MANdatory Awareness: Terra Sanders

Terra Sanders was born and raised in Boston, MA. He is considered the rock in his family which resulted in him growing up fast and adopting a “by any means” mentality. During his childhood, he developed a love of music which he used as a coping mechanism to get through many trials. He became a father at a young age and was determined to be the best dad he could be. Life has never been easy; he has encountered great loss of friends due to gun violence and realized that life is too short and everyday should be appreciated. A part of appreciating life is acknowledging the lessons we encounter in every season. Self-care is part of this season. Learning to grow and constantly evolve as a man and not get lost in the shuffle is important. So many things come against black men individually and as a collective, self-care is important to maintain. Terra knows this all too well. Learn more about the co-owner and other half of Deja Vu Skincare for Men below. 

Fancy: How would you describe your swagger? What makes Terra, Terra?

Terra: My Swagger is being a motivator and having motivation, influence, personality, ambition, humbleness, and just a natural born hustler. My Swag influences others to want to do better, be better.

Fancy: So what sparked your interest in the skincare industry?

Terra: I believe in self-care and grooming myself. That is a really important part of who I am. Trying so many products to groom myself had become overwhelming, and I was like, ‘I can make my own cause these stores are making a lot of money off of me.’

Fancy: Tell us about Deja Vu Skincare for Men and your role within the company?

Terra: I’m the co-owner of the company and I pretty much run the men’s side of the body products. I’m the person that makes sure that the men have quality products. I also create all of the scents for our soy candles that everyone loves so much. Chernika won’t tell you that though…lol

Fancy: We know your wife, Chernika, originally started the brand and is the craftswoman. What is it like working together?

Terra: Working with her is influential, and she makes things happen. Chernika takes risk I might not take. She inspires m,e and I think I inspire her also. I’m her backbone, she is mine, and two heads are way better than one. This is something we both want, and we are going to hit the world by storm with these products. She does work my nerves…lol.

Fancy: Now were you always mindful of grooming and self-care?

Terra: Yes, I have always been mindful of grooming and self-care. I love to look and smell good, and I actually walk around with almost 20-25 products in a backpack. This is necessity for me. I take self-care and grooming very serious. I have things from hair care to foot cream, it’s serious…lol.

Fancy: How has stepping into business changed you as a man?

Terra: It has taken me to another level in following dreams and goals, believing in yourself, and your brand. It definitely has taken me out of my comfort zone, not knowing if it is going to work. I’m going to hustle hard for this brand, because it represents me. It builds your ambition and dedication to leveling up in life.

Fancy: What are some of your favorite products?

Terra: My favorite product so far is the Agave Lime Collection. It comes with Body Butter Oil, Aftershave Cream, and Cologne Spray. I’m also working on a Bar Soap and Body Scrub for this collection as well.

Fancy: Your upbringing is similar to many Black boys and men. What made you desire to go a different route than most? 

Terra: Knowing that I wanted to do more with my life, and I definitely learned from mistakes others make. I set myself apart from people that were and are weak. Also, I couldn’t see myself just doing the same old, same old and knowing that I could and wanted to be and do different in life

Fancy: What’s the best advice you’ve received as a man that you would you like to share with other men?

Terra: Recognizing who you are as an individual and not lose yourself into what people want for you, know what you want for yourself. Know that being a black man, sometimes the odds are stacked against you. It takes persistence and drive to get what you want, the only one stopping you is you.

Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you would like to share?

Terra: We will be at the Ideal Mixer every weekend until December 16^th, 2018 and depending on how things go we might be able to extend it until the 22^nd and 23^rd of December for those last minute shoppers.

Follow and connect with Terra and Deja Vu below. 

Website: www.dejavuskin.com

Instagram: @dejavuskin18, @dejavu_skinformen