We recently had the chance to connect with Ms Essence Henderson and have shared our conversation below.
Essence, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve been called to speak more openly about mental health — something I once kept private out of fear, shame, or just not having the words. I recently recognized that I was dealing with depression. It crept in quietly, and for a while, I tried to push through it on my own. But eventually, I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t okay — and that it was okay to ask for help. That experience shifted something in me. I now feel called to normalize conversations around mental health, especially as a business owner. There’s this pressure to always appear strong and put together, but the truth is healing — whether it’s your skin or your spirit — takes vulnerability. That’s something I want e4essentials to reflect: that taking care of yourself is never selfish, and that seeking support is a strength.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Essence H , and I’m the founder of e4essentials skincare — a skincare brand rooted in simplicity, healing, and intention. e4essentials is more than just skincare; it’s about creating rituals that support the skin and the soul. Every product is thoughtfully formulated with clean, effective ingredients, but what really makes the brand special is the energy behind it. It was born out of my own journey toward self-love and inner peace. I wanted to offer something that could meet people where they are — whether they’re just starting their skincare journey or using it as part of a deeper self-care practice. Right now, I’m working on expanding our offerings to include more educational content and wellness tools because I believe true beauty is holistic. Healthy skin is just the beginning.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that life for me would be this perfect fantasy — that everything would fall into place quickly if I just worked hard enough. I expected overnight success, instant gratification, and an easy road. But life — and especially building a business — taught me otherwise. I’ve come to understand that real growth takes time, patience, and persistence. It’s not always pretty or linear, but it’s worth it. I’ve let go of the need for everything to happen fast and embraced the process. Now I see beauty in the slow build, in the lessons, in the setbacks. That mindset shift has changed everything — not just in business, but in how I care for myself, and how I create for others through e4essentials.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be patient with your own process. You’re going to outgrow places, people, and even parts of yourself—and that’s not failure, it’s growth. You’re allowed to change. You’re allowed to not know. And most importantly, you’re allowed to be kind to yourself, even when you feel like you don’t deserve it. That’s when you need it the most.
You are not behind. You are not broken. You are becoming. And that’s more than enough
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are loud but fleeting — they spike with hype but fade fast. Foundational shifts come from real consumer needs, scientific breakthroughs, and values like sustainability or skin health. We focus on what delivers long-term impact, not just short-term buzz
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
At E4Essentials Skincare, our work feels less like a job and more like a calling. There have been so many days when we’ve walked into the studio with a smile so big it practically made us dance.
The first time we perfected our signature men’s coffee bean beard oil we were buzzing—staying late, testing formulas, blending botanicals, and seeing the results come to life. When we launched our first product and saw real customers sharing their transformations, that’s when we knew this was more than skincare.
Those were the days of true tap-dancing energy—when passion, purpose, and creativity collided. And honestly? We still feel that way every time a customer tells us they love how their skin feels after using E4Essentials.
Because skincare should never just be routine. It should feel like joy, confidence, and a little self-care magic in every jar. 💛
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.e4essentialsskincare.com
- Instagram: Essence.tvv
- Facebook: Essences Essential
- Youtube: Essence.tvv
Image Credits
Issa Issa, Ni Photography, Jada Bouie, James Henderson, Miriya Watkins, Selah Love
