Kara Roselle Smith Talks Mood-Boosting Routine Swaps & Honoring Her Indigenous Roots

It was in the midst of 2020's painful summer that New York-based writer, model and activist Kara Roselle Smith saw an opportunity to create something uplifting. After her personal platform began gaining extra attention that July, Smith created a page dedicated to the Chappaquiddick Wampanoag tribe, her ancestors who once lived on the island now called Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. On it she discusses topics like identity, equity and colorism. “The digital landscape has provided so much opportunity,” the Afro-Indigenous influencer says. “Great power lies in organizing physically and via the internet.” 


Although a helpful tool to educate about some of the the many Indigenous peoples of the Americas, Smith recognizes that running the platform hasn’t always been easy. “I'd say my greatest challenge thus far has been the questioning and invalidation of my identity,” she says. “As an Afro-Indigenous woman I've had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, much less heard in my community and beyond. When it all isn't handed to you, you learn to take the initiative.”

The Chappaquiddick Wampanoag Instagram page is just one way she promotes the importance of passing down Indigenous wisdom and spreading historical accuracy. Whether modeling for headwrap line The Wrap Life or Black-owned fashion house Ama Nwoke, or bringing awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women and movements like Land Back, the strength of her ancestors keeps her motivated. “Through this mindset, and with dedication to telling my truth, I have slowly found my footing,” Smith says. “The most beautiful part about being Afro-Indigenous is that I come from a line of some of the most resilient people. I can feel that in myself. I always have the strength to keep going. Some moments may be harder than others, but I get there.”


Through it all, Smith has learned the importance of taking breaks through practicing self-care. We caught up with the model to learn more about her routine, how she found confidence in her own unique beauty and how she’s making time for self-love amidst a busy schedule.  

“I’ve grown into standing in my truth and knowing who I am.”

Getting Ready with Kara Roselle Smith

Kara Roselle Smith shares with Rose Inc how she keeps her spirits high with a gratitude practice, daily yoga and feel-good playlist. Read more here:

Your Bag 0

Recommended


Soldier image of open lip treatment balm

Current price: $22

Lip Treatment Hydrating Lip Balm

Current price: $22
Image of the Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color in Hydrangea in front of the open compact - Cream blush

Hydrangea

Light cool pink

Current price: $32

Cream Blush Refillable Cheek & Lip Color

Current price: $32
Image of an opened Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick in shade Persuasive

Besotted

Beige pink

Current price: $28

Satin Lip Color Rich Refillable Lipstick

Current price: $28
Travel Size Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum

Travel Size Radiant Reveal Brightening Serum

Current price:
Rose Inc Signature Gift Set - Satin Lip Trio featuring three shades of the mini Satin Lipstick

Current price: $27

The Satin Lip Trio

Current price: $27
Brow shaping gel from Rose Inc

Current price: $26

Brow Renew Enriched Clear Shaping Gel

Current price: $26
Rose Inc Foundation Brush

Current price: $32

Number 3 Foundation Brush

Current price: $32
0.00 $0.00
Continue shopping
}