accept not only my strengths and weaknesses, but my individual roles in which ever space I enter and protect my emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing as I exercise these roles.
My Self-Love practices involve
Eating some nice food, doing my facials, reading a self-help book or a couple of articles on the Internet, buying some sexy lingerie or perfumes. Sometimes I leave work early or report later in the mornings to take some time off to reflect on where I am mentally, spiritually or emotionally and I make some plans to resolve any lingering anxieties I have.
My skincare approach for face and body
I love nice scented bath soaps or gels. I currently use dove soap for my body.
For my face I use a Neutrogena charcoal mask, Cleanser and use pure shea butter to moisturize. I also use Johnson baby oil to oil myself every evening after a bath. I really avoid my skin feeling dry and flaky.
The workout that makes me feel the happiest
I don’t exercise regularly. I do have a very hectic physical job that really works my butt! But I do love dancing.
The book and song that feeds my soul
I’m currently reading ‘Shine’ by Andy Cope and Gavin Oattes. It’s one of the best books I’ve come across that helps you put your own happiness, goals and life into perspective. It’s pretty hilarious too!
As for music, Hilsongs really fills me with so much love, hope and deep sense of acceptance from God. I’ve recently discovered Elevation Worship and I’m just deeply in love with their worship music!
The one thing I do to protect and care for my mind in this social media era
I unfollow or block any content I notice causes uncomfortable feelings within myself. I love waking up to positive energy or content. Other times I’ll log off for a couple of days.
My confidence boost go-to on days I am not feeling 100%
Those are the days I dress the sexiest! I get my matching lingerie set, sweetest scented perfume, my sexy boots and the pants I think bring out my shape the best. I try to catch glimpses of myself every now and then and remind myself of how awesome I really am. We all need more love than the usual on those days we feel low. So, I try to give myself more love on those days.
I ensure I maintain a healthy work-life balance
This is still a work in progress to be honest! For now, I’ve learnt to create healthy work boundaries and time off which is very hard when you’re an entrepreneur. I’m slowly learning I have a weekend too and I’m not a zombie. I need sleep, dinner dates and maybe a few nights out dancing and not obsessing where my next client will come from. I sleep with my phone off and wake up, meditate then switch it on at 8am when I’m mentally ready to deal with the day. I also don’t attend to work calls past 6.3pm or 7pm latest.
My advice to women who might be struggling with their self-esteem and body acceptance
There’s only one you that’ll ever exist for all time. The way you think, smile, cry, talk, walk, the way you love….all of it matters. You matter. God already made you the most unique being without you even trying. So, why not love the way He lovingly put together every tiny unique aspect of your being? Imagine you loved yourself and let yourself shine!
The one thing I think every woman should try at least once in their lives
Travel and explore other environments. It broadens your perspective on everything like nothing else!
