Tembe Denton-Hurst on Her New Book & What Juneteenth Means to Her

Beauty and culture writer Tembe Denton-Hurst knows a thing or two about making others feel seen and comforted through her work. This is present in everything she touches, from writing articles that highlight the best books celebrating Black culture to tips on fading and preventing Melasma for New York Magazine’s The Strategist. Other times, she’s running Sundays Only, her equal parts charming and delicious homemade-biscuit delivery business with her fiancé, Connay.


As for the New York born-and-based multi-hyphenate’s latest venture? Her book, Homebodies, is no different. “The book is very much inspired by a transitional period for me, from when I got laid off from my previous job until I started my current one,” says Denton-Hurst, who wrote it during the quarantine. “It wasn’t a super long period but I definitely remember feeling bored and thought it would be an interesting topic to explore within a book and a character,” she says of how she turned a difficult, soul-searching time in her life into a piece of inspiring art. “I wanted to write about a Black woman who is messy and makes mistakes and unhinged decisions,” Denton-Hurst explains. “It was really freeing to be able to do that on the page.” Since the book’s release in May, Denton-Hurst has gone on a book tour across the East Coast and been featured in the likes of Vogue and New York Times

 

Below, Denton-Hurst goes into detail about her career journey, beauty inspirations, what Juneteenth means to her and the self-care practices she swears by.

“Self-care means having boundaries. Boundaries allow me to be present. And being present is the highest form of self-care.”

By Emma Trim

“Juneteenth has become an opportunity for Black people to gather, to rest, to be in community, to enjoy each other. And that's really beautiful.”

By Emma Trim

“You always have to be seeking your own knowledge, awareness and freedom. You have to be the biggest advocate for both yourself and your community.”

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