I’m so happy to be doing this interview with Teala Dunn! I am a self-confessed “skin junkie” so I LOVED being able to talk to Teala Dunn about her skincare, career, and overall staying centered. I had the best time interviewing her. Enjoy!

I am happy to be speaking with Teala today…

Hi!!! How are you?… I am doing well so happy to be talking with you!

My little Shih Tzu was barking like crazy, and she had to be a part of the interview … so here she is. Ohhh!!!! … my gosh yes! I love dogs. She is soooo cute.

You are young and have accomplished a lot, so share with us how this came to be? Did you always know that you wanted to be in this creative space. For people who are not aware, you are an actress, successful YouTuber, and you also have your skin care line…

I was about 16, or 17, and my love of YouTube began, because I was really bored. I had free time, and a lot of my friends were doing YouTube videos. To subscribe (on YouTube) you must make an account of your own.

So, I was doing crazy music videos, I mean embarrassing. Yes, but I just thought that it was cool. My parents would film it for me, and it just took off. Then along with Instagram, then I did a couple of episodes of ‘Shake It Up’.

Being an actress, it is a lot of hurry up and wait, and you are not in control of the process. With YouTube, TikTok, you create your own schedule, and you are more in control. Now do you find that you like the process of being in control of your own storyline … the whole process…

I love it all to be honest. I like to describe myself as being a variety pack. I encourage other young women of color to not put themselves in a box, and to chase their dreams.

Honestly, all that I do really go hand in hand with each other, and I love what I do. I have such an amazing fan base that have stuck with me through it all; and I would never want to abandon them on any level.

You said that as a black woman you do not want to put yourself in a box. Being a mixed woman, a woman of color too, how important do you think representation is? What does it mean to you to offer that representation…

It means everything to me honestly. I think that people of color need to be in every room. I mean in every room, and have the same opportunities offered to others. For me it is cool when I audition for roles that are open to all ethnicities, and I book the role.

The Hulu movie that I just did ‘Crush’, you should check it out. Oh, I will! …. The character that I played is Stacy Clark. She is rich, popular, and so smart. Always on the top of all her classes. When I auditioned for the role, it said open to all ethnicities. I was so happy. Then I ended up booking it.

So, it is little things like that that shows us that when you see opportunities like that you just need to go for it. There is no reason why a person of color cannot be in these roles. I could not agree more.

You have beautiful skin. Now with your skin care line why was it important for you to start your product line in Wal-Mart? I mean with Sephora, and ULTA available…. Personally, I think it is brilliant. You are open and available to everyone to shop your skin care line, but what was your thought process behind it…

It was a long two-year process. At first, we were going to do a make-up line. And no shade to anyone that has a make-up line out there; but I felt that it was too saturated. And I did not want anyone saying, ‘oh I want to buy Teala’s palette but it’s $65.00’. There are a lot of people that can not afford that.

So, I wanted to focus on skincare. I focused on that and placed it in Wal-Mart. I love it so much, it is good, and the products look luxurious. I like to call it beauty on a budget. I wanted it to be able to be placed next to your high-end lines and be proud. Well, mission complete and job well done. The packaging … everything, and I love it - accessible affordability. We all love a deal.

You are the best advertisement for your product line. What do you do for your skin care…

I just figured out that I have sensitive skin. So, for me calming products are everything. A big thing that changed my skin is not using make-up wipes, I am not against them - but for my skin it is not good. I like using Micellular water to take off my make-up.

I am obsessed with Dermalogica cleansing balm, it is creamy. I have eczema and rosacea, and it depends on the season too. Also, Elemis too, have you tried that?

Oh my gosh yes! It is amazing.

It is always important for everyone to double cleanse. Then always take it off at night, every night.

Yes, and Dr. Nigma’s serum too is amazing, and also Dr Barbara Sturm. As well, Sonya’s (Sonya Dakar) products.

Yes! Her Omega-3 oil is amazing. Yes… my serums are a must.

Oh, so true, ever since I started incorporating serums into my skin care routine my skin never looked healthier.

Then you cannot forget SPF, it is everything I always use it. Yes! Most people think when you are of color you do not need SPF, but it is so important.

How do you maintain your mental health, being in this creative space…

For me it has been journaling. I journal every day, and it has been a game changer. I have a whole routine every day - journal, make up my bed. It is that routine for me that works.

I am a Type A personality, and this organization is everything for me. I get my work done first, then I have time for me after.

What is your favorite form of exercise to relax….

Oh, Hot Yoga. I love Hot Yoga. I am also that girl that takes burning hot showers too though.

You have been amazing; I want to thank you so much for your time. Thank you so much you have been amazing, and you are so beautiful. Thank you so much.

TEALA DUNN- ACTRESS, YOUTUBE STAR & ENTREPRENEUR

MEGHA RAO- ENTREPRENEUR & FOUNDER OF ‘HOLICHICBYMEGHA’

DR. MAMINA TUREGANO- TRIPLE BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST