Skallad, a trailblazing creator and advocate for natural hair care, has forged a distinctive path in the world of art and design by embracing authenticity and celebrating African heritage. Her fearless creativity and dedication to empowering others have earned her a reputation as a voice of change and innovation. In this conversation, Skallad delves into her journey, sharing the inspirations behind her work, the lessons she has learned, and her vision for the future. With a raw and refreshing perspective on creativity and culture, she offers a profound look into how staying true to one’s roots can shape a legacy.
Skallad’s creative evolution has undergone a transformative shift in recent years. Moving away from an obsession with perfection, she now priorities truth and rawness in her storytelling. For her, the focus has shifted from flawless execution to the authenticity of the message. This new approach has deeply influenced her designs, making her projects more personal and impactful. “I’ve learned to let go of the need for everything to be perfect,” she shares. “It’s not about getting it right all the time but about making it real.” This mindset not only resonates with her audience but also pushes her to create work that feels deeply rooted in her identity and experiences.
One of the most experimental and rewarding chapters in her journey involved creating natural hair products. Skallad recalls the challenges she faced in the beginning—facing failure after failure as she worked to perfect her formulas. Despite the setbacks, she remained determined. “The more I tried and failed, the more I craved to get it right, until I did,” she says. Her persistence paid off, and she now offers a range of healthy, effective products for the natural hair community. This achievement is especially meaningful for Skallad, as it allows her to support others in embracing their natural beauty. “It’s so rewarding to see my fellow Queens and Kings wear their crowns with pride,” she says. For her, the success of this venture goes beyond commercial gain; it is a celebration of self-love and empowerment.
Though she was born in Mozambique, Skallad’s creative process is deeply rooted in a pan-African identity. Her connection to African heritage as a whole has been a powerful source of inspiration. She describes how learning about her roots and embracing her identity unlocked a wellspring of creativity. “Whenever I think about it, I’m like ‘wow,’ in so much awe. It makes me quite emotional,” she admits. Her work serves as a love letter to the continent, showcasing its beauty and richness in a way that invites others to appreciate and interpret it in their own ways. For Skallad, it’s not just about presenting Africa to the world—it’s about reflecting the beauty she sees in her own culture and sharing it with pride.
Her projects often reflect this deep connection to her heritage. One of her most meaningful creations is Clube das Queens, a women’s club aimed at raising feminine vibrations through healing and empowerment. Skallad speaks passionately about the initiative, describing it as a space filled with love and purpose. “This project holds a special place in my heart for the love it represents towards our Queens and the necessity it holds for us women,” she says. Clube das Queens embodies Skallad’s mission of fostering self-love, unity, and strength among women, creating a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment.
When it comes to artistic expression, Skallad refuses to confine herself to a single medium. “I don’t have one favourite medium,” she says, emphasising her adaptability and willingness to explore various forms of expression. However, she acknowledges that certain projects resonate more deeply than others. Clube das Queens is one such project—a labor of love that represents her commitment to helping women heal and thrive.
Her approach to working with clients is equally unconventional. Instead of conforming to expectations, she challenges her clients to think outside the box and embrace the unexpected. “The main point is to get people thinking totally out of the box and allow our clients to go on a totally unique journey,” she explains. This philosophy reflects her commitment to authenticity and innovation, pushing boundaries in every project she takes on.
Collaboration is another area where Skallad’s vision shines. She dreams of working with global icons like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, whose artistry and authenticity align with her own values. At the same time, she is passionate about discovering new partnerships with her African peers, creating opportunities for shared creativity and growth. Her sources of inspiration are equally remarkable—pre-colonial African history and her ancestors guide much of her work. By connecting with her roots, Skallad finds endless ideas and motivation for her projects. “There’s so much beauty and richness in our history,” she says. “It’s a never-ending source of inspiration.”
In today’s culture, Skallad uses her art as both an expression and a form of activism. “By allowing my spirit to take the lead and not allowing my mind to get in the way,” she says, she creates works that make profound statements about contemporary society while staying true to her vision. Her art challenges norms, sparks conversations, and encourages viewers to think critically about the world around them.
As for her dream project? Skallad believes she is already living it. “Healing myself and, in turn, helping others heal,” she says with a smile. “It’ll expand.” This perspective reflects her holistic approach to creativity—one that priorities personal growth and collective healing over material success. She envisions a future filled with even more impactful creations, meaningful connections, and opportunities to uplift others.
Through her journey, Skallad has learned invaluable lessons about resilience, authenticity, and the power of staying true to oneself. Her story is a testament to the beauty of embracing who you are and using that truth to inspire others. From her early experiments with natural hair care to her bold artistic endeavours, Skallad’s work is a celebration of culture, identity, and empowerment.
Looking ahead, she remains committed to her mission of uplifting others while honouring her roots. Whether she’s designing for Clube das Queens, collaborating with fellow artists, or crafting natural hair products, Skallad approaches every endeavour with passion and purpose. Her journey serves as a reminder that creativity is not just about making something beautiful—it’s about making something meaningful. Through her work, Skallad continues to shine as a beacon of authenticity, showing the world what is possible when you embrace your truth and celebrate your heritage.
