Meet Somto | MNMLISH

Here's a new name to add to your blogging radar: Somto, or Barb, of MNMLISH. Her blog is evidence of her attention to detail, fashion, and minimalism. Barb notes that during her adolescence she began to understand how the world viewed her Blackness. Read more about Barb's views on the importance of visual art, self love, and #BlackGirlMagic.

Hello Somto, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for Urban Time Magazine! This issue is focusing on the Black woman’s experiences with racism, sexism, and how they overcome these forces. To start off, can you explain what race/ethnicity you identify as?

I’m Black/Nigerian. I used to be very confused by the terms “race” and “ethnicity” and thought it was an either/or type of thing where I had to choose between identifying as Black or Nigerian. I understand it now so I feel very comfortable claiming both.

What can you tell me about your struggles/realizations with self love? How has your racial identity affected your experiences with self image?

I think being a Black girl makes my experience very different from what is typically shown of the teenage girl's passageway into womanhood. I thought as I grew up my biggest problems would be limited to braces, uncontrollable hormones or acne—unfortunately, I got all three with additional issues that are unique from my peers’. I began my struggle with self-love in high school. I specifically remember one day in class being told that because I'm Black, I was not to be considered attractive and I can still feel the indescribable confusion, pain and anger that welled up in me that day. Those words hurt even more because they were being echoed by a boy that has a complexion like mine. So at the same time I was understanding anti-Blackness I was also getting a glimpse at what self-hatred in/outside the Black community could make a person think of his own people/color. Another repeating incident occurred every time I got my hair done and would have to brace the agonizing, clueless and borderline rude questions from classmates. It was beyond irritable always feeling like either a petting zoo or an unofficial elected spokesperson for the entire Black generation. At times that made me hate who I was. I was constantly wishing to be left unbothered and “normal” like everyone else. I had such a damaging mindset prior to pursuing this journey. So after I began to eradicate the toxic mentality that was existent, I saw myself and Black people with a gentle gaze and could appreciate our culture and history.

The tagline for this month’s issue is More Than Melanin. So while we want to touch on your experiences with racism as a Black woman, we also want to showcase some of the qualities about yourself that are not necessarily related to your race.

I think it’s just as important to recognize the aspects of ourselves that aren’t solely related to race. Although I’m very proud and adamant about expressing that aspect of myself, my organic qualities really show who I am as an individual without the influence of my physical appearance.

I understand that you have a blog called MNMLISH. What can you tell me about your motives for starting a blog?

MNMLISH was started awhile back when I was a freshman in highschool (I'm a freshman in college now so roughly 4 years). At the time, it was under a different name and was more of an experimental hobby. I wasn't consistent nor did I put much thought into what my purpose was; I was just being a typical young teenager looking for an outlet. At the time, I wanted to freely exercise my creative talent but I was dealing with the pressure to denounce these artistic interests and live up to immigrant standards of being a doctor or lawyer. It was troubling because I felt very caged, constantly vulnerable and ultimately “stuck”. Blogging then became my outlet and I infused my fashion and art enthusiasm into MNMLISH to create something that was true to myself. My motive now is to showcase my personality and visual taste in hopes of creating a relationship with an audience where conversations can be discussed over an array of topics especially concerning Black female artists. It's all a learning process right now. I went on hiatus for about a year because I felt unfocused and listened to some people who told me to give it up. But I learned my lesson: you can't leave something you love. I'm back and willing to be patient and understand blogging a bit more so I can really become what it is I have in mind!

How has the #BlackGirlMagic tag affected your perspective?

It’s funny, I was just tweeting about this subject after reading an article that diminished the efforts of the #BlackGirlMagic hashtag. For me, the hashtag is an empowering movement. It has changed the way I see myself and fellow Black girls. Prior to #BlackGirlMagic,there wasn’t much emphasis on Black girls and our diversity. There were not many images or figures that I could actually look up to and share their experience. Most of the media loves to exaggerate or repeat this certain image of Black women. We’re either helpless or hyper-sexualized or dehumanized all together. #BlackGirlMagic took off and suddenly it was okay to be colorful and artistic or “nerdy” and stylish. There’s been this appreciation and glorification of the character range within the Black female community and I love it! When I feel unmotivated or not worthy of a certain title, I look to that hashtag to be reminded that I am capable and am free to be an array of characteristics and being Black and a woman doesn’t limit me from anything.

Are there any prominent Black women who have influenced or inspired you? Are they artists, politicians, writers, etc?

Oh, so many! My mother, foremost. She is the living embodiment of regal elegance, style and confidence. My first role model and beauty queen was all her. Solange is the next Black woman that stands out to me. She is so raw and authentic. I love her style and how she formulates her words. And her music! I feel so carefree listening to her voice, she's truly an icon in my eyes. Joining that list is Tyra Banks. I love that Tyra has a wide nose and full lips just like me and made the world adore it. Her face alone reminds me that my features are beautiful and her Girl Boss attitude is awe-inspiring. I used to watch America’s Next Top Model and was always focused on how Tyra was both mothering and demanding at the same time. It showed me that being successful doesn’t mean I have to lose my “soft” human qualities, they just have to be balanced. And the Tyra Show was my favorite! I would run home from school, flip my TV on and fully submerge myself into the environment. And that show had introduced me to many more Black women that I continue to look up to now!

Check out Somto’s Instagram and Twitter @mnmlish. Don’t forget to keep up with her blog, http://mnmlish.blogspot.com.