Q&A with Grace Azubike: Survivors Beauty

How did you come up with the idea for Survivors Beauty?

I remember like it was yesterday. My husband was driving me home from one of my follow-up appointments after my double mastectomy. I thought about how chemo, radiation, and/or removing one's feminine parts can make women feel. Because of my 17-year experience in the beauty industry, my encounter with that feeling was very brief. But what about other women? I broke down in tears. I was crying, not because of my personal condition, but because in that moment I knew I had to do something to help those who couldn't help themselves. I have a gift and I was on a mission to share my gift with so many of these women who have been affected by this disease.


What kinds of programs or services do you offer?

Through Survivors Beauty, I strive to teach makeup masterclasses to groups of women who have personally encountered cancer, 100% free of charge. This is not your over-the-top theatrical makeup, but just a simple day-to-day refresher. The goal is to help women feel and look like themselves again.


How is your organization using the power of beauty to contribute to women's overall well-being?

Having experienced how such a life-altering condition can really wreck your esteem, I vowed to use my gift in beauty to do what I can and help uplift other women's self-esteem. No one asks for this lifestyle change, but we learn to adapt, and my part is to help through well-being.


What do you hope women walk away with after attending a Survivors Beauty masterclass?

My goal with each class is to have all attendees leave with the sense of community and pride. Having like-minded women engaging about their personal journey proves that we aren't alone. Also, I want each woman to feel a sense of self. Knowing that whenever they feel down, they can utilize the tips and tricks from the class to spruce themselves up.


As a Black woman, what does it look like to OWN Your Health?

WOW! My emotions still get the best of me whenever I think about black women and healthcare. I went into this journey scared. Not knowing what it meant to be one's own advocate. With the help of a phenomenal support system and community, I now truly understand what it means to self advocate. Speaking up for yourself when medical professionals seem to doubt or dismiss your concerns. I remember after my very first oncology visit I felt defeated. I was terrified because of the things he [the doctor] had told me. He told me that he was going to "throw the kitchen sink" at me. I didn't want that, but who was I to go against this physician?? I called my friend Lauren from the car and she literally said to me, "Grace, you don't ever have to see that man again...YOU have the choice, the right to make decisions...". I was a changed woman after that pep-talk lol.

Want more stories like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for one or more of OWN's free newsletters!