Jessel Taank
We had a blast catching up with one of The Real Housewives of NYC gorgeous Jessel Taank just before the finale of the hit Bravo reality show. as we write this the RHONY season 14 reunion is airing. now we sit on the edge of our seats to see what’s in store for season 15. scroll on down and peruse our photo diary of Jessel in some of her cool personal wardrobe going a bit bare for this more is more kinda gal. Jessel shares how quickly she became pro balancing a very busy life between filming, family, founder of The Know and launching a new business ŌUSHQ . check out her skin/makeup musts, supplements and bare essentials for this badass female force.
the bare magazine: what were the top 3 highlights of being a part of Real Housewives of NYC?
Jessel Taank:
Being a part of a new reboot and cast - something that has never been done before in the history of any franchise was extremely exciting. The opportunity had a completely fresh approach and was a blank canvas for us to paint the experience and narrative that we wanted.
The multi-dimesional and diverse group of cultures that each member of the cast comes from was truly the reason I was inspired to be a part of the show. Ubah is Somalian Muslim, Sai is Puerto Rican and south American, Jenna is the first LGBTQ housewife so to be among a plethora of such culturally rich backgrounds and upbringings was interesting to say the least.
Showcasing a city like NY through our eyes and lens was an honor. NY to me has been a place where magic happens, where if you work hard enough, opportunity lies in the palm of your hands.To represent this powerful place was unreal.
bare: how did you find a way to balance filming the show, family, selfcare and your upcoming new business?
JT: I felt like a headless chicken running around most of the time. It most definitely wasn’t easy and I grossly underestimated how difficult managing all the various elements would be. My priority though was ensuring the twins didnt feel my absence if I wasn’t around as much. My mum who is a godsend was here from London to help as much as she could and Pavit is a super dad so I felt covered. Being a mom and working plus filming a show is probably the most intense trifecta of responsibilities I’ve ever had to tackle.
Launching a business felt like I was giving birth to a third child. Im across every detail, every element and have control issues - this is my vision and my creative platform so I felt obligated to really be the person headlining all decisions.
bare: what are some of your favorite self care indulges ?
JT: Self care can manifest in different ways but for me I learned that having control of your emotions is the greatest gift you can give yourself. I do that by practicing deep breathing and mediations. I think if your mid is strong then the rest of what you do will follow.
bare: would you consider yourself a more is more kinda gal and why?
JT: 100%!!! I’ve always been the type of girl that is a) never satisfied and b) always wants to be the girl in the room that’s different. I think the idea of being different and standing out is a scary one but its always been something I’ve embraced. I think more is more to me means so many things, weather its more mentally, more fashion, more glam, more glitz, more emotionally… you can never have or do too much.
bare: when it comes to your makeup what do you find works best with your complexion? you mentioned loving Nars colors….
JT: I am a huge fan of brands that really are thoughtful towards creating hues for every color, every tone out there. Nars does this so well as does Fenty. Indian complexion in general is tricky because we have certain undertones that are sometimes hard to match. Ive always struggled with finding the right match- it too me years but I love a simple, clean base that shows healthy skin and I’m always about a dramatic eye :-)
bare: what drew you into PR work and tells us more about what you have written on the instagram for your upcoming passion project OUSHQ…"We are avant-garde style adventurists whose essence lies in the ability to transcend boundaries and share the allure of Indian fashion with a global community.”
JT: I find myself being a natural born connector and love bringing people together. I do ut everyday without even trying so PR was an easy career path for me- I love to be creative and think outside the box as well as help materialise brands vision and success.
Indian fashion is fast becoming a focal point on the global stage but the way in which we shop for it is antiquated. India is one of the founding fathers of true couture; beauty and quality take time but Oushq is here to disrupt an industry like never before. It’s time to start questioning the status quo. We are setting out to give Indian designers and couturiers a retail destination that truly celebrates their work.
bare: please list your top 5 beauty bare essentials - hair, makeup, fragrance, treatment, supplements …
Nars sheer glow foudation in Syracuse
Aloe vera juice (one splash I some water daily) helps inflammation
Maison Francis kurkdjian - baccarat rouge
Aavrani hydra whip moisturizer
COQ10 - ANTOXOXIDANT SUPPLEMENT
Jessel shot at Dellaroccos Brooklyn