19 Questions With Neumi Anekhe
by The Candidly Team
Neumi Anekhe is a stylist, and the founder of Oma The Label, a jewelry brand creating the most minimal, affordable pieces that we’ll be forever buying for every woman in our lives.
We like Neumi.
And she agreed to answer our The Candidly questionnaire. We loved her answer to #2.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. What’s something you really like about yourself?
I’m a genuine person, which might be something that is weird to say, but I firmly believe that if you are a truly genuine person, you always get whatever good is meant for you in the end.
2. What is your biggest challenge?
Starting a business. I only had myself to rely on and be accountable to. And starting a business as a woman of color in America has proven itself to be challenging.
It was also challenging to create a brand centered around beauty standards that were less favored and accepted by the fashion industry and society as a whole. Thankfully, I love a good challenge. And life is all about timing, so I kept going, and now we are in a time where people are in need of brands like OMA.
Right now, more and more people are becoming aware of the challenges black people face. I am proud to be black, and through this experience, I’ve learned it is so important to stick to your guns even when things get challenging because you never know when it is your time.
3. What kitchen or house tool do you use daily that’s changed your life?
My NutriBullet. Before I got it, I went through so many blenders— they literally got burned out because I used them so much.
It helps me to start my morning with an amazing green smoothie, which just sets the tone for the day. It also helps me increase my daily intake of vegetables, which is a miracle.
4. When do you feel most confident?
When I’ve been treating my body well, and it feels healthy. I feel the most confident when I am consistent with going to the gym and taking care of my skin, hair, and nails.
I also feel the most confident when I’ve taken good care of my mental health.
5. Are essential oils anything?
I am honestly not that immersed in the world of essential oils. But I love using Tea Tree oil for my hair/scalp and in my diffuser. It really does wonders for both and I definitely recommend it.
6. How do you create boundaries?
I struggle with this, but I’m still working on it. I always want to be the best version of myself and everything to everyone. I tend to overthink and I don’t want to offend people, but sometimes, that means not being true to myself and my own personal needs.
In the last few years, though, I’ve learned to set boundaries by being clear about what you accept and allow in your life, because it is just that, YOUR LIFE.
No one will set boundaries for you because only you know what they are. So if you have to put the phone down and not text your friend back immediately, because you are in need of some you time, that is ok.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that you can’t always be everything to everyone, especially if you do not have anything left over for you.
7. How do you dampen self-critical thoughts when they get too loud?
I promise I am not crazy, but I try to talk to myself more. Even though I’m a generally positive person, we constantly tell ourselves things that are negative and self-critical. So it’s important to be aware of how you talk to yourself. But if you are more aware of the things you tell yourself on a daily basis, it becomes a bit easier to take control and change them to more positive thoughts.
8. Describe the most “you” outfit of all time.
A good oversized blazer, bodysuit and jeans with sneakers or heels. Then top it off with gold jewelry and my favorite designer bag.
9. What meal can you make the hell out of?
I can make a mean stir fry with seafood.
10. What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Peace From Broken Pieces by Iyanla Vanzant, and Americanah by my favorite author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
11. Apart from family, what woman do you deeply admire?
I respect Maya Angelou and her talent, as well as her resilience, so much.
12. Which Insta account is creating the greatest content and why?
Am I allowed to toot my own horn and say that @OMATHELABEL has focused on changing the Instagram strategy and killing it with amazing Instagram content?
13. What quote or phrase has really stayed with you?
“Don’t overexert your endurance.”
It’s a great reminder that you don’t always have to work harder, but smarter. I need this reminder sometimes, especially as an entrepreneur. It forces me to always re-evaluate what I am doing, whether it’s effective, and how I can better prioritize my time.
14. What’s your most effective form of therapy?
Working out, which has been really challenging during quarantine. But I love the release it gives me.
15. What’s your approach to mending conflict with people you work with?
Open communication and transparency. I’ve always disliked working in an environment where I am too uncomfortable to speak up— it’s not healthy, productive or motivating. So, when I find myself in a work conflict, I always find it best to say something directly.
16. How do you feel about cilantro?
Love it! I can put coriander (my favorite word for it) on anything, even in an omelet.
17. Describe your actual bedtime routine.
Most important part is my skincare routine— I have to do it every night.
Then I grab a bottle of water right before I go to bed. Sadly, I end the night by looking through emails/Instagram one last time (not a good habit), then I put my electronics down and fall asleep.
18. What’s the best thing you’ve ever read on the internet?
All the business research I’ve done, and it’s all free!
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
Love them, when they don’t break me out.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Niacinamide.
Lip balm: Laneige.
Jeans brand: Weekday and Levi’s.
Mascara: Benefit.
Robe: I need a new one.
Sex Product: K-Y Jelly Personal Water Based Lubricant.
Last-minute gift: OMA THE LABEL jewelry.
Bra: None, what are those?
Shampoo: Joico and SheaMoisture co-wash.
Comfortable shoes: Yeezy’s.
Splurge skincare: SkinCeuticals hyaluronic acid.
Drugstore skincare: Benzoyl Peroxide 10%.
Everyday bag: Balenciaga hourglass.
Guilty pleasure TV show: Real Housewives.
Drink: Margarita with Casamigos on the rocks, with salt on the rim.
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